QUES . A reader inquires about instrumental music being brought into the meeting room. In our home perhaps it might be different?
ANS. The positive teaching about what is acceptable and pleasing to God in this dispensation is of first importance as to our worship and praise which is the Christian's highest privilege now. Three scriptures clearly give instruction:
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. Acts 17:24, 2524God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; (Acts 17:24‑25).
In worship and praise the Spirit of God in the believer, who in his mind (conscious knowledge) is rejoicing in Christ, gives utterance by mouth to glorify God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is positive, but there are restrictions. Mere flesh can have no part and what men's hands produce has no place. The Scriptures are clear and conclusive and we must abide by them.
In Hebrews it tells us where our present place of worship is.
Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Heb. 13:12-1512Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:12‑15).
Actually then, we now worship in heaven where our great High Priest is. Yet, there is a place on earth connected with our place in heaven where Christ has promised His presence as He says in Heb. 2:1212Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. (Hebrews 2:12), "I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.”
Instrumental music should not be brought into the meeting room. In worship it can only minister to the senses of the flesh and it cannot be and is not acceptable to God.
Our homes are different and in learning to sing more correctly, instrumental music can be a help to us. I believe that God intended that Christians should write their own hymns and spiritual songs and even psalms in their own language. This is according to Eph. 5:1919Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19). This would surely include the suitable music for them.
We must remember that we are under grace and not law. God has not given rules and regulations today and we must not put them there.
It is noteworthy that harps and organs down here began in Cain's city when he had gone out from the presence of the Lord. C. Buchanan