There is more to some discussions than what originally meets the eye. This is very true for the current discussion on the use of instrumental music during worship.  The real issue, the authority of God, is much broader in scope, under which this controversy happens to fall.  No sensible person opposes instrumental music just to be different or controversial.  Such a position of opposition is only pertinent so long as it adheres to the authority of the New Testament.

It is the author's fondest hope that the material about to be presented will help define the controversy and provide some answers.  May the Lord bless us as we seek to please Him.

THE AUTHORITY OF GOD

Let's suppose you decide its time to buy a new car.  You custom order the upholstery, stereo system, and special wire wheels.  The dealer calls you, and says your car is in.  Excitedly, you pull into the lot.  He hands you the bill: $215,000!  Wait a minute.  The car you ordered was only $18,000. Why $215,000?  The dealer explains that they grinded a solid ruby key, solid gold trim, and sterling silver cylinders?

You respond:"I didn't order all of that!"  But the dealer says:"That's right, but you didn't tell us not to add it on."  How long would a car dealer like this stay in business?

We all understand that when we order something, we eliminate everything else.  McDonald's does not add everything else on the menu when you order a cheeseburger and fries.  They will only bring what you have authorized to the counter?  This is the authority principle.

The same thing is true in the Bible.  When God orders something, He eliminates everything else.  Paul said, "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" (Colossians 3:17).

In the Old Testament we are taught that priests could only come from the tribe of Levi (Numbers 1:49-50).  However, the New Testament teaches that Jesus would be the High Priest, but that He would come from the tribe of Judah  (Matthew 2:1; Hebrews 7:27-28).  Since He could not have been a High Priest under the Law of Moses, a change in the law was necessitated (Hebrews 8:1-7).

Commenting on this situation, Paul said: "for it is evident our Lord sprung out  of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests" (Hebrews 7:14).  In other words, to eliminate Judah from having priests, the inspired writers did not have to say "thou shalt not be from Judah, thou shalt not be from Benjamin, thou shalt not be from Naphtali…"  When the Lord authorized the tribe of Levi, He eliminated all the other tribes, for of Judah "Moses spake nothing concerning priests." The Lord, therefore need not tell us what He doesn't want, but merely what He does want!  This authority principle is vital when we examine the question of instrumental music in worship.  Is such authorized?  Let's see!

THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus is the author of a new covenant (Hebrews 9:14-17; Jeremiah 31:31-34).  He has removed the old covenant with the laws and regulations (Colossians 2:14-16).  He has replaced it with His new covenant (Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 8:6-7).  Jesus imparted His will to the  Holy Spirit (John 16:13-14) who in turn, breathed it into the writers of the New Testament (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Jesus is our King (Matthew 21:4-5), Lord (II Corinthians 4:5) and Master (Matthew 23:6-9).  Therefore, He has all authority (Matthew 28:20).

Whatever we do must be by the authority of Jesus.  Paul said, "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" (Colossians 3:17). Remember the authority principle?  When the Lord tells us what He wants, He eliminates everything else!  For example, on the Lord's Day, we are told to remember our Lord's death through the memorial supper (I Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7).  In its observance, our Lord has authorized only the bread and the fruit of the vine. (Luke 22:14-23) Where does the Bible tell us not to use chocolate milk?  Where does the Bible tell us not to use hot fudge cake?

NEW TESTAMENT SINGING

In reference to the New Testament church, the following are passages which relate to the singing:Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; I Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 15:9; James 5:13; Hebrews 2:12; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16. In these passages of scripture, singing is authorized, and that is all that is authorized.  Not one word is mentioned about the use of any mechanical instrument of music.  As a matter of fact, we are told that the singing should:

     1.  Be with the spirit (I Corinthians 14:15)

     2.  Be with the understanding (I Corinthians 14:15)

     3.  Speak (Ephesians 5:19)

     4.  Teach (Colossians 3:16)

     5.  Admonish (Colossians 3:16)

All the Lord wants of singing is accomplished by vocal praise.  Nothing He wants is accomplished by instrumental music!