Vine Radio on Music

Why do redeemed humans sing? Everyone knows the answer to that question. We sing in church because that is just what we do. We usually don't give it any thought; we just do it; but, why? That is a good question, and we need to examine more closely why redeemed humans should or do sing. Most people have never given it any thought. After all, that is just something everyone does in church, and there are some things that just should not be questioned, but singing is not one. It is time to find out exactly what the Bible has to say about singing.

From the first recorded account of singing in Exodus 15 through the last recorded account of singing in Revelation 15, we find that worshipful singing occurred before the law (Exodus 15:1) and during the law (2 Chronicles 29:28). It occurs during the church (James 5:13). It will occur after the church (Revelation 5:9-10) and at the end of this age (Revelation 15:2-4). We are not told, as a command or ordinance, to sing, but we are encouraged to sing (Colossians 3:16). We know that Christ sang in the congregation at the last supper. (Mark 14:26) We know that He (Christ) sings praises to God (Hebrews 2:12) in the midst of today's congregation, probably through redeemed humans. Therefore, we should sing out of the joy that is within our hearts. (Isaiah 65:14). Worshipful singing during a worship assembly, as well as, in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19) and on our lips (Psalm 63:5) should be continual (Psalm 61:8; Psalm 145:1- Psalm 150:6).

We need to find out what the Bible says about singing and why we (Christians) do/should sing. Also, we need to find out what the Bible tells us about the purpose of singing, the objects of our songs, the mood of our songs, the motivation for our singing; especially as it relates to our worship assemblies.

It needs to be noted that most of what we know concerning songs and singing, as related to worship, comes from David and his instructions for music during worship (1 Chronicles 15) and the carryover of these instructions to Temple worship (2 Chronicles 23:18; Nehemiah 12:36).

Since:>
(1) David was a man after God's heart (1 Samuel 13:14), who will do everything God wants him to do (Acts 13:22) and,

(2) there is nothing mentioned to discourage the practices as instituted by David and,

(3) there is no condemnation of the practices and,

(4) the fact that it seems to be encouraged (Romans 15:9-11; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 3:15-17),

(5) and, there is no reason to challenge the practices established by David.

Comment:
Acts 13:22 is the scripture that makes us think that all that David did, concerning music in the worship assembly, was pleasing to God. Therefore, we feel that David’s instructions should be guidelines for us.

The New Testament gives us no instructions concerning worshipful singing during worship assemblies. It just tells us to sing praises (Romans 15:9; Romans 15:11; James 5:13) and to sing these songs of praise with thankfulness in our hearts to God! (1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 3:15-17)

NOTE:
We do not know what is meant by “as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” in Colossians 3:16. Are they different kinds, types, or styles of songs? Everyone has their own opinion but, we simply don’t know. Surely, it goes deeper than this but, “The Message” translation on this portion of this verse is splendid – “sing, sing your hearts out to God!”

The Purpose of Singing

The Motivation for Singing

The Mood of the Singing

The Object of the Songs

The Frequency of Singing

Facts About Songs/Singing/Music

Summary