Virginia Church of Christ

It comes as quite a surprise to most people when a Christian mentions the fact that the churches of Christ do not use mechanical instruments while worshipping God. The reason for this is not that we cannot afford one or nobody knows how to play the instruments. The reason is based on a holistic interpretation of the scriptures, the examples given and the requirement of obedience. Additionally, this position can be supported by non-biblical (even non-Christian) historical evidence.

As obedient Christians we are to submit to the authority of the Bible (Heb. 5:9). One cannot justify the use of mechanical instruments because the scriptures do not strictly forbid it, as it is a sin to add or subtract from the Inspired Word (Rev. 22:18,19). The scriptures clearly state that we are to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). One cannot find a single example in the New Testament that authorizes the use of instrumental accompaniment. Please consider this example; If I send my daughter to the store with ten dollars to purchase milk, do I need to list all the items within the store that she should not buy? Of course not, she understands, through the obedience she has learned, to only get what I asked of her. God wants to hear the heart felt singing of every Christian in the congregation, not the sounds created by individuals with special abilities. This would be the same argument against the use of Choirs or soloists during worship services.

The previous paragraph is actually another strong case for the inspiration of the scriptures. If instruments were required, it would probably be required that everyone play one at the same time. All other commandments and examples are to be equally borne by each Christian (Gal 6:2), except for the additional requirements of the congregations elders. This would require an individual to know how to play the organ, for example, in order to become a Christian. Obviously the bible does not put any obstacles of that sort in the way of the lost. Consider this similar example; Jesus said "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). If the scriptures would have said "walk ye into all the world", one could not take a plane or a car with the intent of preaching the gospel. This would also create a contradiction, as is would not be possible to preach to "all the world", as we could not walk to every continent. It is the little things like these, scattered throughout the Bible, that allows us to have faith in it (note: this is not a blind faith as the world defines it, rather a biblical faith based on evidences).

Many people, in Virginia and around the globe, give their feelings as a reason for using mechanical instruments while worshiping God. One might say: "the instruments make me feel good" or "I really enjoy the instruments". First of all we must understand we are gathering to worship our creator, not to please or entertain ourselves. Feelings cannot be our guide in religious matters (Prov. 14:12).

Finally, history records that the early Christians did not use mechanical instruments while worshipping God. It was not until hundreds of years later that they where added to the worship service. Consider this example:

“Whatever evidence is forthcoming, is to the effect that the early Christians did not use musical instruments” (William Smith & Samuel Cheetham, A Dictionary of Christian Antiquities, London: John Murray, 1880, II, p. 1365). This example and others can be found via the links at the end of this article.

We are not asking you to "take our word for it", rather that you study your bible on this matter. Think about how Christ died on the cross so you might have the hope of eternal salvation and also said "If you love me, keep my commandments". If you do not keep His commandments you do not truly love Christ and therefore, tragically, are not in a saved state.

Please see these related articles for more information:
What About Mechanical Instruments Of Music In Christian Worship? christiancourier.com
Do the Psalms Authorize Instrumental Music in Worship? christiancourier.com

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