Why do we sing as a part of our relationship to God and what is this intended to accomplish?
When God created man, he made them in his own image (Genesis 1:26-28). Since God is a spirit and we are not, as we live on this earth, we generally interpret this to mean we have some of the characteristics of God, just not physical characteristics. People have attempted to list what these characteristics may be, and one that is commonly listed is the ability to make music. The first mention of musical instruments is quite early (Genesis 4:21).
A number of animals make rhythm and sequences of tones that we may consider to be music, but these are generally fixed and determined by the particular breed of animal. Some animals will copy the sounds of others (mockingbird, parrot), and some animal musical calls are quite long and complex (whales), but only people are known to invent their own musical expressions.
In all parts of the world, people have found encouragement, comfort and happiness by singing. Even military groups encourage each other by singing during training and drills.
Music with singing is mentioned through much of the Bible starting with the song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-21). This was a song of celebration. The entire book of Psalms consists of songs of various themes, many written by David, and many intended for musical instrument accompaniment (Psalm 4). Others were intended to be sung while traveling (Psalm 122 – A Song of Ascents, as in traveling the ascending road to Jerusalem). Music was also commonly used in the temple (Isaiah 38:20), but their words lost sincerity as the people drifted away from God’s law (Isaiah 5:11-13; Amos 6:1-8).
When the last of the Israelites were taken to Babylon in captivity, their music greatly changed as they were being corrected for leaving God’s direction (Psalm 137). Because the temple was no longer available as a central place of worship, worship was changed to use many local synagogues, which is also frequently mentioned in the New Testament gospels (Matthew 4:23). Unlike the temple worship, we understand synagogue worship to be simply singing with emphasis on the meaning of the song’s words. Within the New Testament, the worship practices of the early church are generally similar to those used in the Jewish synagogue.
There are a number of places in the New Testament where singing is mentioned, none of which mention the use of instruments.
At the conclusion of the last supper (Matthew 26:26-30).
While Paul and Silas were in prison (Acts 16:22-26).
Instructions for Gentiles or those who are not Jewish (Romans 15:7-9).
As we go through the New Testament, we see the purpose of singing more clearly described.
To give praise to God (Romans 15:7-9).
To speak to one another in song (Ephesians 5:18-21).
To teach and give instruction (admonish) one another (Colossians 3:16-17).
To proclaim God in groups (Hebrews 2:9-12)
We also see an emphasis on singing with the mind or with a meaning or message the mind can understand (I Corinthians 14:15-16)
Part of the historical practice of Church of Christ congregations has been to emulate the practice of the early New Testament church where we understand it and where possible. Thus, we practice singing as it is described in the New Testament without adding instruments since these are not mentioned. Our songs give praise to God, speak to one another, teach, instruct, or proclaim God as the song writer intended. Those who lead singing in worship (I Corinthians 14:26) have a responsibility to choose songs with a message or theme understandable to those assembled. If a song includes words or expressions that are not understood, those not understanding should ask the song leader about the meaning of the words so that all can benefit from it.
Written by Cliff Copass.