Does the Bible say anything about the type of music we play or instruments we should use in church worship?

This is a good and a big question because it addresses a very sensitive issue—where to draw the line in church music. First, I’ve worshiped with conservative brethren who don’t use any instruments in church. They have beautiful voices, and they sing and harmonize without instruments. That’s fine, and I believe the Lord has no problem with this. But I don’t agree that it’s wrong for Christians to use instruments in church.

King David played harps in his praising the Lord and wrote, “Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings” (Psalm 33:2). There were also instruments played in the sanctuary at God’s instruction (see 2 Samuel 6:5). Furthermore, just because a song is contemporary doesn’t make it wrong. Biblically, it’s appropriate to sing a new song of praise to God. In fact, nine times the Bible mentions singing a “new song.”

I think you should consider two things when finding the right balance: the music and the lyrics. Both need to be something God can bless. Some Christian groups sing beautiful, profound lyrics—but the music sounds like a car crash. Sometimes you can’t even tell what they’re saying! Then you’ve got the other extreme: reverent music but with repetitive or unbiblical words. That’s no better.

Church music should be something that elevates our appreciation for the Lord. That’s the kind of music that God will sanction, especially in His house of worship. It should be worshipful and convey a sense of reverence and love. It shouldn’t appeal to our lower natures with heavy syncopated rhythms that encourage dance fever. Some music can bring about baser things in us; science affirms this! I used to attend rock concerts, and I could easily see what the music did to people.

So in considering music, we need to ask: Is the music enhancing the words and lifting our souls heavenward, or is it bringing out the animalistic side of our natures? Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20).