Probably one of the most universally accepted practices in the denominational world is the use of mechanical instruments in their worship to God. What does the Bible say about the use of mechanical instrumental music? Is this authorized of God? Is it something that is up to the individual to decide? Let us look and see what the Bible says.

Establishing Bible Authority

One thing we must understand is that for whatever we wish to do in this life, we must have Bible authority. Colossians 3:17 teaches: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Therefore, whatever I do must be based upon the positive word of God. In other words, I do not live by God’s silence, but by what He has said! “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11). God’s silence prohibits our action.

The New Testament Does Not Authorize The Playing Of A Mechanical Instrument In Worship.

When we consider the New Testament passages on this subject, we see that each time God’s people sang praises without a mechanical instrument. From the time of Christ (Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26), we see consistency. God’s people sang from the heart, without a mechanical instrument of any kind. Ephesians 5:19 says: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”. Colossians 3:16 is parallel to this: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Further, the Hebrew writer penned, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15). There is no doubt that “the fruit of our lips” would include such things as: preaching, praying, and singing! Not only do these passages show us the truth, but there are 5 other New Testament passages which declare God’s people are to sing.

Justifying The Instrument

Some justify mechanical instruments by suggesting that the Greek word “psallo” implies an instrument. They say that since the word “psallo” means to pluck, or to twang on a string, then these people were “plucking” and “twanging” on harps, or similar things. It is true that the word “psallo” is found in Ephesians 5:19 (“praising”) and Colossians 3:16 (“psalm”). Please notice what the word “psallo” means: “to pluck; to vibrate by touching, to twang; in the N.T. to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song” (Thayer’s, p. 675). W.E. Vine defines “psallo” as, “to sing a hymn, to sing praise” (Vine’s, p. 740). When Paul used the word “psallo” (to pluck, vibrate), he didn’t leave us wondering what the instrument was! He gave the instrument, and it is THE HEART!!! (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Therefore, the instrument on which we play is our heart, not our harp!!

Some justify their playing instruments because David did. Yes, David played on instruments in worship to God because it had been commanded (II Chron. 29:25; Ps. 81:4). Where is our command in the New Testament to use mechanical instruments?

Conclusion