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 Bro.
Turner:
Do
you consider “instrumental music a live issue? What do you
consider the most valid arguments made against the instrument?
md.
Reply:
If
“live” means widely discussed, the “music” question is
certainly not as “alive” among brethren as it was in the
last century. (Neither is subject “baptism” as widely
discussed as an “issue” with sectarians.) But the word of
God teaches the same on both subjects now as it did when first
written. If we would be faithful to God we must teach the truth
on both subjects now as always.
We
realize that one may “harp” on a few subjects, to the
neglect of other equally important matters; but doctrinal issues
are never settled for all time. The truth may be clearly set
forth in one generation, and even if all or most of that
generation accepted the truth (which is seldom the case) the
people of the next, or “third” generation (see editorial)
must reach decisions about the same truth, on an individual
basis. Sometimes our reluctancy to discuss the supposedly “dead”
issues, results in an untaught generation, highly vulnerable to
that error.
As
for “most valid arguments made against the instrument” we
are not obligated, by the very nature of the case, to find
prohibitions. Our practice, “singing and making melody in your
heart to the Lord” is not under fire. If any question this
practice, the most valid arguments for such are Eph. 5:19; Col.
3:16; 1 Cor. 14:15, etc. It is the use of mechanical instruments
of music in
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the worship that is questioned, and all
who insist upon such use are obligated to produce the Bible
authority for their practice.
For
example: What is the most valid arguments against the burning of
incense in the worship? The anointing with oil, as a religious
service? The partaking of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday?
Denominational organic ties that bind congregations to some “central
headquarters”? Sprinkling in the place of immersion for
baptism? For all these, and many more, we must say THERE IS NO
AUTHORITY FOR SUCH!! If someone wishes to promote these or other
like matters, we would insist that they have the obligation to
produce the authority for such.
This
is not a request for specific authority — statements in the
Bible that command or authorize the specific act in so many
words. Any valid means of establishing Bible authority
(statement, necessary inference, approved example) will be
accepted. We would also urge you to consider that if it be
argued simply as an “expedient” or “matter of judgement”,
it must be subject to all revealed truth relative to such
things. (See 1 Cor. 6:12; Rom. 14: 19-f. etc.)
We
have, with reluctance, come to conclude that some people intend
to have their mechanical instruments in the worship — or their
incense, or their sprinkling, or their “area-wide collective
of churches”, or whatever else they may want — and use the
fallacious question, “Where does it say NOT —” as a salve
for their seared or badly burned conscience. We will not be
party to encouraging such sin.
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