I recognize that many struggle with the question of instrumental music in worship to God. It was accepted in Old Testament worship, and the New Testament does not have a verse that says, “Do not use instrumental music in worship.” So, is it really a big deal? Should we make it a big deal?
I suggest to you that it is not a question of what man thinks is a big deal or a question of what the church of Christ believes or practices. It is a question of Bible authority and how to understand the “silence of the Scriptures.”
Consider prayer in New Testament worship. Jesus said to “ask the Father in My name” (John 15:16), addressing our prayers to “Our Father in heaven” (Matt. 6:9). Question: Would it be Scripturally acceptable to pray to Mary? Is there Bible authority for it? There is no New Testament verse that says not to do it, but God does tell us what to do (so we know what not to do).
Consider the Lord’s Supper in New Testament worship. When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, the emblems He authorized to use in its observance were unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Mark 14:22-25). Question: Would it be Scripturally acceptable to use donuts and coffee? Is there Bible authority for it? There’s no New Testament verse that says not to do it, but God does tell us what to do (so we know what not to do).
Consider preaching in New Testament worship. Preachers (i.e., evangelists) in the New Testament were to “preach…convince, rebuke, exhort…teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the inspired penmen wrote, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:12). Question: Would it be Scripturally acceptable for a woman to preach in worship today? Is there Bible authority for it? God tells us what to do and what not to do.
Consider again singing in New Testament worship. The Lord said, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19; cf. Col. 3:16). There is not a verse that says, “Do not use a mechanical instrument,” anymore than there are verses that say, “Do not pray to Mary,” or “Do not use donuts in the Lord’s Supper.” We have what God tells us to do, which automatically excludes these others. It is essential to have Bible authority.