One of the first questions that often runs through the mind of a first-time visitor to the church of Christ is, “Where’s the instrument?” Asking such a question is understandable, as it is very common to find mechanical instruments in many church assemblies today. Is there a simple explanation for this? There certainly is. The mechanical instrument of music is in the same place as other things that have not been authorized by God. Consider these examples.
The instrument is in the same place as Noah being permitted to use cedar wood in building the ark. God specified gopherwood as the wood for constructing the ark (Gen. 6:14). By specifying gopherwood, God automatically excluded all other woods, without needing to say another word about it.
The instrument is in the same place as a Jew being permitted to observe the Sabbath on Tuesday rather than Saturday. God specified the seventh day as the Jewish day of rest called the Sabbath (Ex. 16:26; 20:10). By specifying the seventh day, God automatically excluded all other days, without needing to say another word about it.
The instrument is in the same place as someone from the tribe of Judah being permitted to serve as a priest under the Levitical system. God specified the Levites as the tribe from which priests would come (Num. 8:14-19). By specifying Levi, God automatically excluded all other tribes from the priesthood, without needing to say another word about it.
The instrument is in the same place as Oreos and milk being permitted to be used in the Lord’s Supper. God specified unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in the remembrance of the Lord’s body and blood (Matt. 26:17, 26-29). By specifying unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, God automatically excluded all other foods from the communion, without needing to say another word about it.
Apply this same Biblical principle to music in New Testament worship. In reading the New Testament, the only music that God ever specifies (and, therefore, authorizes) for worshiping Him today is singing (Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; 13:15). The music that is specifically authorized is “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). Man has no authority to add to or take away from what God authorizes (Rev. 22:18-19). Therefore, by specifying singing in New Testament worship, God automatically excluded all other music from worship, without needing to say another word about it.
After authorizing singing, God specified that “all” we “do” must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:16-17). Singing is authorized. Mechanical instruments are not.