Seeking A Biblical Theology of Music - Part II
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Jesus does not have my heart if He does not have my music. Is the Spirit or flesh choosing your music? What does the Bible teach about music? What is “Christian” music?
All kinds of music are on the scene today. Before deciding what I should listen to, do I first need to understand what God’s Word teaches about godly music?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5.17.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GODLY MUSIC?:
(A) “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psa. 40:3
We see here that: (1) God gives His people a new type of song to sing. The believer receives not only a new heart when saved, but new music!; (2) The focus of this new song is praise to God; (3) Because of this new music, many should trust in the Lord.
The Gospel message in the only key to heaven. Gospel music is to be nothing less. God forbid that we water it down or mix it with unholiness. Bible music is not a play toy or mere entertainment. It takes powerful, Jesus centered truth to reach dark, lost hearts. Will our music help or hinder?
(B) I consider the following verses as second to none, foundational, to a Biblical view of music
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you 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. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”Col 3.16-17 (also Eph 5.19-20).
We see several things here: (1) The word of God is to be very much a part of the music—like flour in biscuits. Lyrics should be based on Bible verses, Bible promises and Bible stories. Songs should communicate Bible truth. Which Bible verse is it teaching?;
(2) We see also that teaching and admonishing (rebuking, warning, counseling) are the purposes given here; (3) “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” suggest a variety of styles or genres are acceptable IF a song first meets the other requirements; (4) All is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Christ is to be the focus, not man, not worldliness; (5) Thanksgiving to God should be a key element. Does the song direct our attention upward to Jesus? Where do the lyrics and melody take us?
“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song.” Psalm 149.1.
… to be continued
All kinds of music are on the scene today. Before deciding what I should listen to, do I first need to understand what God’s Word teaches about godly music?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5.17.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GODLY MUSIC?:
(A) “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psa. 40:3
We see here that: (1) God gives His people a new type of song to sing. The believer receives not only a new heart when saved, but new music!; (2) The focus of this new song is praise to God; (3) Because of this new music, many should trust in the Lord.
The Gospel message in the only key to heaven. Gospel music is to be nothing less. God forbid that we water it down or mix it with unholiness. Bible music is not a play toy or mere entertainment. It takes powerful, Jesus centered truth to reach dark, lost hearts. Will our music help or hinder?
(B) I consider the following verses as second to none, foundational, to a Biblical view of music
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you 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. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”Col 3.16-17 (also Eph 5.19-20).
We see several things here: (1) The word of God is to be very much a part of the music—like flour in biscuits. Lyrics should be based on Bible verses, Bible promises and Bible stories. Songs should communicate Bible truth. Which Bible verse is it teaching?;
(2) We see also that teaching and admonishing (rebuking, warning, counseling) are the purposes given here; (3) “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” suggest a variety of styles or genres are acceptable IF a song first meets the other requirements; (4) All is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Christ is to be the focus, not man, not worldliness; (5) Thanksgiving to God should be a key element. Does the song direct our attention upward to Jesus? Where do the lyrics and melody take us?
“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song.” Psalm 149.1.
… to be continued
Discussion