I recently heard of some local churches of Christ who have decided to use musical instruments in their worship services. A member of one of these congregations said that they were “liberating themselves.” I am not quite sure what that means exactly, but I imagine they feel like the restrictions placed on them by the Word of God are too confining. Ironically, those who attempt to free themselves from what they come to believe are constraining practices in the church end up thrusting themselves into bondage.
Whether we like it or not, there are limitations to what a local church can do scripturally in service to God. When it comes to worshipping God, we must do it in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Since God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), to worship Him in truth means to worship Him by the Word of God. If the Word authorizes something, then the practice can be done scripturally with full confidence that God will be pleased. However, if the Word of God does not authorize a certain practice, then it is sinful, regardless of how liberating it may feel to someone.
Musical instruments in worship are unauthorized by the Word of God. The first-century church never used them. Music historians concede this truth. The American Encyclopedia says that “Pope Vitalian introduced organs into some of the churches in Southern Europe about A.D. 670.” In his work “The History of Music,” Edward Dickson stated that in the first century “church music was exclusively vocal…” Why did the church not use musical instruments back then? The answer is that God never authorized them. It is not like musical instruments were not in existence; they certainly were. Many members of the church were likely skilled in playing some of those instruments. However, the only revelation they received from God was to sing. Paul wrote, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 3:16).
Through inspired men, God instructed the early church to sing. That is what they did, no more and no less was necessary. Since man has not changed a whole lot from the first century until now, it would not surprise me if some members of the church thought that singing without the accompaniment of musical instruments was restricting. However, under apostolic guidance, only singing took place.
When churches today add the musical instrument to their singing in worshiping God, they may feel like they are freeing themselves from the tradition of men (actually singing without instruments is a tradition handed down from the apostles – 2 Thessalonians 2:15), but in truth, they are returning to the captivity of sin. They are liberating themselves from faithfulness to God’s will into the bondage of sin.
It is sad to hear of this kind of thing happening. Those guilty of this inevitably feel a sense of superiority over those of us who they say are “stuck in the rut of traditionalism.” They speak of how they were once in bondage, bound by the teachings of men, but now have experienced “true religious freedom.” If it were not so sad, it would be humorous. They boast of a new freedom, but in truth, they are in deeper bondage than before they first accepted Christ.
It is not just those accepting musical instruments who have fallen into this deep hole of self-deception. Others speak of this new freedom as well. Some think they have found liberty by rejecting the so-called traditional view of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. To them the idea that fornication is the only scriptural reason for divorce is far too restrictive. Never mind that this is the clear teaching of scripture (Matthew 19:9), it is just too narrow. Besides, only fanatical members of the church who are blinded by tradition take such a narrow stand. They say we must be free from such thinking. We must be liberated from the traditional view and be more in line with mainstream thinking. But, this desire to be free from the narrow teaching of God’s Word on this subject only leads to the bondage of sin. Brethren who are compelled to preach or practice something different from what Jesus taught liberate themselves right into bondage.
I know of a brother who left a conservative church of Christ to join ranks with a group associated with the Crossroads movement, or at least what was a spin-off from that movement. I am told that he has since left that movement and started his own congregation. What interests me is a statement he made to another brother. He said that whatever he does in the future, he would never again go back to a conservative group. I do not know what else was said in the conversation; thus, I do not know why this brother made up his mind not to ever return to a conservative church. It could be, however, that conservative Christianity is just too limiting for him. Whether that is the case with this specific brother or not, it is the case with many brethren today.
Following the simple Bible pattern is once again too narrow for some folks. To only use the local treasury for evangelism, edification, and benevolence, is too small-minded in the eyes of some. They would much rather be a part of something larger. Some would no doubt think that we need to liberate ourselves among conservative brethren and engage in more liberal outreach programs. We should free our minds from the shackles of conservatism and start a daycare center, build a basketball court, and start serving food in the basement of our buildings after services. Only then will we experience true liberty in Christ. Well, the truth is, if we chose that path, not only would we be free from the confines of God’s holy Word, but we would be in the bondage of unscriptural activities. That bondage would place us out of favor with God. What kind of freedom is that?
There is freedom in Christ. We have freedom from sin (Romans 6: 7), from a law that demands perfection (Romans 7:1-6), from fear (Romans 8:15), and much more. However, we don’t have the freedom to wander away from the Word of God and practice or preach unauthorized things, no matter how liberating it may make us feel. If we do, the result will be bondage, not liberty.