The Old Testament and Instrumental Music
Glenn B. Ramsey

Does the Old Testament authorize instrumental music in worship to God today? Many would answer “Yes,” to this question. With only one or two exceptions, all religious groups use instrumental music to accompany their singing in worship services. When these folks are asked why such is done they usually answer by citing passages from Psalms where David played an instrument in worship to God. This is supposed to prove their case.

There is, however, a real problem here. If an Old Testament passage can be used to authorize instrumental music in worship today, then why not use the Old Testament passages to authorize the burning of incense in worship? Why not use the Old Testament to authorize the observance of the Sabbath Day (Saturday) as a day of worship? Why not use the Old Testament to authorize the offering of animal sacrifices as a part of worship to God today?

The answer to the problem lies in “rightly dividing the word of truth.” Consider the teachings of the Bible. Paul said in II Timothy 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The things that “were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom.15:4). These “things that are written aforetime” refer to the Old Testament Scriptures. The first written law of God was the Law of Moses. The books of the Old Testament were the written guide for people who lived during the Mosaical Dispensation, the one before the Christian age. The law that governed the Mosaical Dispensation was written in the Old Testament Scriptures. The law that governs the Christian Dispensation is written in the New Testament. The Old Law was taken out of the way and nailed to the cross of Christ (see Col. 2:14). The teachings of the Old Law were mere “shadows” of things to come (Col. 2:17). Today we live under the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). The Old Law was fulfilled by Christ. He ascended back to heaven, sat on the right hand of God, and became the executor of the New Law, the New Testament Law (see Acts 2).

If one is justified by the Old Testament in using instruments of music in worship to God, then one is also justified in worshiping on the Sabbath Day (Saturday), in the burning of incense, in the offering of animal blood as sacrifices, etc., as acts of worship. Indeed, if one follows part of the Old Testament Law, one is obligated to follow all of the Old Testament Law.

The fact that the New Testament does not authorize the use of instruments of music in worship is established. As far as the New Testament is concerned, only congregational singing is authorized in the worship of the church today (see Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.)! This excludes other kinds of vocal “music” such as whistling, humming, or making other sounds of instruments with the human voice. Since all are to sing, then excluded is the use of solos, duets, trios, quartets, etc., in proper worship to God. A belief in Colossians 3:17 would preclude such actions. Whatever we do “in word or deed” is to be done in the “name of,” that is “by the authority of” the Lord! Why should we do otherwise?

Editorial

I am amazed at how some people reach a position or a conclusion on religious matters. They are not nearly as concerned about what is taught as they are with the way a thing is said and how it is stated. The majority of people and members of the church of Christ go by how a thing sounds and words used more than they do with truth.

Many Scriptures are overlooked and misunderstood when it comes to Bible truth and those teaching it. Some say, “He spoke too loudly, and I did not like the look on his face.” Others will say, “He pressed his point too hard, and I felt sorry for the other fellow.” Still others will say, “He is a well-trained debater, and the other fellow was not in his class of argumentation.” On and on this sort of thing goes. Men in general are not nearly so interested in truth as they are the tone of voice and the way one looks while he is in the heat of a battle. The old devil gets many people through this avenue, and they are not even aware that they belong to the devil.

Paul talked about false teachers in Romans 16:17-18. He said they used “good words and fair speeches” to deceive the hearts of the simple or unlearned. How true this is and has always been. Some religious teachers in the church of Christ are as mean as the devil himself but speak so softly and so piously that simple-minded brethren are taken in by such. These ungodly men have a special tone they use while preaching and teaching. It is so appealing to those who do not know their Bible. They go by what they see and the sound of the voice rather than by what the Bible teaches. I have argued with such hypocrites enough to find out that they change in temperament when out of the presence of others and not on tape. Almost every one of them that I have met and debated are as vicious as a lion when out of the public eye and ear. They know when to turn it on and off and where to let their temper as well as their violent words fly.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were given to false piety and soft speech. They could act so very good and nice but Christ knew what they were in reality. These hypocritical devils loved the chief seats and loved to be seen of men (Matt. 23:5-6). They loved to be acknowledged and praised as leaders (Matt. 23:7-10). They acted and talked so godly, but in reality they refused the kingdom and would not let others go in (Matt. 23:13). Many were impressed with their hypocritical prayers, but they could rob poor widows without any guilt of conscience (Matt. 23:14). These hypocrites talked religion but when they made a proselyte they made that person worse than he was before he was converted to their way (Matt. 23:15). The word of these devil-filled Pharisees was no good at all. They would just as soon lie as to look at the other fellow (Matt. 23:16-22). I have witnessed that those given to the present liberal agenda and those who fellowship them are given to lying. Their word is no good. They will do just about anything to get away from being caught. My, what we can learn today from the Pharisees when it comes to those leading in liberalism and apostasy.

If we love the truth, no one will offend us when they teach us the way of the Lord. I am responsible to God even if the other fellow does not have the right motives and the right attitude when he preaches to me. The same is true with you. Where are you with reference to the truth? Are you with those who are more interested in how a thing is said than you are the truth? If so, you need to repent and pray to God to forgive you.

A Church Wanting To Hire a Preacher

A church was in need of a preacher. One of the elders was interested in finding out just what kind of minister the church wanted. In order to do this he composed a letter as though it had been received from an applicant and read it to the pulpit committee:

“Gentlemen:

“Understanding that your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been blessed to preach with power and have some success as a writer. Some say that I am a good organizer. I have been a leader in most places I have gone.

“Some folks, however, have some things against me. I am over fifty years of age. I have never preached in one place for more than three years at a time. In some places I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I have to admit that I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any wrongdoing. My health is not too good, though I still get a good deal done. I have had to work at my trade to help pay my way. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities.

“I have not gotten along too well with the religious leaders in different towns where I have preached. In fact, some of them have threatened me, taken me to court, and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known even to forget whom I have baptized. However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even if I have to work to help with my support.”

The elder read this letter to the committee, and asked if they were interested in the applicant. They replied that he would never do for their church. They were not interested in any unhealthy, contentious, trouble making ex-jailbird; and were insulted that this application had even been presented! But one of them did ask the preacher’s name, and the elder replied – “The Apostle Paul!”

(If the apostle Paul came to our city, I wonder how many churches would let him preach? He might get to preach one doctrinal sermon. He might preach one sermon on immorality but only one in most cases. Many churches will not stand for Christian ethics to be preached in them even though Paul gave us those ethics by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The reason people love Paul is because he lived two thousand years ago and is not a threat today because people can select what they are going to read from his epistles. No one is afraid of a lion that lived two thousand years ago! Everyone is afraid of a living lion that would come into the church building today when the church has assembled for worship.--Malcolm L. Hill)

The Church As a Community: A New Idea?
Kerry Duke

Abraham Lincoln said that books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his are not so original after all. His observation has particular relevance to those who promote “bold yet responsible change” in the church of Christ. These people pride themselves in being creative and original. They reject not only “traditional church of Christ teaching” but also even the words used to describe it. These innovators have a contempt for anything that resembles old ways and old expressions. They constantly look for cute sayings and intellectual-sounding phrases. They want to be different and they want to sound different. They accuse those of us who oppose them of being stuck in the past with the same old worn-out methods and expressions. They see themselves as creative theological artists who paint pictures with words and phrases that are fresh and new.

Have you noticed the recent popularity of the word community in this camp? They speak of “the church as a community,” “the community of believers,” and of course some are fond of the title “community church.” But this word did not originate with would-be revolutionists in the liberal wing of the church of Christ. Catholics and Protestants used the concept of community in this way long before they did:


Now notice how this label is parroted and paraded by some in the church as if they had coined a new term:


Community is a good word if it is applied properly. Webster defines it as “a unified body of individuals” – a fitting description of what a congregation should be. It and related words such as common, communion, and communicate are helpful words. But the faddish craze over this concept, as if innovators in the church have discovered a new idea, is childish nonsense. Of course, the use of the word community is calculated. It is used to present a church that is like other religions and like the community in general, a church that is inclusive and nonjudgmental. In this sense, the use of the word community is not an elite, cutting-edge idea. After all, folks in small towns have had community centers for years.

The Church or Kingdom in Prophecy?
Ronald D. Gilbert

The study of prophecy is a very interesting study. However, a failure to study and understand Bible prophecy has caused many problems. The Bible declares the church was God’s eternal purpose. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:10-11). The Bible also teaches that the church and the kingdom are the same. In Matthew 16, after Peter made the confession that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God, Jesus told Peter upon that confession he would build his church. Then in verse 19 in the midst of a discussion about the church, Jesus said, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. . .” Peter used those “keys” to open the kingdom in preaching the first gospel sermon in Acts 2. Entering the kingdom and entering the church are the same. In Matthew 19, Jesus talked with the rich young ruler. He told him in verse 24 that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. After hearing this his disciples then said, “Who then can be saved?” (Matt. 19:25). They understood correctly that entering the kingdom was the same as being saved. In Acts 2:47 we learn that the Lord adds all the saved to the church; thus, all the saved are in the kingdom.

In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon dreamed a dream. In his dream he saw a great image whose head was of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, and legs and feet of part iron and part clay. In Daniel 2:39, Daniel explains that Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians are the head of gold. Then in verse 39 Daniel said, “after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.” Here this prophecy identifies four world empires: Babylon (625-539 B.C.); Medo-Persia (539-331 B.C.); Greece (331-63 B.C.); and Rome (63 B.C.-476 A.D.). Bible prophecy said that God would set up His kingdom during this fourth kingdom or the Roman empire. In Daniel 8:20-21 under the figure of the ram and the rough goat, the Medo-Persian and Greek empires are identified again.

Notice again from Daniel 2:44 that in the days of “these kings,” or the Roman Empire, the kingdom would be set up. In Luke 2:1 a decree went out “from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” Rome was in power at the birth of Jesus. Remember it was Roman soldiers that crucified Christ. It was Roman soldiers that were sent to guard the tomb. Premillennialism says the kingdom has not been established yet, but it is a future event. Daniel 2 destroys that false theory. It would not be good enough for Rome to conquer the world and once again rule the world before the kingdom was established. From Daniel 2 the order must be Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, then Rome. If the kingdom was not established during the Roman empire of 63 B.C. to 476 A.D., then Daniel 2 is a false prophecy and could never fit the time frame to be fulfilled. Jesus told some they would live to see the kingdom come with power (Mark 9:1). Did He tell them the truth? If the kingdom has not yet been established and Jesus told the truth in Mark 9:1 then we have some people alive today who are approaching 2,000 years old! The kingdom is in existence today. Acts 2:30-36 shows that Christ is now seated at the right hand of God on the spiritual throne of David. Another prophecy that needs to be considered on this subject is Jeremiah 22:30. Here the prophet said, “Thus saith the Lord, write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” Jeremiah 22:24 says that Coniah was the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah. Jeremiah 24:1 says that Jeconiah was the son of Jehoiakim. Therefore Jeconiah is sometimes called Coniah. In Matthew 1:12 Jechonias is mentioned in the lineage of Christ; therefore, Christ could not sit on David’s literal throne. But, as we have shown from Acts 2, Christ is now reigning on David’s throne in heaven. Christ is now King of kings and Lord of lords. If He is King He must have a kingdom.

A careful study of Old Testament prophecy concerning the kingdom would be profitable for all.

Law or Grace or Law and Grace
Holger W. Neubauer

We are living in an era that revels in freedom. Not the freedom that was founded on inalienable rights endowed by the Creator, but freedom from responsibility and the rule of law. Now even within the boundaries of the church there are those echoing the cries of the libertines in our society. Many pulpiteers have a special disdain for words like “law” and “commandment.” Law to these bound to change the church is almost a dirty word. Many faithful preachers have been called law-keepers by those who are convinced that the New Covenant does not concern itself with law. Notice this quote by one such voice, “Any retreat to law is a denial of grace. The law principle cannot house the grace principle. Grace and Law are mutually exclusive.” This statement by brother Hodge epitomizes the gross misunderstanding on this vital issue. It is at the very least an oversimplification of the terms grace and law. If grace and law are as he says “mutually exclusive”¹ then anyone now living could not be guilty of sin, “for where no law is there is no transgression” (Rom. 4:15). Yet, “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). All men today are living under law, both Christian and non-Christian. To deny this is to deny one of the bedrock truths of Scripture.

Definitions and Usages of Law

One of the reasons for the promulgation of this false doctrine is that many brethren have not been careful in noticing the different kinds of law revealed in the Scriptures. Let us notice the different uses of law as found in the Bible. There are four basic law systems found in Scripture and one operative principle that characterizes them all.

Three of these laws are all mentioned in Romans 8: 2-3: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

First, reference is made to “the law of the Spirit of life.” This is the New Testament Law. In James 1:25 this same law is referred to as “the perfect law of liberty.” In Galatians 6:2 it is called the “law of Christ.” Romans 3:2 mentions the “law of faith.” I Corinthians 9:21 makes a reference to the “law of Christ.” James 2:12 again labels the “law of liberty.” The last will and covenant of Jesus Christ is the New Testament which is His law. This law will judge the world (John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31). This law is the rule to walk by (Phil. 3:16). This law can be broken by Christians (Acts 8:22; I John 1:8). Denial that the New Testament of Christ is law implies that the New Testament will not judge Christians or non-Christians. Since the New Testament will judge all men and Christians alike (Phil. 2:9-11) the New Testament is then obviously law.

Second, mention is often made to the law of Moses. Hebrews 10:28 says, “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.” In I Corinthians 9:9, Paul cited a law that was written in the “law of Moses.” Many times the law of Moses was compared to the New Testament law of faith. To contrast the two responsibilities sometimes the law of Moses is simply referred to as the law (Gal. 3:26) and the New Testament as Christ or faith (Gal. 3:23). The Bible often affirms that in and of itself, the Old Testament law was unable to save (Gal. 2:16; Heb. 10:1-4). For this reason the Old Testament is contrasted with the New Testament (II Cor. 3:6-7; Rom. 7:6).

Third, there is the law of Patriarchy. Paul said in Romans 5:14, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses.” Paul was making the point to the Jews that were concerned with the law of Moses that there was a time when God legislated to mankind without the law of Moses. This law involved directing the heads of families and hence the name “patriarchy.” This patriarchal law extended past Moses and until Christ for the Gentiles. Paul said, “For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves” (Rom. 2:14).

Fourth, there is the positive law in Eden. Paul mentions those who lived during the time before Moses who had not sinned after the “similtude” of Adam’s race (Rom. 5:14). This similtude or likeness of Adam’s sin refers to his unique law given him in Eden. Both Adam and Eve were not to eat of the tree in the midst of the garden. That particular prohibition was not directed to any other household, and consequently no one else could even possibly break that law. Adam’s unique sin allowed sin into the world and consequently death (Rom. 5:12).

Fifth, mention is made of the laws of sin and death. Some have supposed this law is identical with the law of Moses. This cannot be. Again, Romans 8:2 says that “The aw of Christ has made us free from the law of sin and death.” Then Paul states for what “the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). The law of Moses is certainly referred to in Romans 8:3. Is Paul saying that the law of Moses could not free us from the law of Moses? This would be silly. The law of sin and death is simply a principle of every law of God. When anyone sins they also die. Eve told the serpent that later beguiled her, “God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die’” (Gen. 3:3). The principle of the law of sin and death is defined by the operative law it is under. The positive law given in Eden had the implied operative principle that when the law was broken, death was the result. Paul stated that while under the law of Moses he personally “died” when the “commandment came” into his life (Rom. 7:9). This principle of law, the law of sin and death is now operative under the law of Christ. Paul said, “The wages of sin is death” in Romans 6:23.

Grace in the Old Testament

The common misunderstanding about the subject of grace contends the Old Testament was simply a dispensation of law. However, without grace manifesting itself under the law no life could have been spared. Genesis 6:8 records, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” This grace extended by God to Noah preserved his life and that of his family. As God spoke with Moses when the tables were renewed, Moses acknowledged the grace that God had extended to him (Exod. 33:14,16). Grace which is the unearned favor of God certainly was given to Israel in the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness (Num. 21:1-9). This event was typical of the grace that Christ himself would offer to the world (John 3:14-15). The beautiful 103rd Psalm makes known a keen understanding of grace.

V.3 “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases.”

V.8 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”

V. 10 “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”

V. 11 “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear them.”

V. 12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

V.17 “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.”

Though the Old Covenant can be generally characterized by law it certainly involved itself with grace. Just as the New Testament emphasizes grace but certainly involves itself with law. This then clarifies John 1:17 which says, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John is not stating an absolute dichotomy for then no truth could be claimed under the Old Testament. Christ was the fullness of God’s truth and the fullness of His grace (Eph. 1:7-10; John 1:14-18; Rom. 5:21).

Grace in the New Testament

As stated before, the New Testament is certainly a dispensation of law. However, this responsibility of law is generally characterized by grace (John 1:17). Grace in the New Testament emphasizes that no meritorious system of works can justify anyone (Eph. 2:8-9). The law of Moses could not justify in and of itself (Gal. 2:16). If it were possible that we as God’s children could so work that God owed us our salvation He would surely pay His debt (Rom. 4:4). Since no man is owed salvation due to sin (Rom. 3:10,11, 23), we know salvation must involve grace (Rom. 4:8).

The grace of God forgives us of past sin and clears our guilt before His holy throne. When Saul of Tarsus repented and was baptized his past sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). Once born in the family of God (John 3:5) and added to Jesus’ church and body (I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:47) the baptized believer has continual access to Christ’s blood by walking in the light of the Word of God (I John 1:7). Just as the blind man of John 9 received a marvelous gift bestowed upon him by the Lord as he met the conditions the Lord had specified, so the gift of salvation is freely given to all who meet the conditions of the gospel (I Pet. 4:17). Though the blind man of John 9 could have anointed his eyes with clay and spittle and determined then to wash himself in the pool of Siloam, he could not have demanded anything of the Lord without the Lord first offering this gift. The blind man could have washed his eyes one thousand times in the pool of Siloam and would have never received any benefit had not the Lord of his own generosity offered this gift to him. So, too, our salvation cannot be earned. The Lord payed the penalty of sin (II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 6:23; Ex. 21:23-25) and now offers salvation through the conditions of his law (Heb. 5:8-9; John 14:15; Luke 6:46; Rom 3:27).

Footnote
¹Charles Hodge, Amazing Grace (Nashville: 20th Century Christian, 1984) 97.

Our Age
Malcolm L. Hill

Our age is one in which we need men and women of great courage in the kingdom of God. The truth is less popular now than it has ever been in my life. I used to hear men say, “Preach the Gospel and live or preach it and die, but by all means preach the Word of God.” Amens were given to this kind of statement in great numbers in the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. Today I look around and wonder what has happened to these preachers. While some have died, there are still many of these preachers living. And lo, what do I find? I find them running with the popular crowd and seeking the praise of the multitude. Were they sincere when they used to say, “preach the word regardless the cost?” Have they changed their mind because of the price they might have to pay for preaching the truth and standing for God’s word? I do not know that I have the answer to what has happened in the church of the Lord today.

Years ago I collected a prayer of a black preacher who was supposed to have preached in the state of Georgia. He was supposed to have prayed this prayer at a turpentine convention held in that state. I believe it sets forth the kind of spirit that every Christian should have in the service of the Lord. Here is what the old preacher said:


We could use some Christians with this kind of spirit today. Elijah once thought he was the only faithful man left on earth. God said there were seven thousand that had not bowed their knee to Baal. Who was responsible for this faithful group? No doubt Elijah was but he did not know it. Soldier of Christ, you may be the very man that has caused others to stay true to the good Lord. So do not give up. Keep on fighting. The truth always wins out in the end. God has never lost a battle and never will. God will permit some skirmishes here and there, and it may appear He has lost the battle but He has not. It sometimes takes a while for God to come in His might and His strength but when He comes, look out enemies of the cross! There has never been an army nor a nation that could overthrow God and His purpose. If we as Christians can stay in the Almighty hand of Eternal God, we will be victorious.

There were only eight righteous people on earth when Noah was building the ark, but this did not keep him from going on with his work. Gideon wound up with only 300 soldiers to fight with, but this did not keep him from going to war and winning. I might be the only man with the truth, but this should not keep me from fighting for the Lord and being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. If I stay with God, victory is ahead.

Quotes from Benjamin Franklin

"Speak Pleasantly"

The opponents of the truth will catch every unkind or unpleasant word; every unlovely expression or harsh sentence, and comment on it, in the absence of argument, and even divert attention from the main matter. We should, then, simply study how to present the truth, in the clearest, most agreeable and acceptable manner; how to show people the truth, convince them and enlist their souls in it. This is the great matter to study, and not how to avoid differences and not discuss them at all. We are studying how to practice this, and we desire all the friends of the Lord to study it and give the adversary no advantage.

"Preacher Did Not Suit"

We must say a few things in the way of generals be-fore we come to particulars. We visited a church some years since, and there was quite a general impression among the members that their preacher did not suit them – that he was not “the right man in the right place,” etc. Many fine things were said, as to the kind of a man they needed, etc., and the idea prevailed that they had better turn their preacher off and get another. We suggested to them in a circle one day that possibly they had not all discovered the real malady; that possibly the main difficulty was not at all reference to the kind of preacher they needed, but to the king of a church they needed; that possibly the change they needed could be effected by turning off the church and getting another and a better one.