Can we use musical instruments in church?

TL;DR:

The Bible neither commands nor forbids musical instruments in church, though the Old Testament shows they were used in worship. While some oppose instruments due to their absence in the New Testament, instruments can be used to glorify God and enhance worship.

what does the bible say?

The Bible does not command or forbid the use of musical instruments in church. The Jews used instruments to praise God, so it is clear that using instruments is not a sin in and of itself (1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 29:26-27; Isaiah 38:20; Habakkuk 3:19). The New Testament mentions singing in worship but does not reference instruments, leading some churches to believe they should not be used (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13). Although historically, many opposed instruments in worship, this was done from an argument of silence not because of a clear instruction from the Bible. Organs became common in churches by the thirteenth century, and today, many churches use instruments in their worship of God. Ultimately, Christians’ freedom in Christ permits the use of instruments in worship services as long as they’re used to glorify God and enhance worship without becoming a distraction.

from the old testament

The Jews used instruments widely in their praise of God (1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 29:26-27; Isaiah 38:20; Habakkuk 3:19).
The Psalms show that the people worshiped God with instruments, as seen in passages like Psalm 33:2, Psalm 57:8, Psalm 81:2, and Psalm 150:3-5, which call for praise with harps, lyres, trumpets, tambourines, and cymbals.

from the new testament

Several New Testament verses describe believers singing, but they all seem to be unaccompanied by instruments (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13).

implications for today

The New Testament does not mention instrument use in church. Many churches today still cite the lack of instruments in the New Testament as "proof" that Jesus doesn't want accompanied singing. Gradually, most churches realized that the New Testament’s silence about musical instruments doesn’t equate to a ban on them. Organs started appearing in some churches in the seventh century and were a staple by the thirteenth century. Still, many respected theologians, including John Calvin, John Wesley, Martin Luther, and Charles Spurgeon, disapproved of instruments in services, and the Greek Orthodox Church still does not use instruments.

Churches who believe instruments should not be used point to several scriptures in the New Testament that mention singing without instruments, but there is no specific edict against instruments in church. As with any tool, instruments use should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), help others in worshiping God, without distracting from that worship. The early church may have been prudent to reject a worship tool that was identified with idolatry, but we should use our freedom in Christ responsibly and worship as the Holy Spirit leads us to. If instruments add value to the church service, we should feel free to use them.

understand

The Bible neither commands nor forbids instruments in worship.
The Old Testament affirms their use, while the New Testament is silent.
Instruments should glorify God and enhance worship without distraction.

reflect

How do musical instruments impact your worship experience, and do they help you focus on God?
If your church’s practice differs from your personal preference on instruments in worship, how do you respond?
How can you ensure that music, whether accompanied or not, remains centered on glorifying God rather than personal preference?

engage

Why do some churches refrain from using instruments, and how should we respond to different worship traditions?
How does the Old Testament’s use of instruments in worship inform our understanding of New Testament church practices?
What principles should guide a church in deciding whether or not to use musical instruments in worship?