An Application of Apostolic Authority to the Instrumental Music Issue

by John Parker

Obedience to God brings blessings, disobedieoce brings punishment

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

26"Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known."

Christians are to obey fully, immediately, and specifically

Matthew 28:20

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Genesis 6:22

Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

Christians are to obey according to the apostles' authority

Matthew 18: "Assuredly, I say to you [the apostles], whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Acts 2:42

2 And they [the early church] continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

2 John 1:9

9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

Adding to or taking from God's word is sinful.

Revelation 22:18

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

Specific acts of worship authorized by apostles:

Observe the Lord's supper ( 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Pray ( 1 Timothy 2:8)

Give ( 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

Read and preach God's word ( Acts 20:7; 1 Timothy 4:13)

Sing ( Ephesians 5:19)

Adding to one of these is sinful:

Adding to elements of Lord's supper, or observing it on Tuesday

Adding buming incense to prayer

Adding a business to giving

Adding teaching American political doctrine to teaching God's word

Adding instrumental music to singing

Colossians 3:16-17

16 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. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

• The Authority of Christ's Apostles -Jul 18, 1999
• "Hiccup" Preaching -Mar 22, 1998
• Non-negotiable Doctrines -Feb 27, 1994
• Does the New Testament Authorize the Use of Instrumental Music in Worship? -Dec 05, 1991
• Scriptual Singing -Oct 21, 1990