Church Music
Thirty or forty years ago we used to hear a sermon in almost every protracted meeting setting forth the idea that the only kind of music authorized in the New Testament is vocal music. Most members of the body of Christ still refuse to use an instrument in the worship, but I am afraid that it is getting to be a matter of tradition with some, and that they have no real convictions about the matter.
The reason that I have come to this conclusion is that they seem perfectly willing to engage in practices that violate the same principle that is violated by the use of the instrument. The particular practice that I have in mind is the practice of some of our singers in substituting humming for singing on special occasions where they are not satisfied with the effect that is produced by singing alone. This practice seems to be particularly in vogue by our "choruses" when touring the country in interest of our institutions, and by some of our special singers at funerals, weddings, etc. How people can condemn the use of the instrument in the church and at the same time endorse the practice of humming and whistling in the church is beyond my knowledge.
In 1 Cor. 14:15 we have this reading: "I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the understanding also." In this passage Paul was teaching the Corinthians that speaking, praying and singing should all be done in a language that all could understand in order that all might be edified. Now how much better is humming, or whistling than singing in an unknown tongue? Does humming or whistling a tune edify more than singing in a language that the hearers do not understand? There is just as much scripture for using a mechanical instrument in the song service, as there is for humming and whistling.
In Ephesians 5:19 we read: "Speaking one to another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with all your heart unto the Lord." In this verse we are commanded to "speak" to one another in songs; humming and whistling is not speaking anymore than playing on a piano is speaking. It also commands us to sing. Singing requires the use of words, and it must be in a language that can be understood.
Col. 3:16 reads: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord." This passage teaches us that we should (1) teach (2) admonish one another (3) sing with grace in our hearts unto God. These are all specific terms, and to add humming, whistling, or instrumental music is to go beyond the word of God. "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ hath not God." (2 John 9)