As one reads through the New Testament, it is not difficult to find and understand the verses that pertain to music in New Testament worship. In fact, they all, without exception, emphasize the same type of music—i.e., singing (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; 13:15; Jas. 5:13). Still, it is often asked today, “If we’re praising God, what’s the big deal with playing an instrument in worship? Where is the verse that says, ‘Don’t play an instrument’?”
It should be obvious from reading through the New Testament that, by giving specific commands for singing, God does not authorize the playing of mechanical instruments in worship today, and by specifying what He does authorize (singing) that He automatically excludes any other type of music. To help illustrate how God authorizes and how God views His “silence,” I would like you to turn your attention to the specifications for worship given to the Jews in the book of Leviticus.
Begin reading in Leviticus 8 and notice how many times you find these expressions: “as the Lord had commanded” (8:4, 9, 13, 17, 21, 29, 34, 35; 9:7, 10, 21); “this is what the Lord commanded to be done” (8:5; 9:6); “according to the prescribed manner” (9:16). God’s commands were clearly given and clearly understood. And, they were even clearly followed. At the end of chapter 8, “Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses” (8:36).
Additionally, note how they had a clear understanding of God’s specifications regarding the fire for the offerings. “That was an offering made by fire to the Lord” (8:21, 28). After properly following the clear instructions of the Lord regarding the offerings and the fire, “fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering…” (9:24). The Lord showed His acceptance and approval.
However, in the very next verse, Nadab and Abihu “offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them” (10:1). “So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them” (10:2). Wait a minute! If they were making an offering “to the Lord,” what’s the big deal with using a different fire? Where was the verse that said, “Don’t use this kind of fire”? Go back and read these chapters. The “commands” of the Lord were very plain. God had specified precisely what He wanted, down to the very kind of fire, and thereby, He automatically excluded any other fire. What “He had commanded” was what He would accept and approve! What “He had not commanded” was what He would NOT accept and approve!
The application should be obvious. When God specifies, He takes it seriously and He automatically excludes.