Is instruments in worship wrong or right?

Question

the early Christians didn't us instruments, is it ok that some churches do? Studying it out right now and need some honest biblical advice......give reasons supporting your opinion...

Answer 1

Music has been a part of early Christianity (Acts 16: 25, Ephesians 5: 19), though as you've noted, there has been no mention of early Christians using musical instruments in the New Testament...

While there is nothing forbidding the use of such instruments, one must take great care when utilizing such, for it is possible that the use of instruments (specifically, in my opinion, full band instruments, complete with band, backup singers and a song leader) may be artificially guiding worship by appealing to the emotion rather than to the Spirit.

In one sense, though the following verses were written with the example of food offered to idols mentioned, the same can be held true for almost anything that we consider "gray areas"...

"But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak." - 1 Corinthians 8: 8-9

One guide to this is simple: if such instruments were removed, how many will remain? The same principle can be applied to the lunch that may be held right after the service, the use of Power Point or other visual aids, and the like that are neither commended nor condemned...

Answer 2

Many of the Early Christians couldn't afford instruments/props. If you truly study religion you will often find that 'breakaway sects' are minimalistic, one could argue more realistic, but when the money starts to flow in they begin to adopt more elaborate trappings. Arguably it is The Individual & God/Goddess and any props or instruments are strictly arbitrary. Over reliance on props can get a bit scary - - - have you ever seen an Orthodox Christian Church at Easter with these huge incence burners being swung like Medeival maces and Priests wearing mle high hats - - -. Certain religions try to eliminate props/instruments by the edict of 'no graven images,' but certain realities creep in. The Shepherds Crook is a good example - - - on one level it is a 'silly prop,' since when has a Priest had to drive a flock of sheep and isn't it rude implying people are sheep, but then you realize that the Bishop is old & Frail and that the Shepherds Crook is the only thing keeping him up right. And those incense burners that I mentioned helped to cloak the stench of thousands of unwashed bodies wearing filthy clothes.

The most controversial Christian 'prop' or instrument is the Cross. The symbol of Christ's execution - - - sanitized a bit when you consider that the Romans may have crucifide Christ feet up, head down - - - Catholics might adorn Cross with Jesus in agony but most Protescent Sects say no, a simple Cross is best. There are a very few Christian Sects that do not use The Cross.

Hope this helps a bit - - - Peace.

PS Somewhere in The Bible it says 'Make A Joyful Noise.' Musical Instruments can help or hinder depending on the skill with which they are used.

Answer 3

I think it would be more accurate to say that the early Christians did not write down that they used musical instruments in their worship service - we don't know for sure whether they did or not. And if they didn't, it might have been for entirely practical reasons, such as not tipping off local persecutors.

The Old Testament certainly indicates that using musical instruments to worship God is all right, and there is nothing in the New Testament to suggest this has changed (unlike, say, animal sacrifice or kosher rules). Many of the Psalms even include suggestions as to what instruments are to be used while singing them.

Besides which, how often do most churches try to do everything the way the first Christian churches did? The first Christians generally wore robes or togas to church, and you don't see that done very much anymore. It's very rare to see a church use wine for communion, greet all other members with a kiss regardless of gender or marital status, *and* practice nude baptism.

Yes, you heard me right on that last one - some of the earliest documents on rituals in the early church indicate converts were baptized naked, and many Bible scholars believe some of Paul's comments about baptism (with taking off the old self and putting on the new one) were allusions to that practice.

I don't think it is a good idea to get too carried away with trying to copy just exactly how the first century church held its services in every detail. The reason for some of their practices may have been cultural or pragmatic rather than theological.

I think God can enjoy a worship service whether you have trumpets, an organ, electric guitars, or no instruments at all.

Answer 4

In the Old Testament it is mention several instruments of worship - and it also said to go unto the Lord and make a joyful sound!@

Answer 5

THE PSALMIST DAVID SAID: Worship the Lord with cymbals and lyre, and tambourines, etc. so it is right.

It is also right to worship God without any instrument. Besides, true worship should come from the heart not from any instrument.

Answer 6

David in the Psalms told us to worship and praise God on many different kinds of instruments.

Answer 7

Psalm 150
I love worshipping with instruments. But, if you don't, worship in a manner comfortable to you. I don't think this is like a salvation issue, I think you can go either way you want.

Answer 8

It give more feeling & involument ..when u use instrument during workship.
Music and song is an kind of workship that everyone know

Answer 9

Absolutely wrong and of no use.They may cause noise pollution.And I wonder y people do worshiping with music/instruments.It will hav no impression on GOD.Instead y dont they worship silently in great peace.

Answer 10

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord". I don't think there's one thing wrong in praising the Lord through music - it brought the walls of Jericho down!