Doctrine of Music

In the Beginning…

Music as Divine thru Creation

In Job 38:4-7, God reveals something remarkable about the impact of music responding to the creation of the world:

“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth…when the morning stars sang together and the sons of God shouted for joy?’

Job 28:4-7 takes us back before Adam and Eve, before any human existed. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, music existed. Initially, music was for the reverent praise expressions of the angelic––the morning starts and the sons of God––toward God. After the creation of man, God chose to share music with all humanity: to sing praises that glorify God and celebrate His magnificent works.

Music as Sinful thru Self-Aggrandizement

Eze. 28:13 describes Lucifer before his fall:

“You have been in Eden, the garden of God…[and] the workmanship of your tabrets and of your pipes were prepared in you on the day that you were created.”

Lucifer is believed to have been the main choir director of the angelic hosts in Job 38. God created him with built-in instruments––tabrets (percussion) and pipes (wind instruments). His workmanship was beautiful, and his music was a highlight of his being as he praised God. This wasn’t enough for Lucifer. Pride caused him to fall away from God, and instead of using his musical gifts to worship God, he began using them to worship himself and draw followers toward him.

Historical Contexts for the Biblical Use of Music

Early Biblical History

Following the removal of Adam and Eve from the Garden, instruments and songs become central to biblical communities. In Gen. 4:21, Jubal is introduced as “the father of all who play the harp and flute.” Such a Scriptural mention implies that music was interwoven into the human experience from the earliest generations.

Old Testament Music as Worship and Celebration for Salvation

The Old Testament portrays music as a primary vehicle for praise meant for God. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Moses and the people sang praise, as recorded in Exo. 15:1-2:

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spoke, saying, ‘I will sing unto the Lord for He hath triumphed gloriously…the Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation.’”

The theme of celebratory praise and thanksgiving is further echoed in passages like 2 Ch. 5:13––“…the trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice”––which underscores the unity and power of corporate praise when the music is intended to please God.

Biblical Principle: Music should always celebrate salvation and God’s redemptive work.

Music as a New Song

The Psalms––the book of the Bible with the most chapters (150)––is filled with expressions of praise that occur alongside the use of music. In fact, David’s life models the various ways believers should utilize music.

“Sing unto Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise” (Psa. 33:3).

“And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praised unto our God” (Psalm. 40:3).

Biblical Principle: Psa. 149 teaches a new song is a powerful form of “praise in the assembly of His faithful people” (v. 1). It causes the body of believers to “rejoice in their Maker, [and find such] gladness in their King” (v.2) that delight pours forth from God toward His people (v. 3).

“May the praise of God be [forever] in [our] mouths…” (Psalm. 149:6) and “show forth His salvation” (Psa. 96:2).

The Role of Musical Instruments in the Old Testament

Old Testament worship involved various instruments (harps, lyres, trumpets, flutes, tambourines, cymbals), demonstrating a broad acceptance of instrumental accompaniment (1 Ch. 16:42; Psa. 150). Historical and archaeological evidence––such as the discovery of ancient harp-like instruments in Israel––confirms the widespread use of strings and wind instruments for both sacred and communal events.

“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with the strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals” (Psa. 150:3-5).

Biblical Principle: Divine music may have diverse instrumentation that comes together to underscore the comprehensive nature of worship ‘as one.’

Music as Lament and Reflection

Scripture highlights the use of music in times of lament, sorrow, and reflection. The people of Israel used music not only to celebrate God’s victories, but also to grieve and repent before God (see Lamentations). The Psalms frequently move from lament to trust in God (Psa. 42; 43), reflecting the multifaceted role music plays in bringing hearts before the Divine––whether in joy or in brokenness.

Instruction and Teaching Through Music

Throughout the Bible, music is a means for teaching and remembering God’s precepts. Deu. 31:19 records God instructing Moses to write down a song so that “it will serve as a witness.” The idea here is the use of music to help communities remember important truths taught at the moment, and retain those truths across generations.

Music in New Testament Christian Gatherings

In the New Testament era, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luk. 15:24-25) reflects upon the principle of utilizing music in community to celebrate salvation and God’s redemptive work:

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry…he heard music and dancing.”

Gatherings of believers incorporated singing to “…speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…[to] sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). Such musical practices were a means for believers to edify one another in Truth.

“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” (Col. 3:16).

Biblical Principle: Divine music should serve instructive, community-building, and worship-centered functions that draw us closer to God, and inevitably move us toward the actions of worship (e.g., obedience).

The Role of Musical Instruments in the New Testament

In the New Testament, though less detail is provided regarding specific instruments, the principle of joyful expression and praise remains, indicating a continuity of instrumental forms of praise joining voices in one accord. The prevailing issue in the NT is not the use of instruments, but the heart and intentions of those using the instruments––whether serving the glory of the Lord or the glory of self.

Music and the Heart’s Posture

Scriptural teaching consistently emphasizes the heart’s condition when offering music to God. Even as instruments varied and musical forms developed, the imperative remained the same––music accomplishes little if divorced from genuine humble devotion to a God of salvation and redemption:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in your 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” (Col. 3:16).

Biblical Principle: Scriptures reveal that God delights not merely in the sound of music, but in the inward praise and adoration toward God that prompts music to be utilized. Yet, it also teaches that a heart that sings without the sanctifying fruit of grace is of no worth to serve believers or self.

Eternal Perspective of Music

Rev. 5:8-9 presents a vivid glimpse of heavenly praise, where “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb… And they sang a new song.” The biblical narrative culminates in eternal praise, illustrating music’s function not only for earthly edification, but also for perpetual adoration in God’s presence.

the Redemption of Music

Creation in God’s Image

God created man—male and female (Gen. 1:27)—in His own image (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6) as the crown of creation and the object of his special care (Psa. 8:4-8). God directly created Adam from the dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7), and Eve from a rib he had taken out of Adam (Gen. 2:22), to become the parents of all mankind (1 Cor. 15:22, 45-49). Together, as man and woman, they were created to know and glorify God by trusting in his goodness and obeying his Word (Gen. 2:16-17; Ecc. 3:11; Isa. 43:7; Rom. 1:19-21). God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all creation, to fill, subdue, and steward the earth as His representatives (Gen. 1:26, 28). And, all mankind that followed were likewise created in the image of God (Gen. 9:6; Jas. 3:9).

The Origin of Sin

God originally created man and woman innocent and righteous, without stain or corruption (Gen. 1:27, 31; Ecc. 7:29). In this state, Adam and Eve enjoyed a fullness of life in communion with God, delighting in Him and His righteous will, yet capable of transgressing (Gen. 2:7-9), 15-17). Despite these privileges, they were led astray by Satan (Gen. 3:13; 2 Co. 11:3), willfully sinning against their Creator by doing what he had forbidden (e.g., eating from the fruit of the tree of life; Gen. 3:6-7). In their act of sin, they doubted God’s character, rejected His authority, and disobeyed His word (Gen. 2:17, 3:1-6). This action (e.g, trespass, rejection, rebellion) of God’s command (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 5:18-19) brought about enmity (e.g., the quality of being an enemy; hostile or unfriendly disposition) with God (Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 5:12) and the curse of death (Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 5:12). Why? God had established Adam as the representative head of the human race (Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Co. 15:22, 49), and his sin was imputed upon all mankind—his descendants—bringing guilt, condemnation, and death to humanity (1 Co. 15:21-22; Rom. 5:12-18). As a result, mankind is born corrupt (Gen. 6:5; Job 14:4, 15:14; Jer. 17:9; Eph. 2:3), and inclined toward sin in thoughts and deeds from conception (Gen. 8:21; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 3:23).

The Effects of Sin

Adam’s sin led to the corruption of humanity (Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:3), which is the foundation of why we sin (Psalm. 14:3, 51:1-5, 58:3; Jas. 1:14; Mat. 15:19). The imputed sin made mankind enemies of God (Eph. 2:3; Rom. 5:10, 8:7), living under the power of Satan (Jhn. 8:44; Act. 26:18; 2 Ti. 2″26; 2 Co. 4:4; i Jn. 5:19; Eph. 2:2), subject to the curse of the law (Gal. 3:10; Rom. 4:15; Deu. 28:45), and deserving of eternal punishment (Dan. 12:2; Mat. 25:46; Rom. 1:32, 6:23; Rev. 20:14-15). Moreover, the very nature of all mankind that followed after Adam was corrupted, and there no part of our being that is untainted by sin (Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3:10-18, 7:8; Eph. 2:3; Jer. 17:9). And, while humanity remains a creation in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 9:6; Jas. 3:9), and we manifest the virtues of common grace, we are no longer capable of pleasing God (Rom. 8:8; Heb. 11:6), meriting His favor (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16), or freeing ourselves from a bondage to sin (Jhn. 8:34; Eph. 2:1-2). Our hearts are hardened (Eph. 4:18; Mat. 13:15), our understanding is darkened (Rom. 1:18-23, 28; Eph. 4:8),our conscience is corrupt (Tit. 1:15; 1 Ti. 4:2), our spiritual sight is blinded (2 Co. 4:4; Jhn. 9:39; Rom. 11:8), and our deeds are evil (Isa. 64:6; Jhn. 3:19; Col. 1:21). All humanity, therefore, are dead in sin and without hope apart from salvation by faith in and through Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:12-13).

The curse of Adam’s sin not only corrupted mankind, but also all that came forth by the Word of God during the 6 days of His scripturally documented creative works (Gen. 1:1-2:1-3). As such, the world and its inhabitants are subject to futility, decay, and death (Gen. 3:14-19; Rom. 8:19-25). Both the cursed creation and moral evil produce calamity, suffering, hostility, and injustice in the world (Ecc. 4:1; Mat. 24:7; Jhn. 16:33; Tit. 3:3). The groaning of the created order reminds us of our fallenness and causes us to long for the redemption of all things under Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:22-23; 1 Co. 15:24-25; Heb. 2:8; Rev. 21:4).

Redemption from Adam’s Fall

Despite the sin-filled effects of the fall on humanity (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1, 4:8; Col. 1:21), all mankind remains God’s creation and image bearers, capable of fellowship with Him, and possessing intrinsic dignity and value at every stage of life from conception to death (Psa. 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5; Rom. 14:8; Jas. 3:9).

The gospel stands as the core message of the Bible, which in all its parts testifies to God’s saving acts culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Luk. 24:44-48; Jhn. 5:39; 1 Pe. 1:10-12). The reality of the gospel is, therefore, “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” in Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16), providing hope for the lost (Mat. 4:16; Act. 4:12; Rom. 1:16), and abiding comfort and strength for the believer (Rom. 5:1-5, 8:31-39; 2 Co. 1:3-5). There is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ, for there is no other Name given under heaven by which we must be saved (Act. 4:12).

Effectual Calling, Regeneration, and Conversion

God commands the gospel to be proclaimed to all people everywhere (Mat. 28:19-20); Luk. 24:47; Act. 17:30; Rom. 10:14-17, 15:20) knowing all people are spiritually dead and unable to respond to this saving news (Jhn. 6:44; Eph. 2:1-3; Col. 2:13). Yet, through the proclamation of the gospel, the Holy Spirit regenerates those God elects to respond to the gospel. Their divine recognition of needing a Savior brings them into a living union with Christ, bestows upon them new spiritual life (Jhn. 3:5-6, 8, 6:63; 2 Co. 3:6; Rom. 10:14-17; Tit. 3:5), opens their eyes to see God’s glory in Christ (Jhn. 16:13-14; 2 Co. 3:16-18, 4:4, 6), and enables them to respond to the gospel in faith and repentance (Eph. 2:8-9); Phil. 1:29).

So, it is God that graciously and effectually calls to Himself those He chooses to save in and through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:30; 1 Co. 1:24; Eph. 4:4), and is the source of a renewed heart and mind towards God (Rom. 1:22; 1 Co. 2:16; Eph. 4:23). The result is the personal reception of Christ as Lord and Savior, learning to rely fully upon Him for salvation, turning from a sinful, self-seeking way of life, and turning toward His love, following Christ in joyful obedience (1 Th. 1:9). And, it is these He deems worthy of His kingdom and eternal salvation (Act. 4:12; Col. 1:23). Such a response is never the result of the will of mankind. It is a response to the gift of God’s merciful grace, ensuring that He alone receives the glory for our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:29; 1 Co. 1:26-29).

Justification and Adoption

In their union with Christ, believers freely receive all the benefits of the gospel (Eph. 1:3). Those whom God effectually calls to Himself, He justifies in Christ Rom. 8:29-30), He forgives all of their sins (Rom. 4:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 8:12), and He declares them righteous and acceptable in His sight (Rom. 3:26, 5:19; 2 Co. 5:21). This declaration is judicial—addressing not our nature but our status with regard to God’s law (Act. 13:39; Rom. 3:26, 8:1-1)—it is definitive, being neither gradually gained nor able to be lost (Rom. 3:28, 4:6)—and, it is gracious, a free gift of God’s righteousness based on nothing worked in us or by us, yet received freely by faith (Rom. 3:22-26, 5:15-17; 1 Cor. 1:29; Eph. 2:8-9). From this moment forward, the sole ground of our justification becomes the righteousness of Christ, whose life of perfect obedience is imputed to us and whose substitutionary death on our behalf completely satisfies the demands of God’s justice toward our sins (Rom. 3:22-26; 1 Co. 1:29; 2 Co. 5:21; Eph. 2:8-9). And, those whom God justifies, He adopts into His family, granting them the full status, rights, and privileges of beloved sons (Rom. 8:15, 23; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:1-2). As God’s children, we receive His name (Num. 6:27; Dec. 28:10; 2 Ch. 7:14; Act. 11:26; 2 Ti. 2:19; 1 Pe. 4:14, 16; cf. Mat. 28:19), enjoy access into His presence (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 1:18), experience His care and discipline (Heb. 12:5-11), and eagerly await the glorious inheritance He promises His own (Rom. 8:23-26; 1 Pe. 1:3-5).

Sanctification, Perseverance, and Glorification.

As the all-sufficient Savior, Christ also sanctifies His people, cleansing them from the impurity of sin and setting them apart for God and His service (1 Co. 1:30; Eph. 5:25-26; Heb. 10:10, 14). The renewing work of the Holy Spirit breaks believer’s bondage to sin and Satan, and raises them to new life, enabling believers to put sin to death and grow in likeness to Christ (Rom. 6:6-7, 18, 7:6, 8:12-13; Gal. 5:1). Sanctification is, therefore, both a definitive act of God (Heb. 10:10, 14) and a progressive work of the Spirit (2 Co. 7:1; Phi. 2:12; 1 Ti. 6:11; 2 Ti. 2:22; Heb. 12:14). Believers MUST persevere in faith and obedience in order to be saved (Mat. 1:22, 24:13; Mar. 13:13; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:14). Yet, this perseverance is also a gift of God in Christ, who preserves his own and keeps them safe forever (Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Co. 1:8; 1 Th. 3:13; 1 Pe. 1:5; Jud. 24. And, it is the ultimate goal of sanctification to be transformed into full conformity with Christ’s image. This conformity will finally come when believers are raised physically with Christ in glory, freed from sin, and exulting in the presence of God forever (Rom. 8:29; 2 Co. 3:18; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).

So it is with all creative acts that originate with mankind and utilize the gift of music. Even though Lucifer (e.g., Satan) corrupted the musical gifts God gave him––and, the sin of Adam corrupted the creative efforts of mankind––God will ultimately restore humanity through redemption that comes from faith in Jesus Christ. What follows will be a progressive restoration to our true, intended and created form as male and female, man and woman, and the image of God found in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).

the Restoration of Music as Divine

As for music, Rev. 14:2-3 and 15:2-3 show us the same redemption––music returned to its original purpose of praising God around His throne.

Scriptural Principles for Music

The Divine Nature of Music

Music is a gift from God. “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music” (Martin Luther).

Music is not inherently good or evil. We must agree that music was created by God, and intended to praise God. That said, music as language or instruments or voices (or, combined) can be used for good or evil. Yet, just because Satan (e.g., Lucifer) may be associated with music (Eze. 28:11-19) does not mean that all music is evil.

Not all music is acceptable in God’s worship and service. Scripturally, we must agree that God is very particular about how He is to worshipped. “Take thou away from Me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols” (Amos 5:23).

Music offered to God should be led by those who are skilled. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who were skilled in music:

1. David. One of the most prominent figures associated with music in the Bible is King David. Before becoming king, David was known for his skillful harp playing, which brought relief to King Saul when he was tormented by an evil spirit. “Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (1 Sa. 16:23). David’s musical abilities were not only therapeutic but also an integral part of his worship and leadership.
2. The Levites. The Levites were appointed as musicians in the temple, demonstrating the importance of trained musicians in worship. “David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments: harps, lyres, and cymbals” (1 Ch. 15:16). This organized approach to music in worship underscores the value placed on skill and training.
3. Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. These men were leaders among the temple musicians and were noted for their musical expertise. “They were under the supervision of their father for the music of the house of the LORD, with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God” (1 Ch. 25:6). Their dedication to music was a vital part of the temple service.

Scripture also is specific about the principles of musical training, including instructions and encouragement for the development of musical talents:

1. Dedication and Excellence. The Bible encourages believers to pursue excellence in all endeavors, including music. Col. 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” This principle applies to the development of musical skills, urging musicians to hone their talents for the glory of God.
2. Use of Gifts for Worship. Musical abilities are seen as gifts from God, intended for His worship and the edification of the ‘believer community. Psa. 33:3 exhorts, “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” This verse highlights the importance of skillful music in worship, encouraging musicians to develop their talents for divine purposes, and not self-aggrandizement.
3. Teaching and Mentorship. The Bible also emphasizes the role of teaching and mentorship in the development of musical skills. In 1 Ch. 25:8, the musicians were organized by “young and old alike, teacher as well as student.” This structure suggests a model of learning and growth, where experienced musicians pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

High quality music is not inherently spiritual. Quality is subjective and not always the best indicator of the value of music.

Divine music should be utilized to worship personally and corporately. Music in the Bible is not only a personal expression, but also a communal activity that unites believers in worship. Eph. 5:19 encourages, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord.” This communal aspect of music fosters unity and spiritual growth within the body of Christ through:

• Heart Attitude. Music should be engaged and employed solely for the glory of God, reflecting sincerity and gratitude. No aspect of the music we sing or instrumentally performed should reflect or encourage self-aggrandizement, thereby relieving music of its divine power and intent.

• Edification. Music that serves God should teach and encourage one another through lyrics and musical expressions anchored in spiritual Truth.

• Diversity of Expression. All styles of musical psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs can be scripturally valid if they align with biblical principles of humility and gratitude before God.

• Reverence. While joyous songs of praise are biblically endorsed, reverence and awe toward God and His love for us through Jesus Christ must guide choices of musical content, settings, and heart attitude for the edification of God alone.

The Divine Use of Music

The Transparency of Music, the Word, and Worship

Music should not distract from worship. Music can be a great support or enhancement to our worship (e.g., obedience), but once it draws attention to the individual(s) that are leading or participating in musical expression, it is both a distraction and temptation of self-aggrandizement to the community at large.

Music should be free from worldly associations. It should not mimic or embrace the musical or contextual practices of the world. It should be Spirit-led, seeking no personal gain but the pleasure of the Father through Jesus Christ.

The primary instrument for worship is the human voice. Early church music typically limited or forbade the use of instruments as they were deemed a distraction from the personal worship of believers with their own voices. Our approach today should be no different. Neither a voice, nor a musical phrase, nor an instrument should raise itself above the needs of those music should serve–the personal expressions of those in the community of believers. It is better that one lay down their abilities in a state of humility than to distract from the solemn acts of worship through music.

Instruments should support and not overpower singing. The practical reason for the use of instruments in almost every scriptural era was to enhance the singing, not raise up the instrumentalist.

Music should be sung in ‘one voice’ with united participation. Every believer, regardless of age or skill, should be able to join their voices in God’s praise. Music leaders, then, must ensure their skills do not outweigh the need. There is a place to utilize the fullness of your musical skillset toward God, but that is for when you are alone. Learn the practice of personal reverence and edification that humbly serves God through the needs of those among the community of believers.

Music is a spiritual endeavor that requires spiritual people to produce it. The foremost requirement of divine music is not musical skill, but humble, contrite faithfulness to God.

Music must present and support sound doctrine. Everything that you do in music should align with God, His character, and His Truth. The songs you intend to bring forth from every believers heart should, therefore, reflect the Truth of God found in Jesus Christ. Songs with no, little, or faulty doctrine should be discarded.

Music was intended to be a communal activity (e.g., “speak psalms, hymns, and spiritual song to one another…”). The goal is to ensure the community of believers participate and never spectate.

Music is secondary to the Word. While singing is commanded and commended in Scripture, its role is always secondary to the divine revelation of the scriptures. Music does not change this Scriptural mandate.

Leadership in music should be united in purpose with the Spirit of Christ. This means the music–and, those who produce it–should not be what is served by any creation of God. The music serves God through the Spirit of Christ, just as the Spirit of Christ is working anew in the lives of those being served by the music.

Music must never distract from the Message of Scripture. Of the four principal parts of music (e.g., melody, harmony, rhythm, lyrics), the emphasis should be on the scriptural content of the lyrics. This is not to say that the other parts of music are not important, but in the balance that is necessary for music to remain divine, the words should be the primary emphasis.

The music of worship should not be so complicated as to require professional training. It should be accessible to the nonprofessional and the untrained. That means, the way you present the music determines how accessible it is for edification of God among the body of believers before you. Be humble! Limit vocalizing, guitar and drum rifts, or anything that may draw attention away from the text that was provided to lead each believer to worship God and His splendor.

The use of music and singing should be built on a robust theological base, not the other way around. Make every attempt to reflect to believers what is sung, why it is sung, and how it should be sung before God.

Practical Principles for the Use of Music

Applying What Is Important

Special music can be more advanced than congregational music. Specials by soloists, groups, or choirs can be, and generally are, more advanced musically than that of the congregational singing. That said, if the special music is not moving those you serve toward worship and reverence of God–rather than affection toward the individual or individuals who are presenting the special music– it isn’t worth having. It simply does not serve the divine purpose of music.

Work with what you have, and work it into something better. Work in such away that those who fill the seats of your music program grow exponentially (e.g., spiritually, personally, musically, in the Word) by being in your music program.

Teach about music philosophy and standards. You cannot teach what you do not understand. You need to be well-grounded so you can articulate your position to those you serve.

Put it in writing. Any standards or requirements related to music need to be put in writing. The best time to make these types of decisions is beforehand. This ensures that your decisions are impersonal and consistent.

Personal Principles for the Use of Music

For Personal and Private Use

Scripture allows everyone liberty in all things, even our music choices, yet we should never allow ourselves to serve this liberty above the standard Christ set before us as the way, the Truth, and the life.

The limits to liberty in music can be found by asking:

• Does it promote anything sinful or unholy?
• Does it have worldly associations?
• Does it incite emotions or lusts that are neither peaceful nor pleasing to God?
• Does it cause the mind to dwell on good or evil things (Phil. 4:8)?
• Does associating myself with anything that is not divine bring glory to Christ?

Strive for consistency and excellency. How?

• Be blameless in your personal music.
• Do not give Satan room to attach through your liberties.
• Do not let your liberties be a stumbling block to others.
• Be ‘sober’ in your choices: scripturally logical and intentionally serious in your understanding of the consequences to yourself and those you serve.

Self-Centered v. God-Centered Music

You can tell if the music you produce is sinful (e.g., self-centered) or God-centered by watching the fruit; that is, seeking who/whom it magnifies and glorifies––in performance (e.g., riffs, vocalization, service), in text (e.g., scripture vs. self), in credit (e.g., grace, mercy vs. self), in attention-seeking (e.g., see me vs. see God thru Christ).

• Sinful music centers around self-worship, self-aggrandizement, and self-driven points of concern. It takes credit for that which it did not create, and celebrates self adornment, promoting the same platform that led to the fall of Satan. It can happen to anyone; yes, even those who claim belief in God can be cunningly manipulative toward self-promotion and -praise.
• Divine music is humble, broken, and contrite. It lowers self to sackcloth and ashes, and recognizes that the creative actions of music are the result of grace through Jesus Christ (e.g., ‘apart from Him, I can do nothing’). As a result, it expresses gratitude for the Cross, and directs worship, adornment, and reverence away from self toward God through His Son, Jesus Christ.