Evaluating Worship Practices (Part 2)

Jesus’ injunction to worship God “in spirit and truth” must be taken seriously if we are to please God (Jn. 4:23-24). In previous lessons we have noted that “in spirit” refers to the human attitude of humility and reverence toward God, and “in truth” refers to worship that is authorized by God’s word (cf. Jn. 17:17). In last week’s bulletin article, we noted three examples of improper worship that violated the “in spirit and truth” principle (Mt. 15:8-9; Acts 17:22-23 [cf. Jn. 4:22]; Col. 2:20-23). In this study, we will examine some contemporary innovations in worship and measure them against the standard of God’s word.

The Authority Principle

Before evaluating any worship practice, one must understand the principle of Bible authority. Those who ask, “Where does the Bible say I can’t?” are simply asking the wrong question. Rather, they should be asking, “Where does the Bible teach that I can?” There is a difference, and the difference matters! Paul said, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17). This teaches that we must justify our worship practices by the authority of Christ! The authority of Christ teaches that we are no longer under the old covenant (Mt. 5:17; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3:24-25; Heb. 1:1-2; 9:15-17). New Testament authority is ascertained by explicit statements, New Testament examples, and implication. Thus, for every practice in worship we must have a Bible passage or principle that allows it. As seen in an earlier article, singing (Eph. 5:19); praying (Acts 2:42); teaching/preaching (Acts 20:7); and on the first day of the week, partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-29) and contributing money (1 Cor. 16:1-2) are all authorized as acts, or avenues, of worship. Let us put the authority test to all worship practices! 

Mechanical Instruments of Music and “Vocal Bands”

Mechanical instruments of music and “vocal bands” are here grouped together because, in essence, they are the same kind of music. “Vocal bands,” which gained popularity in the middle to late 1980’s, are groups “who have developed the innovation of making vocal sounds in imitation of musical instruments.”1 Such sounds may include humming, whistling, or the vocal imitation of synthesized keyboards. The theory behind such innovations may well be that proponents thought that such sounds would be accepted because they were vocal not mechanical. Whatever the motive, however, there is no Bible authority for its use in worship. The only kind of music authorized in the New Testament for worship is singing. Singing in worship must be understood (1 Cor. 14:15); it must edify (1 Cor. 14:26); it must involve speaking and making melody in the heart (Eph. 5:19); and it must teach and admonish (Col. 3:16). The imitation of mechanical instrumental sounds cannot fulfill these New Testaments requirements for singing in worship; therefore, the imitation of mechanical instruments of music are to be excluded from worship.

When considering the use of vocal bands in worship, the following questions must be addressed:2 (1) If mechanical instrumental music in worship is wrong, why would one want something that would serve as a substitute? (2) How can mere musical tones be thought of to serve the teaching requirements involved in the command to sing? (3) What attitude prompts one to desire such innovations as vocal bands? Unfortunately, many in the religious world do not give much thought to the Scripturalness of mechanical instruments of music in worship, and even fewer would consider the Scripturalness of vocal sounds that imitate mechanical instruments. However, as people who desire to please God (cf. Jn. 14:15, 23; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; 5:3), we must be sure of our practices, realizing that “just because something is invented by our brethren does not make it right”!3

What About Listening to “Christian Music” Outside of Worship?

While this question does not directly involve worship, it often arises when discussing singing as worship. Assuming that the lyrics are Scriptural, there is nothing inherently sinful about listening to music, even with mechanical accompaniment. As seen in an earlier article, worship involves intent! One can listen to music without intending to worship. To say otherwise would be to say that all music that mentions a Biblical word or theme is inherently worshipful, which, of course, is not true. To say that listening to “Christian music” is not inherently sinful, however, is not to say that it is always right. Listening to “Christian music” would be instrumentally sinful if it hurt my influence with those outside of Christ (cf. Mt. 5:13-16), caused my brother to sin (cf. 1 Cor. 8:10-12), and/or violated my conscience (cf. Rom. 14:23). If any of these are even remotely possible, it would be best not to listen to such music (cf. 1 Cor. 8:13). Remember that one of our goals in life is, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31)!

Endnotes

1 David Pharr, “An Expression of Concern,” The Spiritual Sword 21.4 (1990): 41.
2 Pharr 43.
3 Pharr 42.