Helpful Hints
Most denominational people assume that instrumental music in Christian worship is acceptable. Some will be convinced otherwise after lesson 3a, but many will need further instruction.
The main purposes of this study are to illustrate another difference between man-made religious groups and the New Testament church, and to stress the importance of worshipping God acceptably (if or when the student decides to obey the gospel).
If the student is still not convinced, use other supplementary studies to test his/her attitude. For many people it just takes time to sink in.
Lesson 3b: Identifying the Church: Musical Praise (PDF version)
Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.
1. 2 Corinthians 3:12-16
Does the Old Testament serve as today’s model and guide for Christian life and worship?
Which part of the Bible, the Old or New Testament, is our final authority today? [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Refer to Lessons 1 and 1b if necessary]
How can we find out about the kind of musical praise God desires in Christian worship?
2. After reading each passage that relates to the kind of musical praise sanctioned in the NT, mark the appropriate column.
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Vocal? |
Instrumental? |
Both? |
| Matthew 26:30 |
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| Mark 14:26 |
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| Acts 16:25 |
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| Romans 15:9 |
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| 1 Corinthians 14:15 |
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| Ephesians 5:19 |
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| Colossians 3:16 |
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| Hebrews 2:12 |
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| James 5:13 |
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3. Galatians 3:10-11; 5:1-4 [Note: “the law” = the old covenant, Heb. 9:18-22]
If a person adopts an Old Testament religious practice that is not authorized in the NT, is that person obliged to keep the whole OT law?
What is the spiritual condition of those who attempt to go back under the old law?
Which of the following OT practices should be adopted into Christianity today
Old Testament Practice New Testament Teaching
□ Musical Instruments Psa. 150 Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
□ Dancing Ex. 15:20; Psa. 149:3 1 Corinthians 14:40; James 5:13
□ Animal Sacrifices Lev. 1:1-17 Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 9:28
□ Burning Incense Mal. 1:11 Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4
□ 7th-day Sabbath Ex. 20:8-11 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7
□ Circumcision Gen. 17:10-14 Romans 2:28-29; 1 Corinthians 7:19
□ Jewish feasts Ex. 23:14-19 Colossians 2:14-17; 1 Cor. 11:26
□ Killing the disobedient Deut. 21:21 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-15
□ Food restrictions Deut. 14:8-10 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 10:12-16
□ Tithing Num. 18:26; Mal. 3:10 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7
□ Levitical priesthood Ex. 40:15 Hebrews 7:12; 1 Peter 2:5-9
□ Polygamy Ex. 21:10; 2 Sam. 5:13 1 Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:23
□ Jerusalem temple Isa. 44:28 Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
□ Jew/Gentile distinction Eph. 2:11-12 Galatians 3:26-28; Eph. 2:13-19
Why or why not?
4. Matthew 26:17, 26-30
The Lord has specified what two elements for the Lord’s supper?
Which of the following ingredients would be permissible to substitute for or add to the Lord’s supper?
□ potatoes
□ cake
□ lemonade
□ jelly beans
□ peanut butter
□ coffee
□ water
□other?
Why or why not?
What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?
Since the New Testament specifies heart-based singing as the form of musical praise in Christian worship, which of the following would bempermissible to substitute for or add to it?
□ piano
□ guitar
□ bagpipes
□ dancing
□ organ
□ drums
□ fireworks
□ other?
Why or why not?
What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?
5. In the absence of any NT authority, the modern-day practice of worshipping God with man-made musical instruments is based on whose authority?
□ OT worship (1 Chron. 15:16) □ Roman Catholic innovation (Rev. 22:18)
□ Ancient paganism (Dan. 3:5, 15) □ Personal preference (Jer. 10:23)
If you are still unsure, would you have an objection to singing praises to God in worship without the accompaniment of musical instruments?
Additional Scripture References and Information
- Rom. 7:1-7; Gal. 3:19-25; Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:13-17; Hebrews 7:12; 8:6-13; 9:1-15
- John 4:23-24; Heb. 13:15. Note: All NT references to musical instruments (e.g. Luke 7:32; 1 Cor. 14:7; Rev. 14:2) are used for illustrative purposes or to symbolize things other than Christian worship.
- Heb. 7:12; 8:6-13; 10:1-10; James 2:10. Note: In John 10:34 and 15:25 Jesus quoted Psalms 82:6 and 69:4, attributing both of these passages to the Jewish “law.”
- 1 Co. 4:6; 11:23-26; Rv. 22:18-19; cf. Gen. 4:3-5 (He. 11:4); Lev. 10:1-3; He. 7:12-16
- Prov. 3:5; 14:12; Acts 17:24-25. Note: While instrumental music in ancient times was common among infidels (Gen. 4:21; Job 21:12; Dan. 3:5-15), it was adopted in Jewish celebrations only after the Israelites had spent over two centuries with the Egyptians (Ex. 15:20; Judg. 11:34). It was David who introduced musical instruments into Israel’s corporate worship (1 Chron. 15:16; Ezra 3:10), but whether or not this ever had divine sanction is a matter of dispute (cf. Amos 6:1-5). Nevertheless, singing from the heart is the only kind of worship-music authorized in the new covenant of Jesus Christ, and church history attests to a cappella singing as the only form of musical praise in Christian worship for several hundred years after the time of Christ. It was not until the mid-7th century AD that the organ was first introduced into Roman Catholic worship, although it did not become commonplace until after the 8th century. Early Reformation leaders strongly opposed mechanical instruments in worship as a Roman Catholic innovation, but by the 1800s most Protestant denominations had gradually adopted the practice. Those committed to the restoration of NT Christianity, however, have rejected all unauthorized additions or alterations to the simple NT pattern.
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
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