Musical Instruments in NT worship?

[Dylan569]

Jesus said: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:20, KJV)

Can anyone find in the NT musical instruments in the Christian worship? Did Jesus command it anywhere? Do we follow Moses, or do we follow Jesus?

Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and John Chrysostom viewed instruments as pagan or Jewish practices, not fitting for Christian worship.

Musical instruments were first introduced into Western Church worship in the 8th century.

Many Protestant denominations—including Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians—opposed instruments well into the 19th century, favoring congregational singing.

“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2Cor 11:12-15, KJV) *Believe most of the modern worship based on Worship Leader approach is actually Satanic.

How many are aware that the modern idea of “Worship Leader” began with the emotionalism and silliness of the Pentecostals and Charismatics? Does what we see in most evangelical churches today resemble in any way NT worship, or worship of the early church? My post is prompted by an article in the Christian Post titled: “What do worship leaders say are the top obstacles?” It seems clear to me, it is because such nonsense is not in the Bible, that is the top obstacle. This garbage was never heard of until the later 20th century! I'm old enough to have watched as this 'contemporary' music has over the years infected the church and distracted from any presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The faith of Jesus Christ is certainly not emotionalism, whipped up like in a rock concert!

 

[B-A-C]

Why would you think God's opinion of instruments would change between the OT and the NT?

Old Testament – Human Use of Instruments​

Psalm 150:3–5 (NASB)

Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

1 Chronicles 15:16 (NASB)

Then David told the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives as the singers, with musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals—to raise sounds of joy.

2 Chronicles 5:12–13 (NASB)

...and with them 120 priests blowing trumpets. When the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord... then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud.

Nehemiah 12:27 (NASB)

Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites... with songs of thanksgiving and with singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Exodus 15:20 (NASB)

Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.

---

New Testament – Angelic Use of Instruments​

Revelation 8:6 (NASB)

And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

Revelation 8:7–13 (NASB)

(Each angel sounds a trumpet, initiating a judgment or event.)

Revelation 11:15 (NASB)

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ...”

1 Corinthians 14:7–8 (NASB)​

Yet even lifeless instruments, whether flute or harp, when producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or the harp?
For if the trumpet produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

 

[B-A-C]

Old Testament – Worship & Celebration​

2 Samuel 6:5 (NASB)

Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of instruments made of juniper wood, with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.

Amos 6:5 (NASB)

Who improvise to the sound of the harp, and like David have composed songs for themselves on musical instruments...
(Note: This verse is part of a rebuke, but it still acknowledges David’s use of instruments.)

Isaiah 38:20 (NASB)

The Lord is certain to save me; so we will play my songs on stringed instruments all the days of our life at the house of the Lord.

Heavenly or Angelic Use​

Revelation 5:8 (NASB)

When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 14:2 (NASB)

And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.

 

[B-A-C]

Musical instruments were first introduced into Western Church worship in the 8th century.

Obviously not. You need a better source.

Joshua 6:4–5 (NASB)​

Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
*And it shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great ...

 

[B-A-C]

Exodus 15:20 (NASB)​

Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.

• Tambourines here are hand-held percussion instruments.

---

1 Samuel 10:5 (NASB)​

Afterward you will come to the hill of God... and it will happen, when you come there, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, and they will be prophesying.

• Again, tambourines are part of a prophetic musical procession.

---

Psalm 81:2 (NASB)​

Raise a song, strike the tambourine, the sweet sound of the harp and the lyre.

• This verse links tambourine with other instruments in joyful worship.

 

[B-A-C]

The faith of Jesus Christ is certainly not emotionalism, whipped up like in a rock concert!

I don't have a problem with emotionalism in worship, but I do agree it can be over done on the "rock concert" front.

Biblical Support for Emotion in Worship​

Psalm 95:1–2 (NASB)

Come, let’s sing for joy to the Lord,
Let’s shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving,
Let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments.

• Worship here is joyful, expressive, and includes emotion and music.

2 Samuel 6:14 (NASB)

And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and he was wearing a linen ephod.

• David’s worship was physically and emotionally expressive—and God honored it, even though others (like Michal) criticized it.

Luke 10:27 (NASB)

*“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all...

Crying in Prayer – Biblical Examples (NASB)​

Psalm 6:6–9 (NASB)

I am weary with my sighing;
Every night I make my bed swim,
I flood my couch with my tears.
...The Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my pleading,
The Lord receives my prayer.

• David’s weeping in prayer is heard and received by God.

Hebrews 5:7 (NASB)

In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and pleas with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His devout behavior.

• Jesus Himself cried in prayer, showing that emotional depth is not weakness but spiritual sincerity.

1 Samuel 1:10 (NASB)

She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.

• Hannah’s weeping in prayer led to one of the most powerful answers in Scripture—the birth of Samuel.

---

Is Prayer Worship?​

Yes. Worship isn’t limited to music or ritual—it’s any act that honors, reveres, or draws near to God. Prayer can be:

• Adoration: Praising God for who He is.
• Confession: Acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness.
• Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude.
• Supplication: Asking for help or interceding for others.

​

 

[B-A-C]

Something you mentioned here touches on a subtle but important issue in modern worship music: lyrical integrity.

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What You’re Seeing: “Patchwork Theology”​

Many contemporary Christian songs:

• Take fragments of verses from different parts of Scripture
• Rearrange or paraphrase them to fit rhyme or melody
• Sometimes combine unrelated ideas, creating new meanings that aren’t found in the Bible

This can lead to:

• Emotional appeal without theological clarity
• Lyrics that sound biblical but aren’t faithful to the original context
• A shift from Scripture-based worship to experience-driven expression

---

Why It Matters​

• Worship shapes theology: What people sing, they often internalize.
• Misused verses can lead to confusion or shallow understanding.
• Biblical worship should reflect truth and reverence, not just emotion or creativity.

---

Not All Modern Worship Is Like This​

There are many artists and churches that strive for biblical accuracy, doctrinal depth, and musical excellence. But your discernment is needed—not every “Christian” song is spiritually healthy, even if it’s popular.

 

[B-A-C]

Common Issues in Some Worship Songs​

1. Verse Fragmentation
   
   • Songs may take half-verses or phrases from different parts of Scripture and combine them out of context, creating new meanings not found in the Bible.
2. Overemphasis on Self or Feelings
   
   • Lyrics that focus more on how I feel than on who God is can shift worship from God-centered to self-centered.
3. Vague or Ambiguous Theology
   
   • Phrases like “You’re always enough” or “You never fail” are true—but without context, they can be misleading or overgeneralized.
4. Unbiblical Promises
   
   • Some songs imply that following God will lead to earthly success, healing, or prosperity, which contradicts the biblical reality of suffering and endurance.
5. Romantic Language Toward God
   
   • While intimacy with God is biblical, some songs use romantic or sensual metaphors that can blur the line between spiritual devotion and emotional projection.

---

General Examples of Lyrics to Watch For​

Without naming specific songs, here are examples of lyrical patterns that may raise red flags:

• “I am enough because You love me” – This can subtly shift the focus from God’s sufficiency to self-worth, which may not reflect biblical humility.
• “You’ll never let anything bad happen to me” – This contradicts the reality of suffering in Scripture (e.g., Job, Paul, Jesus Himself).
• “I feel You in the wind / I hear You in the rain” – While poetic, this can lean toward pantheism or emotional mysticism if not grounded in Scripture.

Whether a church uses instruments or not, the lyrics are what carry the theological weight. Instruments can enhance or distract, but the truth or error lies in the words being sung.

---

Instruments Are Neutral — Lyrics Are Not​

• A guitar or piano doesn’t change doctrine.
• But a lyric that misrepresents God’s nature or promises can shape beliefs in subtle ways.
• That’s why discernment in lyrics is even more important than the choice of instrumentation.

 

[Dylan569]

Common Issues in Some Worship Songs​

1. Verse Fragmentation
   • Songs may take half-verses or phrases from different parts of Scripture and combine them out of context, creating new meanings not found in the Bible.
2. Overemphasis on Self or Feelings
   • Lyrics that focus more on how I feel than on who God is can shift worship from God-centered to self-centered.
3. Vague or Ambiguous Theology
   • Phrases like “You’re always enough” or “You never fail” are true—but without context, they can be misleading or overgeneralized.
4. Unbiblical Promises
   • Some songs imply that following God will lead to earthly success, healing, or prosperity, which contradicts the biblical reality of suffering and endurance.
5. Romantic Language Toward God
   • While intimacy with God is biblical, some songs use romantic or sensual metaphors that can blur the line between spiritual devotion and emotional projection.

---

General Examples of Lyrics to Watch For​

Without naming specific songs, here are examples of lyrical patterns that may raise red flags:

• “I am enough because You love me” – This can subtly shift the focus from God’s sufficiency to self-worth, which may not reflect biblical humility.
• “You’ll never let anything bad happen to me” – This contradicts the reality of suffering in Scripture (e.g., Job, Paul, Jesus Himself).
• “I feel You in the wind / I hear You in the rain” – While poetic, this can lean toward pantheism or emotional mysticism if not grounded in Scripture.

Whether a church uses instruments or not, the lyrics are what carry the theological weight. Instruments can enhance or distract, but the truth or error lies in the words being sung.

---

Instruments Are Neutral — Lyrics Are Not​

• A guitar or piano doesn’t change doctrine.
• But a lyric that misrepresents God’s nature or promises can shape beliefs in subtle ways.
• That’s why discernment in lyrics is even more important than the choice of instrumentation.

BAC, I'll be away from home for the next week, but I did want to comment tonight, that the Christian church is under the New Covenant. We look for the commands for the church there. I suppose the church for 800 years were wrong.

 

[MedicBravo]

The angels have music instruments and weapons.
Lucifer was the worship and music leader in Heaven.

Sadly, 99% of "Christian music" is crap. People with little talent, minimal singing ability, and can't even play an instrument.
More of it leaves God out and more "me, me, me".

 

[B-A-C]

he Christian church is under the New Covenant. We look for the commands for the church there. I suppose the church for 800 years were wrong.

I agree. But where is the command forbidding musical instruments? Thou shalt not play the bass guitar - What NT verse is that?
And also as mentioned in over a dozen verses above, People and Angel in heaven play trumpets and harps in the NT.
Why would it be acceptable there, but not on Earth?

 

[Twistie]

Jesus said: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:20, KJV)

Can anyone find in the NT musical instruments in the Christian worship? Did Jesus command it anywhere? Do we follow Moses, or do we follow Jesus?

Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and John Chrysostom viewed instruments as pagan or Jewish practices, not fitting for Christian worship.

Musical instruments were first introduced into Western Church worship in the 8th century.

Many Protestant denominations—including Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians—opposed instruments well into the 19th century, favoring congregational singing.

“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2Cor 11:12-15, KJV) *Believe most of the modern worship based on Worship Leader approach is actually Satanic.

How many are aware that the modern idea of “Worship Leader” began with the emotionalism and silliness of the Pentecostals and Charismatics? Does what we see in most evangelical churches today resemble in any way NT worship, or worship of the early church? My post is prompted by an article in the Christian Post titled: “What do worship leaders say are the top obstacles?” It seems clear to me, it is because such nonsense is not in the Bible, that is the top obstacle. This garbage was never heard of until the later 20th century! I'm old enough to have watched as this 'contemporary' music has over the years infected the church and distracted from any presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The faith of Jesus Christ is certainly not emotionalism, whipped up like in a rock concert!

It is written man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the Mouth of God

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise The Lord..

Personally I go to the Word Himself when I have questions it doesn't matter when God said what what matters is are we spending time with Him seeking Him thru Him n not thru man..

Hope all's well!

(⁠ʘ⁠ᴗ⁠ʘ⁠✿⁠)

 

[MedicBravo]

I agree. But where is the command forbidding musical instruments? Thou shalt not play the bass guitar - What NT verse is that?
And also as mentioned in over a dozen verses above, People and Angel in heaven play trumpets and harps in the NT.
Why would it be acceptable there, but not on Earth?

All inanimate objects serve a purpose.
The guitar is one of my favorites in particular the electric guitar.
The USER is either good or bad and the result/outcome is good or bad.
Death Metal can NOT be Christian
Rap & R&B by default are not good or Christian.

A "Christian song" is not fit if it leaves God out, calls Him female:
God is a woman. - Ariana Grande
Wrong Side of Heaven - 5 Finger Death Punch.
I used to like the band but this song is a spit in God's face. I do NOT CARE if ANYONE "feels" God is a woman.
You're an idiot and a blasphemer. Learn better.

 

[Dylan569]

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a highly influential British Baptist preacher often called “the Prince of Preachers.” He rose to fame in the mid‑19th century.

Helmut Thielicke (1908-1986), a prominent German Lutheran Theologian, wrote “Encounter with Spurgeon” a 283-page book presenting a selection of Spurgeon’s “Lectures to My Students” plus two of Spurgeon’s sermons. Of Charles H. Spurgeon, Thielicke wrote:

“It would be well for a time like ours to learn from this man. For our preaching is, to be sure, largely correct, exegetically ‘legitimate,’ workmanlike and tidy; but it is also remarkably dead and lacking in infectious power.”
https://archive.org/details/encounterwithspu0000helm/page/n13/mode/2up

What did Spurgeon write about musical instruments in the church?

“David appears to have had a peculiarly tender remembrance of the singing of the pilgrims, and assuredly it is the most delightful part of worship and that which comes nearest to the adoration of heaven. What a degradation to supplant the intelligent song of the whole congregation by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, the refined niceties of a choir, or the blowing off of wind from inanimate bellows and pipes! We might as well pray by machinery as praise by it.” Charles H. Spurgeon on Psa 42:4 Treasury of David

Spurgeon also wrote, and I tend to agree if the music is reverent and supports God honoring hymns:

“Israel was at school, and used childish things to help her to learn; but in these days, when Jesus gives us spiritual manhood, we can make melody without strings and pipes. We who do not believe these things to be expedient in worship, lest they should mar its simplicity, do not affirm them to be unlawful, and if any George Herbert or Martin Luther can worship God better by the aid of well tuned instruments, who shall gainsay their right? We do not need them, they would hinder than help our praise, but if others are otherwise minded, are they not living in gospel liberty?” Charles H. Spurgeon on Psa 33:2 Treasury of David

I spent a year attending worship in a Lutheran church and they really have wonderful music and congregational singing.
What sort of hymns did Lutherans sing? They honor, praise and glorify God, not man! From the 1880 Lutheran Hymnal:
Evangelical Lutheran hymnal. : Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Here is the URL for a 1879 British Baptist Hymnal:
The Baptist hymnal : Baptist hymnal : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Read through those hymnals, page after page

The NT does not record musical instruments being used anywhere, except at a wake in mourning (Matt 9:23), celebration music at the return of the prodigal son (Lk 15:25) and there is the symbolism of harps in used in heavenly worship (Rv 5:8; 15:2)

The Talmud recounts that the Levites were responsible for singing and playing instruments as part of the Temple service, which centered on sacrificial practices. In contrast, the synagogue, which was the typical place of worship for Jews during Jesus' time, did not use musical instruments.