Musical instruments... (reject, Leviticus, attend, churches, Revelation)

[Linus]

I'm putting this in the CoC section becuase it is a pretty big issue within the churches of Christ. Being a member, I have heard this come up over and over almost all of my life. But I guess it can apply to all christian churches as well so I will open up the discussion to all christian denominations.

Here goes...

Do you believe that the use of musical instruments should be allowed in praise to God? Why? Do you believe only a capella music should be allowed? Why?

I am of the opinion that musical instruments should not be used in praise to God because I see neither command for nor example of it in the New Testament.

Anyone else?

[Aqualung]

I think they should be. There is also no command against it. Plus, it helps all us singers stay in tune, so our music is actually music, not some ... yucky ... stuff ...

[dawny0826]

I don't attend a Church of Christ church, so I hope it's cool if I answer.

I don't see anything in the bible stating that I CAN'T incorporate musical instruments into praise and worship...so I see no harm at all in not doing so.

We rock out to contemporary Christian music at my church and it's awesome. Everyone gets excited and gets into the singing and you feel the Holy Spirit fall upon you like a cloud. It's truly awesome!

I don't see any harm in acapella as well. Although, our church prefers jamming out in numbers.

[nutshell]

Originally Posted by Linus

I'm putting this in the CoC section becuase it is a pretty big issue within the churches of Christ. Being a member, I have heard this come up over and over almost all of my life. But I guess it can apply to all christian churches as well so I will open up the discussion to all christian denominations.

Here goes...

Do you believe that the use of musical instruments should be allowed in praise to God? Why? Do you believe only a capella music should be allowed? Why?

I am of the opinion that musical instruments should not be used in praise to God because I see neither command for nor example of it in the New Testament.

Anyone else?

Musical instruments are fine. For an example of a musical instrument in the New Testament see Revelation 1:10. God's own voice is compared to a trumpet. If it can be associated with God then I don't have a problem with it.

Just out of curiosity, why do you reject the examples of instruments found in the Old Testament?

[Linus]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

I don't attend a Church of Christ church, so I hope it's cool if I answer.

Of course it is. I opened up the floor to all, so feel free. I wanted to hear some denominational opinions on the subject anyway.

Originally Posted by dawny0826

I don't see anything in the bible stating that I CAN'T incorporate musical instruments into praise and worship...so I see no harm at all in not doing so.

Originally Posted by Aqualung

There is also no command against it.

These areguments are pretty typical and some that I expected to see. Bbut to you all I propse this: The story of Nadab and Abihu from Leviticus 10: 1Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.

This story speaks volumes to me about worship to God. Not that we should offer fire sacrifices to God, neither that we will be struck dead, but rather that there is a way to worship God, and there is a way not to worship God. Nadab and Abihu were trying to please God. They were making an offering to God, but did something that was outside the commandment of God. They weren't instructed specifically to do what they did, but there was no commandment against it. Seems to be an example for us. Does that make sense?

Originally Posted by Aqualung

Plus, it helps all us singers stay in tune, so our music is actually music, not some ... yucky ... stuff ...

I don't believe this is really a justifiable reason to worship with mechanical instruments. We don't use them in my church and we sound fine. In fact, I dare say we sound really good. At any rate, I don't see why God would care how well you sing as long as your heart is in it.

[dawny0826]

Well...remember with Nadab and Abihu you're dealing with a different covenant.

We're no longer bound by the laws of the OT.

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

Well...remember with Nadab and Abihu you're dealing with a different covenant.

We're no longer bound by the laws of the OT.

The story of Nadab and Abihu reiterates the importance of obedience. I don't think it pertains to worship as much. I'm going to do a little reading tonight because this is very interesting.

[Aqualung]

Originally Posted by Linus

At any rate, I don't see why God would care how well you sing as long as your heart is in it.

At any rate, I don't see why God would care if we use an instrument when we sing as long as your heart is in it.

Looking back at that OT example, don't you think Nadab's heart was in it?

[Linus]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

Well...remember with Nadab and Abihu you're dealing with a different covenant.

We're no longer bound by the laws of the OT.

I am perfectly aware of this. This story is an example. God's attitude toward His worship hasn't changed. The point is that Nadab and Abihu did something that they were not commanded to do, and God did not like it.

Originally Posted by Aqualung

At any rate, I don't see why God would care if we use an instrument when we sing as long as your heart is in it.

Looking back at that OT example, don't you think Nadab's heart was in it?

The issue is not sincerity of the worshipper. I do copmletely believe that Nadab's and Abihu's hearts were in it. But as I said, the point is that they worshipped God in a manner that was not commanded of them, and God was not very pleased. Just like musical instruments today, there was no commandment against what they did. Yet God was still displeased with their worship despite how heartfelt it was...