Topical Bible: Music in Church

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Introduction

Music has played a significant role in the worship and liturgical practices of the Christian church since its inception. Rooted in the traditions of the Old Testament and developed through the New Testament and early church history, music in church serves as a means of glorifying God, edifying believers, and proclaiming the truths of the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundations

The use of music in worship is well-documented in the Bible. In the Old Testament, music was integral to the worship practices of Israel. King David, a skilled musician himself, appointed Levites to minister with music before the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 16:4-6). The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, are replete with references to singing and musical instruments. Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals."

In the New Testament, music continues to hold a place of importance. The Apostle Paul encourages the Colossians, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16). Similarly, Ephesians 5:19 instructs believers to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord."

Historical Development

Throughout church history, music has evolved in style and form, reflecting cultural and theological shifts. The early church adopted the psalms and hymns of the Jewish tradition, and by the fourth century, the development of plainchant, or Gregorian chant, became prominent in the liturgical life of the church. The Reformation brought about significant changes, with reformers like Martin Luther advocating for congregational singing and the use of vernacular languages in hymns.

The Great Awakening and subsequent revivals in the 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of gospel music and hymnody, which emphasized personal conversion and heartfelt expression. In the 20th century, contemporary Christian music emerged, incorporating modern musical styles and instruments, further diversifying the musical landscape of the church.

Theological Significance

Music in church serves several theological purposes. It is a means of worship, allowing believers to express adoration and reverence for God. Music also functions as a tool for teaching and reinforcing doctrine, as many hymns and songs are rich in theological content. Additionally, music fosters unity within the congregation, as believers join together in a shared expression of faith.

The Apostle Paul highlights the edifying role of music in 1 Corinthians 14:26 , stating, "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church." This underscores the importance of music in strengthening and encouraging the body of Christ.

Contemporary Practice

Today, music in church varies widely across denominations and cultural contexts. Traditional hymns, contemporary worship songs, and liturgical chants coexist, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Christian worship. While styles may differ, the core purpose remains the same: to glorify God and edify the church.

Churches often employ a variety of musical instruments, from organs and pianos to guitars and drums, reflecting the diverse expressions of worship found within the global church. Choirs, worship bands, and soloists all play a role in leading congregations in musical worship, facilitating an environment where believers can encounter God through song.

Conclusion

Music in church continues to be a vital aspect of Christian worship, deeply rooted in biblical tradition and historical development. It serves as a powerful medium for expressing faith, teaching doctrine, and fostering community among believers.

Topical Bible Verses

Colossians 3:16
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.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 33:2
Praise the LORD with harp: sing to him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
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Hebrews 2:12
Saying, I will declare your name to my brothers, in the middle of the church will I sing praise to you.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Church Music
... Church Music. It has been said that [118]Nicolai's hymns owed some of their
popularity to the noble chorales he composed for them ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/church music.htm

Ambrosian Church Music
... Ambrosian Church Music. This style of music ... independence of the Church. Here, however,
we are only concerned with his influence on Church music. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/ambrosian church music.htm

Gregorian Church Music
... Gregorian Church Music. It was natural, therefore, that from this period
onwards, as the hierarchical element in the Church gained ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/gregorian church music.htm

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... CANON 46 Of the Music of the Church. It shall be the duty of every Minister
to appoint for use in his Congregation hymns or anthems ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/title page.htm

Music (Christmas Day. )
... is, and rejoice before the Lord this day with psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs
(by which last I think the apostle means not merely church music"for that ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvii music christmas day.htm

The Church in Theology and Literature.
... One topic under this title of Liturgics requires special mention"the use
of music in the church. It was not till the early part ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xxi the church in.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... And mark how the music of the church is set to the same tune as that of heaven and
earth""Greet God, thou art to be magnified." Is not this the unanimous ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ...
... eminent of the ancient fathers describes the music of the flutes, sackbuts, and
psalteries of the temple worship as only befitting the childhood of the Church. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the worship of.htm

Branches of Church History.
... history of Worship, or divine service, by which the church celebrates, revives ... rites
and ceremonies, and of religious art, particularly sacred poetry and music. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 2 branches of church.htm

Plymouth Services
... the Plymouth Collection. This long held its place at the head of church
hymnals and really worked a revolution in church music. ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/plymouth services.htm