Why does the church of Christ not use musical instruments in their worship? Faithful congregations of the church of Christ seek to follow the New Testament pattern in their worship, Christian living and doctrine. Doing this assures us beyond any doubt that we are living an acceptable Christian life before God and men. The scriptures teach that we must seek God's righteousness rather than our own, (Romans 10:3). The only way we can be sure of seeking God's righteousness is through His word. The church of the New Testament did not use manmade instruments of music in their worship in the first century. Manmade musical instruments were not introduced into worship for many centuries afterward. Their use is therefore a manmade innovation and constitutes an addition to the worship authorized in the New Testament pattern. Scripture teaches us that we are not to think or go beyond what is written, (1 Corinthians 4:6) and anyone who would teach a gospel other than the one received in the first century is said to be cursed, (Galatians 1:8-9). In addition to this, we are commanded to do everything we do by the authority of Jesus Christ, (Colossians 3:17). Doing something for which we have no authority would be going beyond what is written therefore changing the gospel that was received in the first century. There are no examples of manmade instrumental music in worship to God found within New Testament scripture. There are no commandments to use instrumental music in our worship, neither is there any authority given to use them in worship. In view of this, their use is rejected today in favor of being patterned precisely like the first century church as written of in scripture. We were given the specific command to sing, (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). When a specific command is given by God, all other options are ruled out. We know our worship to God is acceptable when we adhere closely to His pattern, leaving nothing out nor going beyond what He has said. Audio Lessons on this topic: Audio Lesson
1 (Bill
Robinson)
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