Why? Depending on what stage of life you are in, this single-word question will have different connotations. You might be younger, so asking why? has become the fundamental means by which you gain knowledge (hopefully, you won’t ever grow out of that!). If you are a little older than young, perhaps your why? has become a word of revolution—why do it like we always have? Once you’re old enough to be forced to answer the why? (parents, I’m looking at you!), you begin to realize you don’t always know why? The older you get, when tragedy, sickness, death, and suffering strikes, you might begin to cry out why? in frustration and sadness. That little question why? follows us wherever we go!
And it should follow us into worship as well.
Why does Christianity sing (part a)? Why does God give some the ability to lead in song (part b)? Why does the music of Christianity have its focus on God rather than humanity (part c)? Why do we sing what we sing (part d)? Why do choose some songs over others (part e)?
Dear Christians, why? does not always have to be bad. When we take it to God’s Word while seeking answers, God then reveals how we might go about this life. God answers the why? more than you might think, if you would just give him the time he deserves. Blessings, today.
CHAPTER 5.B.5 (Ordinary Parts): PSALMS, HYMNS, AND SPIRITUAL SONGS
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”
a. The Word of God provides that musical offerings, both vocal and instrumental, may be made to God as part of His worship (Ps. 33:1-3; see 1 Chron. 25 and 2 Chron. 29:25-30). Musical offerings are made to God at His command (2 Chron. 29:25, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16) for His own glory (Ps. 96:1-9), and for the help, consolation, joy, and edification of His people (Ps. 57, 147:1-3; 1 Cor. 14:26; Col. 3:16-17; 2 Thess. 2:15-17). Though some are particularly equipped for singing, for playing musical instruments, and for training and leading in the musical offerings to God (1 Chron. 15:22, 1 Cor. 14:26), yet it is the privilege and duty of all to join in the praises and to sing to the Lord (Ps. 148; Ps. 150:6, Rev. 5:8-10, 14:1-3). All music used in the worship service shall be under the authority of the minister and the session.
b. Because God has enabled some of His people in special ways for making music (1 Chron. 15:16-24, 1 Cor. 14:26), it is fitting that the musical offerings of individuals or groups within the congregation be included within the public worship of God. As members of the body join their hearts with the minister in making corporate prayers to God, so they should join their hearts with singers and musicians for the offering of music in the worship of God.
c. As the minister must guard his heart to see that he preaches only for the glory of God and the good of His people, so musicians must guard their hearts to see that their music be offered to the glory of God and the edification of His people (1 Cor. 10:31, 14:26). Music offered merely for human entertainment or pleasure has no place in a worship service.
d. The Psalms of the Holy Scripture ought to be used regularly in the public worship of God. This collection of thanksgivings, lamentations, confessions, petitions, and praises formed the book of praise for Israel (2 Chron. 29:25-30), and became in part the basis of praise in the New Testament Church (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, James 5:13). They should be sung frequently, whether by one, by several, or by all the people of God. They also may be prayed, read, or chanted by one, in unison, or responsively.
e. Other hymns and spiritual songs may also be used, provided that their content is in agreement with the Word of God. The Scriptures, particularly the Psalms, and the doctrinal standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, should guide us in the use and composition of such other hymns and spiritual songs.