A Subtle Argument (Bulletin Article for April 9)

Over the years, dozens of arguments have been given trying to justify the use of mechanical instruments of music in the worship of God. While attempt after attempt has been made, a simple turn back to the Bible shows that God never approves of such in the New Testament. To attempt to justify the usage of the instrument, one must either (1) go outside the Bible, or (2) twist the Scriptures.

Many have tried each of these. One of the more common arguments “using” (really, abusing) Scripture is to make the claim that only part of the Old Testament was done away with at the cross. Some will argue that there was a law, and then—separate from the law—there were other matters, such as ceremony. Instrumental music, they say, would fall into this second category.

Part of the reason why this is true, according to them, is because it is not found in the law as given in Exodus-Deuteronomy. Only that part of the Old Testament was done away with at the cross. In other words, in their own words, only what can be called “the law” was put away.

Such is simply not the case, and a short statement by Jesus proves it. In John 15:25, Jesus said, “But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause’” (emphasis added). Notice that Jesus says that this statement comes from “the law.”

If it comes from “the law,” then it would have been “done away with” at the cross. In other words, this section of Scripture, wherever it is found, would not be binding on Christians today, because it would have been nailed to the cross (cf. Colossians 2:14).

So, where is found? Is it in Exodus? How about Leviticus? Maybe it is in Deuteronomy. That statement will be found in none of those places. Instead, it is found in Psalm 69:4.

The Old Testament may still be here for our learning (cf. Romans 15:4), but it is not here for us to gain authority—especially when we are seeking to gain authority for a false practice.

[NOTE: To study this Psalm further, read Wayne Jackson’s article by clicking here. In that article, he mentions the argument presented in this post, but I wanted to expand on it just a bit.]