Topic of the Month - Back Issue

Make Melody in Your Hearts!

Bro. Brian Tipton
Quartz Hill church of Christ

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (I John 5:3)

All too often, the question of instrumental music raises the attention of many in the religious community.  To many it seems that it is such a trivial little thing, why should the church of Christ be so contentious on not allowing it to be used in worship services.  The answer is simple, the church of Christ believes that the commandments of God given in the Bible are to be followed, not questioned!

It is my understanding of the science of music that the instrument, when accompanying a vocal artist provides the melody for the song. The instrument cannot sing and therefore can only provide a melody to the song.

Does not Paul teach specifically in Ephesians 5:19 that the we are to make the melody in our hearts?

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (Eph 5:19)

If we are to make melody in our hearts, then that excludes all instruments.  These commandments on proper music in worship to God are given by inspiration of God (II Tim 3:16). We cannot substitute our desires for worship for God's desires. That is vain worship that Jesus taught against in Matthew 15:9,

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Vain worship does the worshiper no good! And Christ said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) If we love God and if we love Christ, we must keep his commandments. His commandments say to sing, making melody in our hearts, not on an instrument.

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