Which Church?

by Jerry Boone⁽¹⁾
http://merechristianity.us/

Since Jesus established his church, and the New Testament describes his church, do you think it might be a good idea to follow the biblical example: in church organization? in doctrine? in church worship? Here's what Scriptures say about the church.

1. New Testament authorizes three positions in Christ's church:

     Elders

Elders (also called presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, or shepherds, without distinction of office or rank) were men (always men) chosen from the members to oversee and set an example for the congregation. Also they are to encourage the congregation with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (1 Peter 5:1-4) (1 Titus 1:9) For the requirements for this position see: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

     Deacons

Deacons were men chosen to serve the congregation (overlook the daily distribution of food or wait on tables.) (Acts 6:1-7) For requirements for both the deacon and his wife, see: 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Paul also mentions deacons in his address to the church at Philippi. (Philippians 1:1) At least two men, Stephen and Philip, chosen as deacons in the Jerusalem church also preached or evangelized.

     Evangelists

Evangelists (preachers, ministers) are preachers of the Gospel. (Ephesians 4:11) (1 Timothy 4:13-16) (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Those three positions were the only ones created for Christ's church. Notice that no singular person was placed in charge of any congregation. And there was no higher organization than the local congregation. Synods, Councils, Conventions, Popes, Ecclesiastical Legislative Bodies, Associations or Conferences with delegates from different congregations are nowhere to be found in the Bible. They didn't exist in the church you read about in the New Testament.

2. Christ instituted two church sacraments:

    Baptism

Jesus ordered his apostles to make disciples in every nation "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus says baptism is essential for salvation. (Mark 16:16) And Peter says it is required for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)

Who was baptized? Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Saul, who was later called Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), Crispus, the synagogue ruler (Acts 18:8) (1 Corinthians 1:14), twelve disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5), and men and women at city in Samaria. (Acts 8:5-12)

What did all of these people have in common? They were all believing adults. Were children also baptized? Some claim there were, and they cite these passages to support their position. Acts 16:15 states that "[Lydia] and members of her household were baptized." Acts 16:33 reads: "[The jailer] and all of his family were baptized." And Acts 18:8 says that Crispus and "his entire household" were baptized.

Do "members of her household," "all of his family," and "his entire household" imply that children and infants were also baptized? Notice that the jailer "and his whole family" had come to believe in God. (Acts 16:34) Similarly, Crispus "and his entire household believed in the Lord." (Acts 18:8)

In both instances, all believed, and all were baptized. Clearly we are not speaking of infants or very small children in this context. Those who were baptized were mature enough to believe in Christ.

How were these believing "adults" baptized? Romans 6:3-4 speaks of baptism as a symbolic burial with Christ. And in Acts 8:38 Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch "down into the water" to baptize him. Baptism was and is emersion. Throughout the first century baptism and emersion were synonymous.

    Lord's Supper; The Eucharist; The Holy Communion

In Matthew we read: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.'

"Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28)

In the Gospel according to John, the significance of this act becomes clear. Jesus: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

He repeated and emphasized his words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:53-54)

Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, explained where this custom originated. He says: "The tradition which I handed on to you came from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread and after giving thanks to God broke it and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.'

In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 REB)

Paul informs us that the early church carried on this tradition and tells us when they did it. "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7)

The apostle again speaks of the Lord's Supper when he warned the Corinthians: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

Such respected historians as Eusebius of Caesarea and Johann August Wilhelm Neander tell us that Christians in the early centuries of the church took the Lord's Supper every Sunday.

3. New Testament instructs us how to worship:

    Prayer

Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; (1 Thessalonians 5:18) for God's help; (1 Timothy 5:5) for each other; (James 5:16) for whatever we want to request; (Philippians 4:6) for rulers, officials, and everyone. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

James says we don't get what we want because we don't pray for it. Or if we do pray for it, our request is denied because of our wrong motives. (James 4:2-3) Pray whenever you are sick or in trouble, advises James. (James 5:14)

Prayer was a part of the New Testament church's worship. (Acts 2:42) (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

    Giving

Paul tells us of the collection taken for God's people in the Galatian and Corinthian churches. "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." (1 Corinthians 16:2)

     Reading Scriptures

By the early part of the first century, Jews had established the tradition of reading the Law and Prophets in their synagogue services. Paul told Timothy to devote himself to the "public reading of scriptures, preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:13) Thus the Jewish custom was carried over into church worship.

In Colossians we find Paul instructing the Colossians and the Laodiceans to exchange letters he had written and read both. (Colossians 4:16) And in Thessalonians, he tells the church to read his letter to all the brothers. (1 Thessalonians 5:27) Thereby, what was to become portions of the New Testament was already being read in the church along with the Law and Prophets of the Old Testament.

     Singing

Here are all the New Testament references to hymns, songs, and spiritual songs.

After Jesus and the apostles' Passover meal, "they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (Matthew 26:30 NKJV)

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." (Acts 16:25)

Paul: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

Paul: "I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." (1 Corinthians 14:15)

Paul: "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation." (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Paul encourages us to: "admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

James: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." (James 5:13)

Notice musical instruments, choirs, and solos were not mentioned in church worship. They were later additions not authorized by the scriptures. Historically, the first appearance of instrumental music in church worship was not until the sixth century A.D., and it was not widely accepted until the eighth century.

A number of religious leaders including: John Calvin, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon strongly opposed the use of instrumental music in worship because of its absence in the New Testament.

    Sermons

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." (Acts 20:7) Also see Paul's instruction to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

4. Those miraculous gifts of the early church

Those gifts to the early church Paul lists: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, different tongues and interpretation of tongues were all necessary for the revelation and the confirmation of the unwritten gospel message. When the gospel was completely revealed and confirmed, the purpose for miracles, tongues, healings, and prophecies ceased.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul provides us with this explanation: "As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away." (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

In the original Greek, "perfect" in this verse means "completeness" or "fulfillment." So, those miraculous gifts ended in the early church when the revelation of God's word was complete or fulfilled. That is why you don't see authentic miraculous events in churches today.

5. Other religious practices:

    Fasting

Luke speaks of the Antioch church worshiping the Lord and fasting. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2) In the next chapter we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church [in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch] and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23)

We find no command in the New Testament to fast. However, in Acts chapters 13 and 14 we discover instances in which the early church did fast.

    Foot Washing

"[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5)

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15)

"Washing the feet of the saints" is also one of good deed qualifications Paul lists for widows seeking support from the church. (1 Timothy 5:9-10)

Even so, washing feet is nowhere declared a part of the church's worship service.

    Reciting Creeds

A creed is a compact statement of faith recited by the congregation during the worship service. Creeds, however, are nowhere to be found in the New Testament. No common human creed, no catechism, no confession of faith are authorized in the scriptures. They were all added later.

It's true, the Lord's Prayer is frequently quoted word for word. Did Jesus intend for that prayer to become a creed? Evidently, he did not. Jesus introduced his prayer saying, "Pray, then, in this way." (Matthew 6:9 NRSV) It is general guidance - "Do it in this fashion" rather than, "I want you to repeat every word of this verbatim."

    Alter Calls
    Pleas To "Just Accept Jesus Into Your Heart"
    Repeating "The Sinner's Prayer"

These three practices are found in some modern churches but are nowhere to be found in the Scriptures.

Since Jesus established his church, and the New Testament describes his church, do you think it might be a good idea to follow the biblical example: in church organization? in doctrine? in church worship? Why would Luke, Paul, Peter, James, and John provide us with such extensive details of the original church, if they did not intend for us to follow this pattern?

Which church do you attend? the one Christ established and Paul preached? or a man-made substitute? What's the difference? One follows the Scriptures; the other doesn't.

Jerry Boone, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States webmaster@merechristianity.us Mr. Boone is a sailor, author, and webmaster of http://merechristianity.us with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Georgia State University. His works include: Mere Christianity.us and SAFETY LINE - EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN, an apologetic study published 1998.

Article submitted Tuesday, December 04, 2007 & read 220 times.

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» left by Teresa Ortiz (4 years 67 days ago.)

Hi Jerry, I appreciate your article, it is true, the chruch today has fallen far from where the Lord intended. I agree with just about everything you said. Scripture is clear. Although, I do have one comment. You mentioned that Musical instruments where not mentioned in the new testatment. True, they weren't specifically mentioned, but we do have the old testament as a witness. The Bible says that God never changes. When we read the words "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spritual songs..." we need only go back to the Old Testament. Just about every Psalm was written in tune with musical instruements. Take Psalm 150 for instance, "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His Sanctuary;... Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Hin with clashing cymbals! With all respect, I am not sure how one could conclude that God did not intend to be worshiped using musical instruements. After all, He did put it in His word that this is exactly what we should do! I believe Scripture shows us that this is how the Israelites worshiped and how King David did it. Now, I am not saying the one who chooses not to use them is disobeying God, nor should someone say to the one who is using them that they are not following God's intruction. Each man must be convinced in His own heart. I do believe that Instruments have been abused by the world, but it doesn't mean they are not to be used in the church. The question is how are they used. Does our music sound like the worlds? Well, that is another issue altogether. I don't want to be devisive, so I hope you receive this with as much grace as you would want your message to be received. Lord Bless you, sorry for the short novel. :-)
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» left by (4 years 63 days ago.)
Mack Lyon wrote a very persuasive piece on church music a few months ago. Yes, it is rather lengthly, but it is a vital issue for all Christians who wish to follow the New Testament as our guide for worshiping in truth and spirit. Check it out and see if you agree:

"Christian Worship: that is our message today-- the music of Christian worship. No, we are not studying today about the worship of Buddhism or Islam, not even Judaism of the Old Testament. Although, we must give some time to Old Testament worship because many people reference those Scriptures in an effort to justify mechanical music in Christian worship.

"Well, first, what is Christian worship? It isn't entertainment or amusement or recreation or "fun." It is a fellowship with people of like passions and faith alright, but it isn't just a meeting or social gathering like a Rotary or Lions Club or Ladies Club. It isn't a duty. It isn't a "requirement" God has placed on members of His church. It is a necessity, though, to the Christian's development-- I mean his spiritual growth and well-being in his living the Christian life. For that reason Christians are admonished not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together" as some had already (Hebrews 10:25). The worship assembly of Christians fulfills a spiritual need. We can appreciate it in our busy and rushed life in this 21st-century environment, can’t we, because it is the Christian's time set apart for him to be with God and others who are there for the same purpose?

"From the beginning of man's history on this earth, he has been a worshiping being. And God has prescribed the actions and the places of their worship. In that time (we are going to call it the Patriarchal Age) it was the altar. Animal sacrifices were acceptable and these were the offerings in Genesis chapter 8, verse 20; chapter 12 and verse 8; and other places.

"Of the people that God delivered from Egyptian bondage, He created a nation from whom would be born the Messiah, the Christ-- the Savior of the world. He established a new form of worship for them; and it was the tabernacle worship. The tabernacle was a tent-like structure that they could move about in their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. It had two rooms. In the first was the golden candlestick, the table of shewbread and the altar of incense. And behind that room was the "holy of hollies" wherein was the altar containing the two tables of stone. Well, you can read about all of that in detail in the book of Exodus, chapters 25 through 33. And their worship there consisted of blood sacrifices, burning of incense and the lighting of candles. And, on occasion there is mention of the use of mechanical music in their worship. You can read about that in 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 15; and 2 Chronicles chapter 5 and chapter 7 and chapter 23, and those places. All that was later carried over into their national temple worship. And, every thing in it was a type or a shadow or a figure of something spiritual that was to come in the "new covenant." The new is Christian, and it is better. The book of Hebrews in the New Testament is written to show the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Read it. Read the whole book. It does it well. I have said all that to say this: We can not justify the Christian use of the cornet, flute, harp, psaltery, or our own that we might add to those; our drums and our keyboards and our electric guitars and our tambourines and our trombones and pianos and organs and all of that. We cannot add the use, their use, of those things in the Old Testament to our worship today as Christians any more than we can justify the Christian use of candles and incense, and animal sacrifices of that day because they had them. That would be inconsistent, wouldn't it? What I'm saying is this, friend: It is in the ninth chapter of Hebrews. The first (or the old) covenant "had ordinances of divine service and an earthly tabernacle.” That is verses 1 through 10. But Christ came as a better High Priest of better things, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands-- meaning the church. We are New Testament Christians, friend!

"Now, what does the New Testament teach Christians about the music of their worship? Whatta ya say we look there and see? Let us take a quick look at every passage in the New Testament that references music. (1)When Jesus had instituted the Supper in His memory it is written in Matthew 16:30 that "when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (2) Again in Mark chapter 14, verse 26 it is written, "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (3) Acts chapter 16, verse 25: Paul and Silas were in jail at Philippi, "But at midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." (4) Romans 15:9 the inspired writer, who incidentally, is the apostle to the Gentiles, says to God, "For this reason will I confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name." (5) In 1 Corinthians 14:15 the same inspired man of God addressed some problems that existed in the church there-- and even then it was troublesome to them-- the worshiping assembly of the church. And he said, "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding." (6) Ephesians 5:19 which we read a while ago, "...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." And then the seventh one: Colossians chapter 3, verses 16 and 17: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name [meaning by the authority] of the Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father through Him." And the eighth one: Hebrews chapter 2:12 it is written, "I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly when I sing praise to You." Hebrews 13 and 14 and 15: "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer up the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to Him." The tenth one: James 5:13: "Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

"My friend, that is all the Scriptures say about music in the church age. Two of those, one in Matthew and one in Mark, were actually before the church began on Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, but I included them because the singing referenced in them was associated with the Lord's Supper. And there are three passages in Revelation that I didn't mention (that is chapter 14 verse 2; chapter 15, verse 3; chapter 18, verse 22) which mentions trumpets or harps in heaven. And they are all symbolic, friend. They have to be symbolic because besides being mentioned in symbolic language, if we think of heaven as a place of factories where such will be manufactured and transportation facilities to move them about to different places in heaven; well, we have a mistaken conception of heaven, don’t we?

"Now, I ask, "What kind of music does Jesus Christ, whose name or by whose authority we are to do all these things-- what kind of music does He authorize in His church?” It is as plain as daylight, isn't it? It is a cappella, of course; the fruit of our lips, from the hearts. "A cappella" just simply means, the word means the music of the church. That is the meaning of the very word “a cappella”. The organ, the piano, the drums, the steel guitars, the tambourines, the keyboards-- well, let's just be honest: all that is to draw a crowd, and for their entertainment when they arrive. It is not Christian worship, friend. When God told Noah to build the ark of gopher wood that eliminated every other kind of wood. When God specified "singing from the heart" that eliminated "playing" on instruments!

"Church historians are agreed that no church used an instrument of music in worship for centuries-- at least 400 years, and some say 1,000 years, after the church began on Pentecost in Acts two. Even then it was not without strife and controversy, even division among those churches. Mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship would have been offensive to New Testament disciples-- and to God, too-- because of the common association with pagan idolatrous worship and the rankest forms of immoral living. That is what Ephesians 5:18-19 is all about: "Do not be drunk with wine in which is dissipation." Loud band music and drunkenness and all that was an important part of their lewd and indecent entertainment. And it was also used in their worship of Bacchus, their god of wine. But, in becoming Christians, they had died to all of that-- both in life and worship. And, they had been made "alive to God through Christ" (Romans 6:11). Christians in our time should have done that, also. "Oh, but," we are being told today that, "we are living in a much more sophisticated advanced and enlightened society." Anyway, they were taught (and so are we in the same passage) to speak "to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody [not on drums and steel guitars and tambourines and trombones-- with great-showmanship] but singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.” Shall we pray? Holy Father, we are thankful to You for the instructions You give us in such simple terms and straightforward ways in Your word. Give us the courage and the boldness to abide by Your word and respect Your authority in it. In the lovely name of Jesus, we pray.

"The great reformers were opposed to the use of instruments of music in the worship of Jehovah, also. So were the denominations that were established in the beginning, some of which bear their names to this day. Don’t take my word for it. Go to your religion section of your public library and research it for yourself. It is important to you, friend. Your eternal destiny may depend on it."

"I suppose every one has some measure of appreciation for music-- some more, some less. Some prefer one kind, some another. Much of the youth of America is roused and revved-up or however you want to say it, by rock music and rap music. And some of their parents, even some of their own age are flatly turned off by that. Therefore, the music the church offers to God as worship cannot be determined by personal preferences of one group over the other, or by a majority vote of the congregation. Any choice or determination on that basis will be received by some, and rejected by others. It will please some and offend others. It must be a sincerely determined effort by congregational leadership to "do all in the name of the Lord," as we read awhile ago from Colossians 3:16 and 17. It must be a sincere desire to offer to God worship that pleases Him. Church leadership must be dedicated to doing God's will, then teaching the church what to want to do and for them to be like-minded. Yes, my friend, I am talking about something that will determine your eternal destiny. I believe it with all my heart. And God bless you in your search for the Lord's Way of living and worshiping Him."

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» left by Rabbi Stanley from Canada (4 years 61 days ago.)

so do you keep the sabbat?
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» left by (4 years 61 days ago.)
In the Old Testament, God delivered Israel out of Egyptian. He also gave them a memorial for the deliverance from that bondage. As God's work of creation was completed in six days, He rested on the seventh day, and then He ordained that the seventh day of the week, the Sabbath day, be a day of rest and remembrance for the children of Israel throughout their generations. Deuteronomy is Moses' restatement of the law of God to Israel at Mt. Sinai. However it was never a command to all nations. Consequently, Christians do not keep the Sabbath Day in memory of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery.

Even so, Christians do have a memorial to keep. It's a memorial to our Deliverer out of the bondage of sin. Jesus Christ is our Savior. It's why the disciples "come together" for worship - not on the Sabbath, but on the first day of the week:

"Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight." Acts 20:7

Jesus instituted this simple memorial (a bit of bread and a swallow of the fruit of the vine) in His own memory almost 2,000 years ago.

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:19-20)

Why the first day of the week? Because it is the "Lord's Day". (Revelation 1:10) First, the four Gospels agree that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week: Matthew 28:1-6, Mark 16:1-6, Luke 24:1-6, John 20:1-18. Second, Jesus appeared to his apostles one week later - on the first day of the week. (John 20:19-23) Third, Jesus was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead on the first day of the week. (Romans 1:4) Forth, The Holy Spirit came upon Pentecost, 50 days after the Sabbath of Passover week, thus the first day of the week ushering in the Christian age. (Acts 2:1) Fifth, the first gospel sermon - the good news that Jesus had died for our sins, was buried and raised up on the first day of the week - was preached by Peter on the first day of the week. (Acts 2:22-36) And Sixth, Christ's church was born on the first day of the week. (Acts 2:41-47)

For all these reasons, Christians today still assemble on the first day of the week to break bread and worship God.
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» left by Teresa Ortiz (4 years 61 days ago.)
Hi Jerry, Thanks for the response :-). Very well layed out and thorough. I think were we differ is in the fact that you see the instruments in heaven as symbolic, where as I believe them to be literal. And I agree, some of the music today does not belong in the church, but I do go back to the fact that they were never "outlawed" My relationship and worship to the Father is in response to His holiness and for what He did for me. I am saved by the grace of God through faith and I am complete in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit. I think its dangerous to tell someone their eternal destination depends on whether or not we use instruments. Although I know what you are saying - if we love the Lord we will keep his commandments. So, as I grow and I see new Perspectives I always take them to the Lord in prayer, and to the word of God and see how He would weed things out of my heart. So far, he hasn't told me that my salvation rests on instruments. I know many go to church to be entertained and that is heart breaking, but not all those who use instruments are there to entertain themselves and their walk with God is evident that their worship is true. The book of Hebrews is one of my favorite books. I appreciate your heart for the Lord and your willingness to share. I have studied the early church history. Some of it is sad and some of it is good. God Bless you as you continue to seek Him and share His word with us! Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ. Teresa
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» left by (4 years 60 days ago.)
Hi Teresa,
Please note that the statement: "I am talking about something that will determine your eternal destiny. I believe it with all my heart. " was part of a direct quote from Mack Lyon. Obviously, he believes, and believes very sincerely, that instrumental music is not acceptable worship in the Lord's church.

A practical question is where do we draw the line? The organization of the first century church, the one we read about in the Bible, had three authorized positions: elders, deacons, and preachers or evangelists. Now we see some churches with hierarchies from priest to pope. None of these positions were authorized by the Scriptures. Is that okay?

In doctrine we see a wide variety in church beliefs. Alter calls, pleas to "Just accept Jesus into your heart," repeating "the sinner's prayer" are accepted practices in many churches today. Again, none of these practices are authorized by the Scriptures. When you read the bible, they simply are not in there. Are those practices all right?

Then we turn to music. The New Testament admonishes us to sing hymns, songs, and spiritual songs. Many churches have added instrumental music to their worship: pianos, organs, some even have full orchestras. Once more, none of these additions are authorized by the New Testament Scriptures. Are these additions acceptable?

The problem here is our premise. It's not where do we draw the line, but rather where does Christ draw the line? And he does draw the line. Everything is not acceptable. To the church in Ephesus, Jesus said: "I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." (Revelation 2: 4-5)

The stakes could not be higher - eternal life or eternal punishment. Considering the consequences, our most prudent course is to put aside our personal preferences, our church traditions, and simply follow the New Testament Scriptures as closely as possible in church organization, doctrine, and worship.

Jesus promised his disciples: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. "Consequently, the New Testament is the inspired will of God.

Now, the question is: what music does God want in his church? Even though God required certain musical instruments (harps and psalteries and timbrels and cymbals and trumpets) in Judaic worship (I Chronicles 13 and 8), there is no mention of them in the New Testament church. Isn't it strange, that if God approved of all of that in Christian worship, he is not specific about it as he was in the Old Testament? On the other hand, singing is mentioned on seven occasions.

When God told Noah to make the ark out of gopher wood, he did not need to "outlaw" or tell Noah do not use any other type of wood. Likewise, when the New Testament specified singing or "fruit of the lips" (Hebrews 13:15), he did not need "outlaw" or tell the early church do not add musical instruments to your worship.

And that is our big clue. Just what did the first century church, those closest to Christ and the apostles' teachings, do? They followed the Scriptures and sang without musical instruments in their worship. Oh yes, they did. Check it out for yourself. And their successors did the same for hundreds, maybe up to a thousand years, some scholars say. In fact, the Orthodox Church never did add instruments to their worship.

What changed? Paul said: "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3

Could it be that some churches added instrumental accompaniment, not because they were convinced it was God's will, but merely because their "itching ears" enjoyed instrumental music?

A second clue is: Reformation leaders including John Calvin, and John Wesley sought to reform the apostate church by removing instrumental music from worship because of its absence in the New Testament.

I'm not anyone's judge. That's God's job. I can only point out what the Scriptures say, and historically what the church and reformers have done. Is piano or organ music in worship service an affront to God? I don't know. But I side with John Calvin, John Wesley, and the first century church in saying the most prudent course is to worship a cappella.

Permit me to close with another quote, this one from C.S. Lewis: "All the scriptural imagery (harps, crowns, gold, etc.) is, of course, merely symbolic attempt to express the inexpressible. . . . People who take these symbols literally might as well think when Christ told us to be like doves, He meant that we are to lay eggs."

All the Best,
Jerry

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