by Jeremy Sprouse ~ April 24th, 2008
The last bait and switch we will look at in this series of articles is the switch made in God’s desired worship. This series could go on nearly forever but we will end it with this last topic. The primary reason most people attend church is to worship God. For some worship is a ceremonial and highly ritualistic event. For others it is an exciting emotional There are even those whose worship is much like a rock concert. The question is what does God want? We are told in John 4:23-24, a true worshipper must worship in Spirit and in truth. Here we have an instruction for how to be a true worshipper of God. Now if there are true worshippers, there must also be false worshippers otherwise the distinction would not be necessary. Lets examine just one aspect of our worship—music.
The New Testament clearly commands us to sing (cf. Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15). This singing is to be done with the mouth in a joyful manner that will teach, encourage, and edify one another. It is to be a congregational event with everyone participating equally. Unfortunately man’s additions (i.e., musical instruments, choirs, solos, etc.) get in the way of this purpose. Musical instruments are not mentioned or authorized in the New Testament. Musical instruments do not teach or edify. In addition, the entire congregation cannot play musical instruments—not everyone has the skill, talent, or inclination. Choirs and solos highlight and praise individuals not God. All of these hinder the pure purpose of music in worship.
History clearly testifies to the fact it was over six centuries after the time of Christ that musical instruments were introduced into Christian worship. Why so long? It wasn’t because they didn’t have instruments. Musical instruments existed since the time of Jubal, Cain’s near descendant (Genesis 4:21). It wasn’t because they didn’t know how to play instruments. The priest played instruments in the Old Testament Temple worship. It wasn’t because they didn’t enjoy musical instruments. People of that time were just as fond of music and instruments as people are today. So what was the reason? The only reason that makes sense is they avoided musical instruments in worship because they knew it went against the will of God.
The focus in denominational worship is not on what God wants; it is one what man wants and enjoys. Pianos and organs are used letting people hide their voices in the overwhelming sound. There are praise bands to make music palatable for the younger generations. There are choirs enabling the majority of the congregation to just sit back and be entertained. None of these examples are in keeping with the worship God instructs us to observe in the New Testament.
The bait offered by denominations is Godly worship, but it is switched with man’s worship. This is a serious issue. In Amos 4:4-5, God talks about those who are multiplying their transgressions by worshipping Him incorrectly. In Amos 5:21-23, God says He doesn’t even want to hear worship that is done incorrectly. God has not left it up to man to decide how to worship Him; we must obey His instructions to be true worshippers.
