Instrumental Music

We do not use mechanical instruments in our praise and worship to God because such use is not authorized in the New Testament.  The New Testament makes it clear that the Christian is to offer vocal praises to God by singing (Colossians 3:16),  and "making melody in his heart" (Ephesians 5:19).  One does not find the use of mechanical instruments in worship to God anywhere in the New Testament.  We have no direct command, necessary inference, nor apostolic example for such use of instrumental music.

Because instrumental music in praise and worship to God is glaringly excluded from New Testament examples of worship,  we  feel that the use of  such would be wrong and sinful.  The Bible tells us, "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus..." (Colossians 3:17).  "In the name of Jesus" means by his authority.  We have no scriptural authority to use mechanical instruments in our praise and worship, so such could not be done in the name of Jesus Christ.  Also, using such instruments could not be done in faith, for "faith comes by hearing the word of God." (Romans 10:17).

Mechanical instruments were never used in worship to God in the first century church.  Such instruments were introduced by man many centuries later.

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.

Colossians 3:16

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:19

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:19