CHRISTIAN MUSIC?
by: Pete Geli, Jr.
(© Nov. 1997 by Pete Geli, Jr.)
“Christian music” is a subject that generates lively discussion. Some believe that all styles of music are acceptable as a medium for Christian witnessing and worship. However, others question the sounds of “syncopated hymnody,” and in spite of the lyrics, see the music as unacceptable for Christians. From “Rock of Ages” to “Christian rock” we find disparity, confusion, and animosity. The prevailing differences in music have led some to question whether all Christian music is really Christian. In some places the current trend, embraced by some and yet rejected by others, is to use any type of music for outreach. From the far left to the far right we find sincere people who have a burden for souls and want to share the good news of salvation. These thoughts are respectfully presented for those who are aware of the tremendous power and influence of Christian music and who sincerely want to know what God would have them do.
In John 14:6, Jesus is recorded as saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Only in Jesus can we know the truth about music. In Hebrews 12:2 we find the following words, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. . .” In the original language, these words are in the present continuous sense, underlining the need and importance of a continuous focus on Jesus. In the book Education, we find the following statement: “When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center. . .Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure.”—p. 297. In order to have a correct balanced view of music, we need to keep our focus on Christ. Jesus says in John 5: 39, “Search the scriptures. . . they are they which testify of me.” Music is something so subjective that we cannot trust our taste, feelings, opinions, cultural heritage, or popular support for one type of music over another. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we must humbly come and ask, “Is there any word from the Lord? (Jeremiah 37:17). Only in Jesus can we discover what Christian music really is. In His Word we find the guidance, principles, and power not only to know the truth but also to follow it. (See John 17:17; 8:32, 36.)
Having established the premise that in order to have a balanced view of music one must maintain the right focus on Jesus, let us turn to the Bible where we find His principles that help to differentiate between right and wrong (2 Timothy 3:16). In determining what is good music and what is not, we need the heavenly wisdom that God has promised to give to those who ask in faith (James 1:4, 5). As we turn to Scripture, the first principle is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which teaches that whatever we do, it must be done to the honor and glory of God. This theocentric perspective changes special music in our churches, for instance, from a performance to an act of worship. All music that is truly Christian must focus on Jesus and be presented in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. Christ must be exalted with humility, fervor, reverence, and dignity (Philippians 2:10, 11). Psalms 95:6 says, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” “God is to be . . . the object of worship.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 499. “The true ground . . . of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 437, 438. “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). “All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 493.
The second principle is found in Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We are to value music on the basis of its virtue. The words and the sound must edify, build, and encourage Christian growth. The values and lifestyle of heaven must be taught and encouraged.
The third principle is found in Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Music is to be judged by its results, and by asking these questions: Does it draw people to Jesus and help them to know Him better? “When we know God, as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 668. Does the music make the person more caring, kind, and obedient? The Desire of Ages, page 189 speaks of “a willing obedience to all his requirements. This is true worship.” Does the music foster a calm, joyful, peaceful, reverent, submissive spirit, a sense of solemnity, of being in the presence of God? “God’s work is ever characterized by calmness and dignity.”—Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 42. Rightness is determined by the Word of God (Isaiah 8:20). By the “fruits” of music, we can know and evaluate its goodness. Note the following inspired, prophetic warning and counsel: “The Lord has shown me [what] would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. . .Better never have the worship of God blended with music than to use musical instruments to do the work which . . . was represented to me.”—Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 36.
The Bible has many things to say about music. Music and musical instruments are referred to in the Bible at least 75 times, and there are 98 references made to song and singing. From the first mention of singing in Exodus 15:1 to references in Revelation 14:3, we discover that music is an integral part of salvation’s history from the beginning to the end. Deliverance is celebrated in heaven and earth with music. As we study music references, we find that it can be used for good or evil. The type of music and its use must be carefully considered and monitored by the principles of Scripture to ensure its purity and spiritual value. Christian music is a sacred activity by which God is praised and worshipped. The Bible tell us that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). John 1:3 identifies Jesus as the One who created all things—that would include music. The Bible also states that everything God made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, because of man’s transgression sin entered the world, and God’s beautiful creation suffered the consequences (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23; 6:23). The enemy of man is constantly trying to distort that which God made perfect, and music is no exception. The ex-choir director of heaven well knows how effective and powerful music can be to entrap the unsuspecting (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8, 9; Revelation 12:9-11).
In Colossians 3:16, we read “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.” This text indicates who should be the focus of all our music—Jesus the Lord. It also indicates how we should conduct this worship experience. It should be with grace in our hearts, with God-generated, God-directed holy power in total dependence on God in a spirit of humility, reverence, and gratitude. This verse also indicates the kind of music that is acceptable to God—music that is based on the living and the written Word of God, music that teaches divine principles and is distinctly Christian in doctrine and sentiment. Here is inspired counsel that clearly indicates the sacredness of music as part of the worship experience. It lets us know that God is very particular as to the kind of music He approves and desires. Christian music is not only beneficial, filled with grace, and Christ centered, it remains contemporary and relevant. It is never out of date, for Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Our anthropomorphic attempt to bring God down to our own level and worship Him from our human perspective is not acceptable to God. Ezekiel 1 presents a warning against the humanistic trend that ignores the majesty, holiness, and omnipotence of God and tries to bring God down to a common level. The rejection of Cain’s sacrifice and the acceptance of Abel’s is a graphic illustration of how particular God is about the way we worship Him (Genesis 4). Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
The problem with the Christian contemporary music trend is that it is based on the wrong premise. It says that the music of the past and some of the present is out of date. For the music to be relevant, it needs the sound and sentiment of the world so it can be acceptable and attractive. Because of the need for relevance to reach the unreached in a language they understand, some have decided to bring into the church the music of the world. Luke 16:15 says, “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” “Better never had the worship of God blended with music than to use musical instruments to do the work . . . which was represented to me. . . The truth for this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls. A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing. The powers of satanic agencies blend with the din and noise, to have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit’s working.”—Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 36.
God does not approve the mixing of the sacred with the secular in an attempt to make palatable the Gospel to the world. In Ezekiel 22:26, we read about God’s displeasure with the priests for profaning holy things, “They have put no difference between the holy and profane.” Second Corinthians 6:14 asks an important question, “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” As we read verses 14-17, we find a clear indication of how God feels about mixing the sacred with the secular: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” Note that it is Jesus who is asking us to come out from among them, to be separate, to touch not the unclean thing. God is particular, and He wants us to keep the spiritual and the secular apart. “To handle sacred things as we would common matters is an offense to God; for that which God has set apart to do His service in giving light to this world is holy. Those who have any connection with the work of God are not to walk in the vanity of their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of God, or they will be in danger of placing sacred and common things on the same level, and thus separate themselves from God.”—Evangelism, p. 639.
While we are to be all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:22) in our evangelistic outreach, we are never to compromise principle. The ends do not justify the means. “In their efforts to reach the people, the Lord’s messengers are not to follow the ways of the world. In the meetings that are held, they are not to depend on worldly singers and theatrical display to awaken an interest.”—Evangelism, p. 508. 1 John 2:15, 16 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” In James 4:4, 5, we find “Know yet not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” The contemporary Christian music that imitates the world in style and beat is unacceptable to God. His response can well be expressed in the words found in Amos 5:23, “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.” Note this prophetic warning: “Those things which have been in the past will be in the future. Satan will make music a snare by the way in which it is conducted.”—Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 38.
The graphic description of contemporary Christian music given in Messages to Young People should open our eyes to the real danger of unsanctified music and the sadness it brings: “The young are there assembled; there is the sound of vocal and instrumental music. Christians are gathered there, but what is that you hear? It is a song, a frivolous ditty, fit for the dance hall. . . The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon their countenances. Behold, they are weeping. This I saw repeated a number of times all through the ranks of Sabbath keepers. . . Music is the idol which many professed Sabbath-keeping Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music, if he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth.”—p. 295. In the same book, note this sad commentary: “Young persons assemble to sing and, although professed Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Sacred music is not congenial to their taste. I was directed to the plain teachings of God’s word, which had been passed by unnoticed. In the judgment all these words of inspiration will condemn those who have not heeded them.”—Messages to Young People, pp. 295, 296.
Ephesians 4:27 counsels, “Neither give place to the devil.” We are advised in the book Education that “music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil.”—p. 167. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Note how the enemy uses secular music: “One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action.”—Counsels to Parents and Teachers, p. 339. This direct statement reflects the powerful influence of music, and it implies that a person can feel he is under the inspiration of God when in reality he is under the control of the enemy through music. This also implies a relationship between unholy music and behavior, underscoring the danger that certain kinds of music have in preparing the participants for thoughts and actions outside the boundaries of Christian faith.
Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Music is an instrument of worship by which we can make melody to our God. “No one who has an indwelling Saviour will dishonor Him before others by producing strains from a musical instrument which call the mind from God and heaven to light and trifling things.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 510. Syncopated music with its rhythmic emphasis is intoxicating to the mind. The hypnotic effect of strongly rhythmic music using intense harmonies has a damaging effect on the mind and body. Note the following inspired words: “Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired. . . Music, when not abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse. It excites, but does not impart that strength and courage which the Christian can find only at the throne of grace.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 497. The ex-choir director of heaven is using such music to charm, control, and bond people to him. He wants to turn the mind and body away from Jesus into rebellion. He wants people to develop an emotionally oriented religion that depends upon feeling rather than the Word of God.
With those who believe that contemporary Christian music is a matter of taste, culture, and preference, I would agree. I would proceed to remind them of the prayer of Jesus in John 17:14-18, where He earnestly prays for us to be in the world but not of the world. When we come to Jesus, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our tastes, preferences, and culture change from the earthly to the heavenly. When we behold Jesus, a divine transformation takes place. For those who believe that people are being reached with a secular kind of music, and the increase in interest and “success” is due to this approach of targeting a particular audience and meeting them where they are, I would respond with the words of Jesus in Revelation 18:4, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.” “If you lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase in numbers, and then make this increase a cause of rejoicing, you show great blindness.”—Counsels to Parents and Teachers, p. 94. In Ephesians 5:11, we are admonished, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.” We are advised to be careful: “The world must not be introduced into the church.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 265.
While not all secular or contemporary music is unacceptable for the Christian, the question is, does it belong in church; should it be used as a vehicle to share the gospel? We can begin to respond to these questions with some other important questions: Is the music Christ centered? Is it produced in a way and with the spirit, words, style, and sound that validates His truth? Does this music bring honor and glory to Jesus? Exodus 3:5 says, “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” “Never bring the truth down to a low level in order to obtain converts, but seek to bring the sinful and corrupted up the high standard of the law of God. . . God’s cause is to have a sacred, heavenly mold. Let everything connected with the giving of the message for this time bear the divine impress.”—Evangelism, p. 137. A communication specialist says that the “message is the medium”. The Lord does not need His message to be shared and tarnished by a medium that is controlled and used as a snare by the enemy. I believe the Bible question found in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?” means that there is no “Christian” rock or secular-oriented “Christian” contemporary music that is acceptable to God for worship.
The music that is Christian is not a loud jangling discord with syncopated beat, with secular sound and sentiment, set to Christian words or a spiritual message. Christian music is worship (see Evangelism, p. 506). It is a celebration of praise that is sacred, joyful, and solemn. It is a Christ-centered sharing of an experience, an encounter with God. It is music that is originated, inspired, empowered, directed, oriented, accepted, and blessed by God. In the book Evangelism, we find a beautiful, poetic description of good music and singing: “Some think that the louder they sing the more music they make; but noise is not music. Good singing is like the music of the birds—subdued and melodious.”—p. 510. The songs the angels delight to hear are “the simple songs of praise sung in a natural tone. The songs in which every word is uttered clearly in a musical tone, are the songs that they join us in singing.”—Ibid. “Music is acceptable to God only when the heart is sanctified and made soft and holy by its facilities.”—Ibid, p. 512. The current General Conference guidelines on music suitable for worship state that “certain musical forms such as jazz, rock and their related hybrid forms are considered by the church as incompatible (Ministry, January, 1997).
Real Christian music leads to Jesus, our heavenly friend. God’s music is a sacred, powerful, and saving melody of praise that begins and ends with Jesus. In Jeremiah 10:2, the Lord is pleading with His people not to follow the ways of the world. God is also pleading with us today to “come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4). He is looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). It is my hope and prayer that, like Daniel, we will dare to take a stand for God on this issue and purpose in our hearts not to contaminate ourselves. As we “turn [our] eyes upon Jesus [and] look full in His wonderful face, [may the things of this earth] grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
© Nov. 1997 by Pete Geli, Jr.
Copyright 1997 by Pete Geli, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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