As we continue to consider the idea of corporate (collective) worship in an assembly, I would like to direct our minds to the topic of singing. Several truths are to be considered in this simple article.
The practice of musical worship to God is authorized, but in some ways limited. In other words, God allows (actually demands) we worship Him with song, but He specifies clearly the way in which we are to do it. There are many choices with regard to songs in worship, and sometimes God does not specify His limiting desire in any particular aspect. When this happens we are given choice. However, when God chooses we are to abide by His choice rather than substituting our own. This is a simple principle. Jesus said that in His kingdom, “true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23).
So lets consider a few things that God chose, or left the choice up to us.
First, God chose the type of songs we are to sing. Paul wrote, “…but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-19). So, the types of songs that God specifies are psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. These categories are well known to all, and easy to explain. A psalm has reference to the psalms that are contained in the book of Psalms, many of which were written by David. In effect, the early church had a song book that had been compiled centuries before. They contain praise to God, personal devotions, and words of commitment to the Almighty. In our own song books we have put many of these Old Testament psalms to music.
The word hymns comes from the Greek humnos, and denotes a religious “ode.” It means a song of celebration or praise. Our hymns are directed to God. We praise Him and His Son as the angels in heaven do at His throne, “And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.’” (Revelation 5:9-10).
Finally, spiritual songs are just that, spiritual not secular. The word means non-carnal, religious. While we might like country music, rock and roll, or even patriotic music, these have no place in an assembly worshipping God.
God has given us some choice with regard to the style of song. Upbeat or slow. Unison or harmony. One verse or four verses. God did not specify. There are of course some limitations. All singing is to be orderly (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:40). Whether it be an ancient tune, one from the Renaissance, or of modern origin, the sentiments must be true to God’s word. Not all can hold a tune, but all can take part in edification, which is the primary purpose of our “speaking to one another.” When we speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), we grow each other in the way of the Lord.
God has specified the type of music. It is to be singing, not instrumental. Instrumental music is a different type of music than simple singing. It was practiced in the Old Testament (David played a harp, cf. 1 Samuel 16:23). However, in Christian worship mechanical instruments of music are never mentioned. We are told to sing. This is not surprising, as Paul noted a main purpose of our musical worship is tied to the message of the song. What is vocalized. The only command we have to “play” is to make “melody in your heart to the Lord.” Our instrument is our heart, not an organ, a harp, a guitar, a harmonica or a drum kit. There is no edification to be found in such soulless noise makers. It comes when our hearts are plucked by our praise to God! “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13). I know this truth seems foreign to many. But, our purpose in such worship is to please God, not ourselves.
God has given us a choice as to when to sing, as well as where and with who. Passages like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” show that God intended us to come together to encourage and edify one another in song. However, we can sing anytime, as indicated by the text in James 5:13. Paul and Silas were in the inner prison in Philippi having been beaten “with rods” and had their feet fastened in the stocks. We are told in Acts 16:25, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Such a testimony of their faith to their God!
Personally I find singing songs of praise to God one of the great joys of our faith. It is because of our opportunity to offer our praise to Him. It is because of the uplifting nature of the poetry and melody. Truly “Music has Charms to soothe a savage breast!” One of the great joys in my life is seeing my sons excel at song leading. I thrill to the beautiful harmony of my children, and now my grandchildren. (The boys may need a little work, but the girls are all songbirds!) When brethren come together from other congregations for a special night of singing I am truly edified by my time with them. Our own special times of singing in our congregation are always an encouragement to me. Though my voice is not what it once was (and it was never something to write home about), I plan to raise my voice with my brethren to my dying breath.
Most importantly, God is worthy of our praise and devotion. It is a sweet aroma to Him. Heed your obligation!
