Worship, Instrumental Music

The Greek word psallo is found five times in the N.T. It is rendered by the English terms “sing” (Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Jas. 5:13), and “make melody” (Eph. 5:19). In the era of classical Greek (...

Over the years, some of those who support the use of mechanical instruments of music have appealed to what is known as the psallo argument.

Is performance singing with praise teams, choirs, or solos acceptable in the worship of Christ’s assembly? What are the arguments for and against this modern movement?

Does clapping with singing aid our worship with inconsequential zest or is it an addition to what has been commanded in scripture?

Does this passage authorize the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God? Many erroneously contend that it does. Study this important issue with us.

A sincere Christian wants to know: “Why don’t churches of Christ use instruments of music in their worship?” The issue comes down to the matter of authority. Take a look at this theme with us in this week’s Question and Answer.

Jesus declared that “worship” must be consistent with revealed “truth” (John 4:24), namely God’s word (John 17:17). This includes the musical engagement of the church.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the introduction of instrumental music in worship by David, as mentioned in the Old Testament. It explores different interpretations by Bible expositors and the implications for Christian worship today.

Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

In the past we have published several articles dealing with the innovation of using mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship. These essays have generated a flood of critical responses. We have categorized these defensive arguments, and in this article we offer our rebuttal.

May one contend that while the “law” was abolished by the death of Christ, nonetheless, the Psalms remain; and the Psalms provide authority for worshipping God with instruments of music?

References to “worship” are common in both the O.T. and the N.T. The Hebrew term shachah (about 100 times) refers to “bowing” before an object of religious devotion. Similarly, proskuneo (59 times)...

Discover the significance of worship in the Bible, its historical context, and principles for true worship. Learn how to honor God through biblical practices.

What is “will-worship”? Why did Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, condemn it? Study carefully this article.

The phrase a cappella derives from a Latin expression that, via Italian, means “in the style of the church” or “as is done in the church.” It reflects the historical reality that instrumental music...

What is a missionary society? Some Christians carelessly throw that designation around, labeling perfectly legitimate works with this pejorative expression.

Is it appropriate to sing some of the songs from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament? An interested reader wants to know.

Some sincere Christians contend that the child of God may not address Christ, either in praise or through prayer. Will this case stand in the light of critical investigation? Carefully study this issue with us.

Some songs certainly are unscriptural. But we should be sure that we do not irrationally object to songs based on our own misunderstanding of the Scriptures.

The Scriptures teach that each congregation of the Lord’s body is under self-rule, but with limitations. Sadly, some do not recognize these limitations and jeopardize their fidelity to sound doctrine.