Question
Is music an expression for worship in today’s church?
Answer
I believe the question should be, “Was music an expression for worship in the New Testament Church?” Isn’t it true that if we worship as they worshipped and obey the desires of God as they did that we will be true Christians as they were? That is my aim, and I hope yours.
The New Testament does refer to music in the church. When Paul wrote to the faithful saints in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1) he said,
Eph 5:19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
Also, he wrote to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ in Colossae,
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms (and) hymns (and) spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
The religious world in general ignores these “pattern” passages, and interprets music in a contemporary way – instruments of all kinds, choirs. These passages tell the respective churches that they should “sing”. It is interesting that Colossians 3:17 says,
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, (do) all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
All we do should be by the authority of our Lord, Jesus. In the case of music in worship, if we want to be the church of the New Testament, then that music will be singing. Not playing on instruments.
What do you think?
By Larry Snell
