The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers
Plain Truth Magazine
May 1961
Volume: Vol XXVI, No.5
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The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers
Plain Truth Staff  

What does the Bible say about having instrumental music in church?

   Many have concluded that the New Testament does not tell us to use instrumental music in Church, and that it is therefore wrong to sing in Church to the accompaniment of musical instruments.
   Both these conclusions are in total error. They are not based upon the Bible, but upon human reason and an inadequate knowledge of scripture.
   No one denies that God was praised to the accompaniment of instrumental music in the Old Testament Church. God does not change (Heb. 13:8; Mal. 3:6). He therefore still approves this type of musical praise in our worship of Him.
   Remember, all scripture is given by inspiration and is profitable for instruction today. Since no Scripture forbids musical instruments in Church worship today, we must still follow the example of David and of the Old Testament Church. Granted the Law of Moses is not in force today — but the Law of Moses had nothing to do with music! God demands that we use musical instruments in praising Him: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp, Praise Him with the timbrel and the pipe [marginal reading]; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs" (Psalm 150:3-4).
   Revelation 5:8 and 14:2-3 show us that God is praised in heaven with instrumental music. Some may want to argue that what is done in heaven today is nor good!
   Revelation 15:2-3 tells us that chose to whom God gives immortality in the future will praise Him to the accompaniment of harps. And in Psalm 87: 7 also, God tells us that when He writes up the people — that is, when He gives salvation — "As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there...."
   Ephesians 5:19 tells us how to praise God in our worship today, The Greek word here translated "psalms" is psalmos, which means "to twitch or twang, mat is, to play on a stringed instrument." See Strong's Exhaustive concordance for the proof! This is a direct command from Almighty God to use musical Instruments in Church services today!

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Plain Truth MagazineMay 1961Vol XXVI, No.5