Where In The Bible Will I Find:

The Use Of Mechanical Instruments In Worship?

So far as we know every religious organization today, except the Greek Catholics and the churches of Christ, use mechanical instruments of music in their worship. Since all are commanded to have Scriptural authority for what we do in worship and work (Col. 3:16-17; Matt. 28:18-20), and we can find absolutely no authority, surely some of our religious neighbors will offer a New Testament reference for its use in worship. Perhaps some who read this article will want to ask their preacher where the New Testament authority is found for the use of mechanical instruments in worship.

The use of mechanical instruments is prohibited by the command to sing (Eph. 5:19) in the same way that Swiss cheese is prohibited on the Lord's table, by the authority to use unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine on the Lord's table. We do have authority to sing, but no authority to play on a mechanical instrument. We are commanded "not to go beyond the things that are written" (I Cor. 4:6), and therefore cannot, must not, will not use instrumental music in worship if we want to please God in walking by faith (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6). The Word of Christ says sing (I Cor. 14:15), but it does not say to play on a mechanical instrument such as a piano, organ, guitar, or drums. We are commanded not to add to the Word (Rev. 22:18-19).

We are informed that if even one of the apostles, or an angel from heaven, teach and practice any other doctrine than what is written in the New Testament, they will be accursed of God (Gal. 1:8-9).

In view of these teachings, why would anyone think it makes no difference if mechanical instruments of music are used in the worship services offered to God? Jesus makes it clear, that those who add their own teachings to that which He has left us to follow, make their worship vain, empty, and rejected in His sight (Matt. 15:9). Jesus continued in the same chapter of Matthew to say to His disciples, who mentioned to Him that the Pharisees were offended with his teaching, "Every plant (teaching GC) which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone; they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matt. 15:12-14). We pray that all will open their eyes before it is too late!

--Gary Colley