Is Contemporary Christian Music a sin?

In the Bible we are told how we should worship God. In the Old Testament we see instruments used in worship (2 Chronicles 29:27-28; Psalms 150) but when we come to the New Testament we can not find one single reference to instruments in worship. Church history shows us that instruments were first introduced into worship in 670 by Pope Vitalian and it was rejected. It was not until the 1600's that wide acceptance of instruments in worship were accepted. I do not believe that we have any authority from the Bible that instruments should be used in worship to God. The Bible is silent as far as listening to music for entertainment purposes that has Christian lyrics and instruments. I see no problem with contemporary Christian music outside of worship. We should be careful not to give people the wrong impression that we believe that it is acceptable in worship to God, but there is nothing wrong with listening or playing it for our enjoyment.

WITH WHAT KIND OF MUSIC CAN WE WORSHIP GOD?

When it comes to worshiping God with music we find only one type of music authorized by the New Testament. In the Christian age we are governed by the New Testament and not by the laws of Patriarchy or Moses. Mechanical instruments of music were never used in worship to God even in the Old Testament era until David initiated such, and even that was not approved by God but tolerated. In Amos 5:23 and 6:5 the prophet mentions several things meeting the disapproval of God, one of which is chanting to the sound of the viol and inventing unto themselves instruments of music like David. So while God allowed it he never approved the same. So, why did God allow man to get by with something He did not endorse or command? Paul explains to the Athenians in Acts 17:30 that in "the times of ignorance God winked at (overlooked or tolerated), but now commandeth all men every where to repent."

When Paul addressed the subject in the New Testament he said, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Again in Colossians 3:16 the apostle says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Thus we see that rather than using the generic term music which would allow any type of mechanical instrument of music he uses the specific term "singing" which eliminates any other form of music in worship.

When are we to worship God?

When are we to worship God? Christians may worship God at anytime they desire as far as private worship is concerned. Public worship services may be held anytime the elders or bishops schedule such, however, there is one worship time that is prescribed by God, and no man or group of men has the authority to set aside. Following Christ’s resurrection and his ascension into heaven the early Christians met upon the first day of the week (Sunday) or the Lord’s day as it is referred to in Revelation 1:10. In Acts 20:7 we note that the saints met on the first day of the week. In 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 the first day of the week is also referred to as the time of assembling together for worship. In Hebrews 10:25 Christians are warned abut forsaking the assembly of the saints. Unless circumstances beyond our control prevent our assembling with the saints on the Lord’s day, it is imperative that the Christian be present for worship. However, it should never be considered a duty but a privilege to be able to worship Him from whom all blessings flow.