Singing is an expression of our hearts and voices and is something that is done by everyone together as an outward or audible expression. From speaking to visitors, there is nothing quite so impressive as the earnest and enthusiastic singing of its members. The fact is, nearly everyone in the world likes to sing or at least likes to hear good singing. With this said, singing is commanded in the New Testament (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is very unfortunate that this simple command has been corrupted by the innovations of man. Nevertheless, Christ has never commanded it and he had all authority from the Father (Matt. 28:18). The Holy Spirit never taught it because he only spoke what Christ commanded (Jn. 16:13). The apostles never used them because the Holy Spirit nor Jesus spoke of it, and it is not mentioned anywhere in the New Testament. Now with this in light, know that, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” (1 Pet. 4:11). Therefore if we are to repeat what was already written, why must there be some who go beyond this? Certainly we have a responsibility to speak where the Bible speaks, but we also have the duty to be silent where it is silent. For what right does man have to break the silence of God? Now, this is not the issue that one prefers acapella music. On the contrary, faithful Christians to God are simply trying to respect and follow the will and plan of God as he has instructed. Nothing more. Nothing less. Notice along these same lines that the apostle Peter commanded that, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). So, if the Lord has truly given us all things already, then why are you reading about musical instruments right now on this piece of paper when Jesus never mentioned them? It is because man desires them. Musical instruments is not a Godly way, it is man’s way. For if musical instruments were of a Godly nature, surely he would have made it clear just as he made prayer, the Lord’s Supper, giving prosperously, and preaching or teaching clear. Now we know that if faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), then what does the Bible say about musical instruments? Many will shout that the instrument is used under the Old Law, so that automatically adjoins it to the New Law. Yet, if this were true, then mankind is missing out on the grace of God. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:17). However, some may try to claim that Jesus lived under the Old Law and therefore, we go by the Old Law and the first four books of the New Testament. Now while it is true that Jesus lived under the Old Law, know this, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth” (Heb. 9:16-17). Thus, what testament came into effect after the testator (Jesus Christ) died? That would be the New Testament. But, what happened to the Old Testament and all that is contained therein? Well, the apostle Paul said that Jesus, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (Col. 2:14). Thus, we live under a new covenant. The one that Jesus had to die for to bring into effect. It is this covenant that all of mankind is able to obey. It is not as the Old Testament, which was for the Jews only. However, the old law is still helpful in many things. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Notice it says, “our learning,” not our command. The Old Law is no longer in effect. So sorry. However, the New Law is in effect and is our command, written by the inspired writers who were told what to write by the Holy Spirit, who spoke what Jesus spoke, which said, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” (Jn. 12:49-50). Therefore, the Father said to sing with your mouth to him and to each other with melody in our hearts (Eph. 5:19) while letting the words of Christ dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16) offering our sacrifices of praise to God continually through the fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15) because as James said, if any is merry, let him sing (Jam. 5:13). I assure you, the faithful Christian has plenty of joy to sing about and does not need an instrument (other than the heart) to do it with! Robert Notgrass