QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

[The following question is from a recent conversation about someone who 
believes Instrumental music is authorized by God.]

Q1. "Instrumental music is authorized in the Scriptures by God's use of
     the term "Psalms" in both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, as this
     word means to play, hence we have the right to play instruments."

A1. The word "psalms" in both passages is from the Greek word, "psallo"
    which means "a striking or twitching with the fingers; then, a sacred
    song, sung to musical accompaniment..." (Vine's Expository Dictionary
    of New Testament Words). However, Vine's admits that the term was also
    used of singing psalms in general or just as a reference to the book
    of Psalms. The word itself does suggest the idea of a plucking or
    striking, but we are not told what is to be struck or plucked. It may
    be that in the time before the New Testament that Psalms were sung with
    an instrument, but there is no evidence that this is the case in the
    New Testament. In fact, we have several scriptures showing disciples
    singing but nothing is mentioned about an instrument. When Jesus had
    finished instituting the Memorial feast, it says, "And when they had
    sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." (Matthew 26:30)
    When Paul and Silas were in jail it mentions that "And at midnight Paul
    and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard
    them." (Acts 16:25) In both cases we have praises being sung unto God,
    but no mention of any instrument.

    The word "sing" is used in both passages to further modify our
    understanding of Psalms. One may suggest that during the time of David
    that instruments were used in praising God, but here we are not only
    told to "sing" but also to make melody in our hearts unto the Lord.
    (Ephesians 5:19). If instruments are an important part of this praise,
    then surely God would instruct us what instruments and how to play  
    them. Let's consider some other things about these passages:

    1. If we are commanded to play instruments, then EVERYONE must use an
       instrument for the command is to "yourselves" (Ephesians) and "one
       another" (Colossians). No one is excluded.

    2. If taken literally, then we are to "speak to yourselves in Psalms
       (PLUCKING OR TWITCHING) and hymns and spiritual songs, singing ..."
       which could mean either that we are to twitch when we sing, or that
       we are to make the sounds of plucking or twitching!

    If we understand these passages properly, that which is "plucked or
    twitched" is the human heart. It is here that the melody is made, and
    it is here that God's Word has an affect. The only instrument that God
    authorizes to be used in service to Him is the one HE created: Man.

    I suspect that the reason most folks argue for the use of an instrument
    is either because they are ignorant of what the Scriptures really teach
    or that they are impressed with the sound of an instrument and assume
    that God will be also. God authorizes our singing unto Him, and we
    should be pleased to do so. Let us not change what God authorizes. [JW]