Is there Really Authority in Scriptural Silence?

Question:

In your article on musical instruments in worship you quote Roman 15: 9. Your comment after the verse simply says: "It simply says sing." The problem I have with this is that Paul is quoting a Psalm and we know that David DID include the harp as well as other instruments in his singing. So it would seem that, for David at least, there was no authority in silence. Can you address this please?

Submitted by SM on September 2, 1999..

Answer: (Given by Bro. Brian Tipton)

I thank you for taking the time to ask a question concerning my article. I am not sure which one you are talking about but am familiar with the passage in question. Your question stems from the appearance that David found no authority in the silence of the scriptures.

The idea of authority in silence has been around since the scriptures were first penned. In Deuteronomy 4:2, the bible says,

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deut 4:2)

See, God hasn't wanted mankind to add to his commandments or take away from them since the beginning. Yet man has done so. I am just going to list some examples below:

• Marriage to Multiple Wives - Lamech is the first recorded with multiple wives (Gen. 4:23)
• Divorce for Any Reason - Added by Moses because of the people's hard hearts (Matt. 19:7-9)
• Instrumental Music in Worship - Added by David (1 Chronicles 15:16)

God never authorized any of these additions. God allowed these things to take place. Why? I do not know. However, I do know that the ignorance of men that God once winked at, he does not wink at it any more. He commands all men, everywhere, to repent and follow his ways. (Acts 17:30) God will not wink at (overlook) those who disobey him any longer. In fact, a substantial portion of the New Testament dealt with this.

In 1 Corinthians 4:6, the apostle Paul warns the Corinthian Church to "...not go beyond what is written." This is similar to the admonition in Deut 4:2 and a similar warning in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 22:18-19) Since we must obey Christ and follow his commandments and we cannot go beyond what is written, then there IS authority in the silence of the Scriptures.

Let's examine this more closely in light of Instrumental Music. Let me give four, logical arguments for your consideration:

Argument 1:

1. Every scripture is given that the man of God may be furnished unto every good work. (II Timothy 3:16)
2. No scripture authorizes instrumental music in New Testament worship today. (cannot be found)
3. Therefore, instrumental music in the worship today is not a good work.

Argument 2:

1. It is a violation of the Lord's will to go beyond the things that are written (I Cor. 4:6)
2. Musical Instruments in New Testament worship have not be written. (cannot be found)
3. Therefore, those who use instruments in worship today have violated the Lord's will by going beyond what was written.

Argument 3:

1. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
2. The word of Christ does not give us instrumental music in worship (cannot be found)
3. Therefore, instrumental music in worship is not an act of faith.

Argument 4:

1. God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
2. What God has given does not mention instrumental music in New Testament worship. (cannot be found)
3. Therefore, instrumental music in the worship today does not pertain to life and godliness.

As Christians, we must follow God's law and do things His way. He has given us all that pertains to life and Godliness. (2 Peter 1:3). We, therefore, do not need to add instruments to enhance our worship. In fact, adding instruments to our worship goes beyond what is written, is a sin.

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