Is Instrumental Music Authorized in Worship?
A Biblical Examination
When we gather to worship God, we must always ask: “Is this what God wants?” Our worship must be directed by God, not driven by our emotions or preferences. Jesus said:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Worship that pleases God must be both sincere and Scripturally authorized. Adding anything to God's instruction is dangerous. We are not at liberty to add or subtract from what God has spoken.
Is Instrumental Music Authorized in the New Testament Church?
Nowhere in the New Testament do we find Christians worshiping with mechanical instruments. Instead, we are explicitly commanded to sing:
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom… singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
“I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” (1 Corinthians 14:15)
“In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” (Hebrews 2:12)
The specific command is sing. No mention of instruments is ever found in New Testament worship. If God wanted instruments included, would He not have told us?
God Forbids Adding to His Word
Scripture is clear that we must not go beyond what is written:
“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it…” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6)
“…that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)
If God has not authorized something in worship, we have no authority to include it. To do so is to offer worship that is not accepted—just as Cain offered what he thought was acceptable and was rejected (Genesis 4:3-5).
The Example of Noah: Specific Instructions Exclude Alternatives
God told Noah in Genesis 6:14:
“Make yourself an ark of gopherwood...”
He didn’t have to say, “Don’t use oak, don’t use cedar, don’t use pine.” The specific command excluded all other kinds of wood.
The same principle applies to worship. God specified singing—not playing instruments. We don’t need a list of all musical forms to avoid. The specific excludes the alternative.
Additions vs. Aides in Worship
Some argue that instruments are simply “aids” to worship, like songbooks or microphones. But there is a big difference between an aid and an addition.
Aids help us carry out the command without changing it. A songbook helps us sing, as commanded.
Additions change the nature of the command. Instrumental music is not singing. It adds a new element God did not authorize.
If God says “sing,” and we play—we have altered the command. It's no longer obedience, it's substitution.
Even Denominational Leaders Once Opposed Instruments in Worship
Many are surprised to learn that instrumental music in worship was not part of the early church, and was even rejected by early Protestant leaders and churches. Here are just a few examples:
Charles Spurgeon, one of the most well-known Baptist preachers of the 19th century, refused to use instruments in his large London congregation. He said:
“I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with machinery.”
—Spurgeon, Commentary on Psalm 42
John Calvin, the influential Reformer, strongly opposed the use of instruments in worship, calling it an Old Testament shadow:
“Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law.”
—Calvin, Commentary on Psalm 33
Adam Clarke, Methodist commentator, wrote:
“The use of instruments in worship is not authorized in the New Testament and is a departure from the purity of Christian worship.”
These men are not the standard of truth—God’s word is. But their objections show us something important: Instrumental worship was recognized—even by denominational leaders—as an unscriptural addition.
Instrumental music did not appear in mainstream worship until hundreds of years after the apostles, first being introduced slowly and often resisted.
Who Are We to Justify What God Has Not Authorized?
Many today say, “Well, it feels good,” or, “It helps me worship.” But worship is not about what we feel—it’s about what God commands.
“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
If we include what God did not authorize, it becomes vain worship. Well-meaning? Perhaps. Accepted by God? No.
Worship According to the Word
When God commands singing, we must sing. Adding mechanical instruments is not a matter of liberty—it’s a matter of obedience vs. presumption.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” (Colossians 3:17)
That means by His authority. If the Lord did not authorize instrumental music in His church, then it has no place in our worship today.
Let us learn from Scripture, not tradition. Let us follow the pattern given, not the practices that came centuries later. Let us worship God in spirit and truth, and give Him the reverence He deserves.
“Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” (Hebrews 12:28)
Very sound! 200 years ago mechanical instruments in worship across the board were unheard of. They really are novel, but most don't think twice about it.