While ministering in Russia I was asked if churches in America used musical instruments during the worship service. "We are not allowed to use instruments here," I was told in one church despite there being a piano in the sanctuary. It was explained to me that the pastor would strike a single key to start the congregation on tune then and sing acappella.

When asked my opinion on the matter, I volunteered the thought that I do not think it is a sin or is it unpleasing to God to use musical instruments. With that said, neither is it wrong to conduct singing acappella. It is a matter of individual and congregational preference.

What I do find disturbing is when someone chooses to make such matters a test of Christian fellowship or spirituality. Several families left the congregation when a new policy of not allowing instruments in the worship service was implemented after years of allowing instruments. I was told the pastoral insistence of non-instrumental music created division in the body of Christ. I find that tragic.

The strongest argument I have heard to date for not using instruments in worship is that the issue is not addressed in the New Testament; therefore, musical instruments must be wrong. Such an argument from silence is logically inconsistent as it is built upon a false premise that goes something like this:

But wait. Why is this line of reasoning not applied to other items used in contemporary worship services? For example.

Should the average church that does not use musical instruments also give up microphones, hymnbooks and song directors? The truth of the matter is that a faulty major premise will lead to a faulty conclusion.

Certainly in the Old Testament dispensation musical instruments were used to praise God and were even commanded to be used. Psalms 33:2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. A person has to wonder why musical instruments would suddenly become taboo in the New Testament expression of worship after centuries of being used.

In the New Testament we do find this principle: 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. The New Testament Christian is to do all things to the glory of God. I would take that to include the playing of a musical instrument.

As I thought on this matter the following thoughts came to my mind.

First, much needless division has been brought to the body of Christ as God’s people divide over this issue. Even if people do not leave the fellowship they are left with a sense of guilt for wanting musical instruments or resentment they are not allowed.

Second, a non-instrumental approach to music does not allow God’s people to use their talents for the Lord’s glory as an act of worship.

Third, there is a tendency to be hypocritical. If a non-instrumental approach to worship is deemed most spiritual then why strike a single note on a piano or touch one’s lips to a tuning fork? If six different songs are sung in a worship service that means that six different tuning notes might be needed. And if six different notes can be played on an instrument then why not sixteen or sixty or six thousand?

Fourth, a false sense of spirituality can be developed. "We do not use instruments in worship" says a pastor or a person as if such a practice is a picture of true spirituality. More likely what is being demonstrated is a spirit of legalism.

Fifth, a congregation that gives up musical instruments might be challenged to give up gospel hymns for the next level is to say, "We sing only the psalms in our services." Now that does sound spiritual, singing only the psalms. But wait. Many of these psalms have been set to the tune of great hymns. The musical notes leading to the tunes that God put into the hearts of the authors are taken and given to the psalms all the while dismissing the original words and tunes. Is that true spirituality? Is that even ethical? It is a matter to consider.

Sixth, insistence on a non-instrumental worship service forgets at least one musical instrument that is found in the New Testament in the service of God. I think of the trumpet.

While in an act of worship John heard a trumpet sounding. Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

At the second advent of Christ the trumpet will be used. What a glorious moment of worship that will be. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

When the great resurrection takes place the trumpet will be present. 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The conclusion of the matter must be Christian liberty. Because the New Testament does not address this issue Christian liberty and charity should be expressed by all.  

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.