Why no instruments

We do not use instrumental music in our worship because no passage in the New Testament authorizes
the use of instruments in worship. Music in the New Testament church did not include the use of
mechanical instruments. Rather than singing to the accompaniment of instruments as in the Jewish
worship of the Old Testament, the church just sang—without accompaniment. In the New Testament
church, a change was made in the way worship was conducted. Particular emphasis was put upon the
heart or mind.

Ephesians 5:19 - “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Emphasis is to be on the words we sing, teaching and encouraging one another. Instrumental music
adds nothing to the teaching and often detracts from it.

Colossians 3:16 - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts
to the Lord.”

Words are used both to praise God and teach one another through song.

Romans 15:9 - “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written: For this
reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing unto Your name.”

1 Corinthians 14:15 - “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray
with the understanding: I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

Hebrews 2:12 - “I will declare Your name to my brethren, in the midst of the assembly I will sing
praise to You.”

James 5:13 - “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing
psalms.”

All of the Bible examples of music among Christians in worship just say that they sang. There is no case
of the church playing instruments like they did in the Old Testament. The Old Testament Law of Moses
is not our standard today. Christ gave us a New Covenant that is superior to what Moses gave.

John 1:17 - “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Romans 6:14 - “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under
grace.”

We are under a New Covenant. There has been a change of law. Part of that change involves the way
God wants us to worship Him. Not only do we not offer sacrifices or burnt offerings, but we do not use
instruments to accompany the singing in the worship services. This was God’s decision, not that of
some man. We worship God today in the way that He prescribed in the first century church.