On Music

“The music you use ‘positions’ your church in your community. It

defines who you are. Once you have decided on the style of music
you’re going to use in worship, you have set the direction of your
church in far more ways than you realize. It will determine the kind of
people you attract, the kind of people you keep, and the kind of people
you lose.” 1
This quote from popular author and one of America’s most celebrated
mega church pastors, Rick Warren, of the Saddleback Community
Church in California is, sadly, an accurate assessment of how things
are in American church life today. It is a fact that music is a key factor,
if not, the key factor in why people choose churches today and why
people leave churches.
This has been increasingly the case over the last 25-30 years as the
seeker sensitive / church growth movement has gained momentum.
Music has been the primary method used in this movement to attract
outsiders. Numbers minded pastors and laymen have implemented,
among other things, pop music into the worship format. The result has
been that multitudes of churches during the last two decades have
divided over the music used in the services. Music is the bottom line in
the so-called “worship wars” that simmer or rage in churches across
the nation and around the world.
Many churches try to avoid the division and collisions by having two,
three or more services catering to the tastes, especially the musical
tastes, of the various generations. Some churches have separate
services for the Builders (WW II generation) the Baby Boomers (post
WW II generation) the Generation Xer’s, and the Net-gen’rs (The
Internet Generation)- all of whom have unique musical tastes and
cannot seem to relate to or worship to the music of the other
generations. Churches that have not gone to separate services have
tried to have “blended” services that incorporate something for
everyone musically. However, even in this blended worship
atmosphere there is some sanctified “teeth grinding” going on.
Some have come to believe that the music used is key to real worship
taking place. The seeker sensitive church philosophy is very dependent
upon the music used to get those worship feelings up and running on
Sunday morning. Many worship “experts” freely admit this. They will
advise up and coming worship leaders to use certain upbeat numbers
to kick start the service and get the energy up. Then, to maintain that
mood they advise them to use certain other pieces that have a certain
tempo, volume and key. “Instruments, arrangements, chords and beat
should be woven into a pattern that will bend and sway the feelings of
the people to maximize their feelings of worship.”2
In this writer’s opinion, no single issue has polarized, divided and
sometimes destroyed congregations more than the music used during
worship services.
We have determined that it will not happen here at Calvary Baptist for
two reasons:
#1 We Will Maintain a Balanced Biblical Perspective in Relation
to Music

While acknowledging that the Scripture has much to say about music
and that it is a prominent part of the worship of our great God, we will
not be driven by or subservient to the current cultural infatuation with
musical expression. Though music is prominent in worship, it should
not be dominant. It is evident that the emphasis that many believers
put upon it does not have a comparable emphasis in the Bible. Music,
even good music, can become an idol. Instead of ameans of worship, it
can become an object of worship.
As noted, the Bible says a lot about music. Music is mentioned over
600 times in the Bible. There are numerous references to praising God
in song. However, in comparison to the bulk of Scripture, especially
what the Scripture says about proclamation and holy living, it is
minimal. While not downplaying music’s significant role in worship, it is
evident that there is today, an inordinate emphasis on music that does
not reflect the emphasis that the Scripture places upon it. As one writer
has observed, “Music has always been the handmaiden of the Word of
Jehovah. Historically, it has been a helper and a means to an end – not
the end.”3
Consider the following:

One does not see among the offices of the early church the position of
“gospel musician” or “worship leader” listed along side pastor/teacher
and evangelist. Someone making their living as a gospel singer was
unheard of until the last part of the 20th century. There was no
Contemporary Christian or gospel music industry making mega millions
as there is now. The office of “worship leader” in churches today is
little more than the master of ceremonies for a largely musical
presentation.
One pastor has rightly pointed out that “this is the day of the Christian
entertainer.”4 The church now has professional singers, clowns,
comedians, actors and bands that make their living off the saints. Yet
keep in mind that none of these even existed until the last five or six
decades! Music and musicians used to be thought of as having a
supplementary role in ministry. Now music and musicians have “stolen
the show” so to speak. What used to be thought of as supplemental to
worship is now central in the minds of people. The musical portion of
many church worship services is often as long or longer than the
preaching of God’s Word.
Moving music is now considered essential to “warm up the crowd”…..
excuse me, “prepare the hearts of the worshipers to receive the Word.”
Where did that talk come from? Let me give you a clue. It did not come
from the Scripture. The idea that the music “prepares the hearts of the
people to receive the Word” has no biblical foundation at all. Yet it is
accepted as a fact among many musicians in ministry! The Bible is
clear that faith comes by hearing the preached Word. It says nothing
about music eliciting, promoting or encouraging faith or tenderizing the
heart. Today, Christian musicians- pardon – “artists” are held in far
higher esteem than Bible teachers and theologians. Their ideas and
opinions often hold more weight and often find uncritical acceptance
by their followers. What the musical artist says often has the credence
of a papal pronouncement to the music fan.
This is true despite the fact that many of these professional musicians
practice a cross denominational inclusivist ministry that ignores or
downplays doctrinal truth. Many Christian musicians cross major
doctrinal lines, are dismissive of biblical separation and even are
inclusive of cults in violation of clear biblical warnings not to do so. (II
John 1:9-11; Romans 16:17-18) They have to be this way. They make
their living by attracting to their concerts a wide cross section of
religious people regardless of faithfulness to God’s truth.
Where are the masses of Christian young people that would come out
for Bible teaching services as opposed to a Christian rock concert.
Throngs of people will attend Gospel concerts who would find a Bible
conference to be boring. The fact is that a large part of Christian music
fans will buy tickets and drive great distances to hear their favorite
performer’s music.
They will loyally purchase recordings of their favorite Gospel or
Contemporary Christian performers or bands. Yet many of these same
folks are not faithful in attendance or their giving to their local church.
This, in itself, is proof that something is amiss. Scripture just does not
attach the importance to music that is being attached to it by
multitudes of believers who claim they need their style of music to feel
like they are worshiping.
The sad fact is that one believer’s music is often so offensive to
another, that they cannot worship God in the same church auditorium.
Many will become emotional if their music or favorite gospel performer
is criticized. All of these factors prove that music has too prominent a
role among believers today compared with the biblical emphasis. While
agreeing that music is an important part of ministry and worship, we,
at Calvary Baptist will try to maintain a balanced biblical perspective in
regard to it.
#2 We Will Maintain a Biblical Philosophy of Music
While maintaining that music’s importance is overemphasized in our
day, that does not mean that music is not important. Music, from the
beginning has been prominent in biblical worship. Obviously the Bible
does not comment directly upon specific forms of music – Handel and
Bach as opposed to jazz and rock.
However, the Bible gives us principles that can be applied to the
musical aspect of worship. These are principles that we believe apply
to both musical content, musical style and musical performance. While
these philosophical principles can be applied differently by sincere
believers to the variety of musical styles, it is our contention that these
principles are unknown or being outright ignored in our day. The only
question today as to music used in worship seems to be what pleases
and appeals to individual or generational tastes. The fundamental
issue, however, is whether a style of music and its performance is
pleasing to God.
We believe that there are Scriptural principles for ascertaining what is
acceptable to Him. While not being able to detail extensively on this
topic in this article, the reader will find at the end a suggested reading
list of helpful materials dealing with this vital issue. These principles
here stated in brief will guide the musical decisions of Calvary Baptist
Church.
Biblical Distinctions in Christian Music in the Church

Old Testament-Distinctions Between National and Worship

Music
Though there are similarities between Old Testament worship and New
Testament worship, there are distinctive differences as well. In the Old
Testament, music that was practiced in a national feast or celebration
was much different than what was practiced in the temple during
worship. Singing, dancing, playing timbrels and other instruments were
a regular part of national life and celebrations in the theocracy that
was Israel. Everyone could be involved as the nation celebrated its
feasts or God’s deliverance through military victory.
However, the worship of God in the temple was another matter
altogether. The music performed in temple worship, both instrumental
and vocal, was limited to the Levites (I Chronicles 15:16-24). The
different kinds of instruments used in temple worship was limited to
just a few kinds of instruments as opposed to many that were allowed
to be used in national and civic celebrations.

New Testament – The Primacy of Congregational Singing

The Scripture emphasizes, in the New Testament dispensation,
congregational vocal music. The New Testament admonitions in the
Scripture about singing have to do specifically with a local assembly of
believers singing together rather than what is commonly thought of as
“special” music or vocal or instrumental musical performances . Eph
5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Col 3:16 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.
Bible students will immediately recognize in the above passages the
two primary references to singing in the New Testament. The ideas
latent in these verses are that we teach and encourage one another in
addition to worshiping the Lord when we sing together. The practice of
the New Testament churches was that they sang collectively as
assembled believers when they gathered together for worship. This is
not to say that it is wrong to have what is usually thought of as special
music: ie: solos, duets, quartets, ensembles, choirs, instrumental
pieces etc. We want to be clear that the Bible does not forbid special
music. However, the primary emphasis in the New Testament is on
collective singing.
The practice of gathering to hear a gospel concert or Christian
performing artist is a modern phenomenon that has come to be
preferred in many circles over congregational singing. It has taken
center stage. However, from a biblical standpoint of New Testament
practice, it shouldn’t matter to believers if a church has gospel
concerts, singing groups or choirs. What should matter is whether
there is Christ honoring congregational singing when the believers
assemble for worship! That is the Bible’s emphasis. A church with weak
congregational singing is a spiritually sick congregation.
The Purposes of Congregational Singing in the New Testament

The Education & Admonishment of Believers

Christian music is a vehicle for teaching believers God’s truth. In other

words, it is to impart information that is conforming to and saturated
with the word of Christ. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another…..”(Col 3:16)The
lyrical content should be accurate in its biblical content, rather than
merely descriptive of the performer’s feelings or sentiments. It is also
to admonish believers.-….”teaching and admonishing one
another…..”(Col 3:16) The idea latent in admonishment is to correct
deficient areas in our Christian lives and encourage believers to live
holy and godly lives for the Savior.
Perhaps it is fitting to point out here that nowhere in the Bible is music
the means of evangelizing unbelievers. That comes by simple verbal
proclamation – the simple declaration of God’s Word. (I Cor 1:21;
Romans 10:14-17) God ordained that simple proclamation be the
means of reaching the lost so that the power of the gospel could be
demonstrated through a simple unremarkable way. He ordained it to be
spoken so simply and frankly that the resulting decision would not be
in influenced or corrupted by secondary or purely human influences. (I
Cor 1:17-23; 2:1-5; Romans 10:14-17)
This understanding is important in considering the role that music will
have in our attempts to lead the lost to the Savior. Music can very well
be a decision-corrupting influence. No serious Christian musician could
disagree that “Music has powers of its own, powers of persuasion and
sentimentality that often counterfeit the work of the Holy Spirit.”5
Even contemporary Christian music promoters admit that music could
influence people to make a decision that, in their hearts, they were not
cognitively and volitionally ready to make. J. Nathan Corbitt, a
Contemporary Christian Music promoter acknowledged:
“Because of its power to motivate, music has a tremendous appeal. For
this reason, music is often used as an attractive part of proclamation
events. Crusades, evangelistic rallies, and revivals often feature a
soloist or music group who will appeal to the musical tastes of the
audience. At the same time, music can also be manipulative. The
power of music can create an atmosphere in which people respond
solely out of emotion without cognitive understanding. Like people who
may be motivated by advertising to change brands because the tune is
catchy, people may be motivated to change religions because they like
the music- and they never understand the meaning of their decision”6
Another Christian rock promoter, Al Menconi, observed, ”If the music,
the environment, and the attitude all say, ‘Rock out,’ how can that
encourage a deeper commitment to Jesus or a rational decision to
repent?” Menconi recognized “where the sheer volume, penetrating
rhythms, pyro-technics, frenzied gymnastics of the performer and the
carnival atmosphere block out intellectual and rational faculties as the
individual is swept away in a torrent of blistering sound to a decision
that is contaminated with secondary influences.”7
Great care and discretion must be used in musical choices not only in
relation to our efforts to evangelize but also in relation to its use in our
assembly for worship. Music was never meant to be a means of
winning the lost. It was, though, a means through which believers
could be taught and reminded of their commitment to live
consecrated, holy lives.
The Praise and Glory of the Lord

The other and most important objective in Christian music is to glorify

the Lord. “…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”
(Eph 5:19); “…. singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col
3:16) Nothing in the music ought to detract from the Lord. If special
 music is performed, nothing in the performance ought to rob the Lord
of glory and give it to the performer. The Lord is primary; the talents
and abilities of the performer are secondary at best.
This is not to say that there is not a case to be made for excellence in
music for the Lord’s sake. However, worship music should not be
performed or chosen in order to showcase the musical talent of the
performer. Too often among the current Christian culture, musical
artists “are visited with unabashed adulation, idolization, and celebrity
worship.”8 Christian music “should always function as a musical
offering to God and not a musical entertainment for the people.”9
We must always remember that it is the Lord who is our primary
audience in music. While one of the purposes of Christian music is
ministry to the saints, its primary objective is to honor the Lord. This is
not only in what is said in the lyrics but how the music is performed.
The manner of how it performed is important so that the attention and
glory for the ministry of music is not stolen from the Lord. Glory can be
stolen from the Lord in three ways:

 When the music is geared to gratifying the audience

either in lyrical content or in musical style, God is robbed of
glory.

The character of the songs we sing is given to us as “…psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs…,”(Col 3:16; Eph 5:19) The songs we are to
sing are of a distinctive kind – psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
They are not simply random religious thoughts or someone articulating
what they feel God is like. The content of the music is regulated, not by
our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, but by the word of Christ.
The character of the music we are to sing can be determined by
analyzing Biblical psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. What we are
saying is that these words- psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are
not defined by an individual musician’s perceptions and opinions. We
have examples in the Scripture of what psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs are. The definition of these words is given to us and their
boundaries set in God’s word.
In short, there are both content and character ingredients in Christian
music that take precedence over emotions. Sadly, for many professed
Christians, the bottom line is not whether the music is doctrinally and
biblically faithful and honoring to the Lord, but whether it moves them
emotionally or makes them want to tap their foot, sway or even dance.

 God is robbed of glory when the performer’s performance

or expertise is showcased so that the congregations attention
and admiration is to the performer.
 One pastor told of a conflict that he had with an instrumental rendition
of the classic hymn, The Old Rugged Cross. “Halfway through the
song,” he said, “our saxophone improvisation “tore it up.” Even at the
rehearsal the choir had begun cheering, captivated by the performance
and oblivious to the song’s theme. I thought, They’re cheering the
death of Jesus Christ! They’re not cherishing the old rugged cross.
They’re cheering a guy having a fit on a horn! I was furious.”10 That
pastor should have been furious. Regardless of the appropriateness of
jazzing up that classic hymn and regardless of the musician’s intent,
the glory due the Lord was stolen by the performer.

 When the performance is provocative and worldly God is

dishonored

There are sincere folks who believe that one should reach the world on
the level of the world. In conjunction with that belief, some Christian
musicians dress like, act like, and perform like the secular world’s
counterpart. The dress may be immodest, their stage actions and
vocalizations may imitate the sensual with breathy vocals and close
mouth contact with the microphone. All one has to do to see the
world’s influence on performance is watch many teenage singers. One
can readily see and hear the vestiges of some pop diva or pop idol they
are trying to imitate. It is inappropriate and wrong to imitate the carnal
techniques of the secular world
Biblical Principles for Music Appropriate for Worship

With the wide variety of music that is dubbed as “Christian music” it is

often difficult to make musical choices. But there are guidelines that
believers who desire to honor the Lord can use to help us make these
choices.

 The Principle of Distinctiveness

The Bible is clear that the music and worship practices employed in the
worship of God ought to be different in kind in two senses. First, it was
to be distinct from what was commonly used in the unregenerate
society around it. In the Old Testament, especially, there were
stipulations that the worship practices of the Israelites be different
from the heathen around them. There was to be no similarity to the
worship practices of the heathen nations. They were not even to ask
what these lost nations did in reference to their false worship (Deu
12:30) They were not to pattern their worship after the heathen around
them.
There was also to be a distinction even from the ordinary practices of
life in Israel. Certain practices were acceptable in daily life but were
not acceptable in worship life. Today, it is argued that anything we
might listen to or sing in our private or social life is acceptable to use in
our worship. Hence, it is argued that since there was a wide variety of
instrumentation and even dancing in the Old Testament, this can and
should be used today in the worship of the church today.
What is forgotten is that many practices that might be acceptable in
daily living of the Israelites were not acceptable in worship. Peter
Masters rightly observes that “We should never forget that the
Israelites were a nation state as well as a church. There were many
things they could do as a state which had no place in their formal,
direct worship. Special processions, victory parades, and Thanksgiving
days were open air civic activities organized by God’s people in their
capacity as a state. The little girls would lead these processions
dancing and shaking their tambourines. But these tambourines were
never allowed in the Tabernacle or the temple. A direct act of worship
was quite different from a civic anniversary celebration.” 11
Actual worship was regulated in the Old Testament. Little girls did not
play tambourines in the temple. Even flutes could not be played in the
temple worship. It was not that flutes were wrong in and of
themselves. However, God’s intent was that worship be distinct from
everyday life. Other excluded instruments in temple worship were the
timbrel or tambourine and the Hebrew equivalent of “pan pipes.” God
only allowed certain instrumentation to be used in temple worship such
as cymbals, psalteries, harps, and trumpets. (I Chronicles 15:16, 28;
16:5-6, 42; 25:1, 6) 12 Everyone could not participate. Only certain
people, from among the Levites were authorized to do temple music.
The point that is often argued based upon Old Testament passages is
that anything goes in worship. That idea is patently false. There was to
be a distinction between sacred and secular in reference to worship.
It is often argued that many of the tunes in traditional hymns were
once tavern songs that the church borrowed. It is maintained that
reformer and hymn composer, Martin Luther, simply put Christian lyrics
to barroom and popular tunes for use in worship. It is argued that the
church has always incorporated secular tunes into Christian hymnnody.
In point of fact, most of Luther’s melodies were his original
compositions or existing church melodies that he put biblical words to
for congregational singing. 13 From the very beginning there was a
concern among Christian leadership about the use of heathen musical
forms by believers, a concern that is noticeably absent today. 14
The goal today is to attract unbelievers and gratify the musical tastes
of the culture through integration of every musical form, style and
performance into modern worship. Whether that integration is
appropriate is not factored in. In many respects, there is absolutely no
distinctiveness in sound from what the secular world listens to. There
should be. Just because one can sing the words of that wonderful
hymn, Amazing Grace to the tune of Gilligan’s Island does not mean
 that we should. There would be loss of distinctiveness and an
identification with the frivolous in doing so. That is unworthy of the
reverence we are to display in our musical worship.

 The Principle of Melodic Clarity

The Bible assumes that there were be an identifiable melody in any

song and that this melody is what stands out as its dominant quality.
That assumption is reflected in the example the Apostle Paul uses
about the need for understanding in what is being communicated via
language in a church service (I Cor 14). He uses the example of an
identifiable melody. He argues that even the pattern of notes played on
a musical instrument must convey meaning through the melody of
what is being played. If the instrument does not play an identifiable
melodic progression, the meaning and identity of a song cannot be
communicated.
Here is how the text reads: 7 And even things without life giving
sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the
sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? :8 For if the
trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the
battle?:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to
be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall
speak into the air. (1Co 14:7-9)
While acknowledging that this passage is not directly addressing the
topic of music, it is addressing clarity of understanding. Music with an
identifiable melody is used as an illustration of how imperative
understanding is. One cannot tell what a song is or what military
directive is being given if there is not an identifiable melody being
played. Indeed, the writer under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, uses the
illustration of a military trumpet playing a specific note progression to
give the soldiers direction. Barnes writes: “It was used for various
purposes in war – to summon the soldiers; to animate them in their
march; to call them forth to battle; to sound a retreat; and to signify to
them what they were to do in battle, whether to charge, advance, or
retreat, etc. It therefore employed a “language” which was intelligible
to an army. An uncertain sound was one in which none of these things
were indicated, or in which it could not be determined what was
required.” 15
For those that would argue that there are no rules for worship, this is a
foundational principle about music that is presumed as true in
Scripture: Melody is essential for understanding in music. It can rightly
be inferred that if we are to worship God by making melody in our
hearts to the Lord, then there must be melody for there to be music.
Melody is a means through which God carries His truth to the heart
and through which is carried praise from the heart to God. Melody must
 not be absent, obscured, competed with or dominated by other
aspects of music.
The application of this regulative principle certainly would apply to a
variety of musical contexts. It would apply to some classical composers
who arrange such elaborate counter melodies and harmonies that one
cannot tell what the melody is or discern what the lyrics are saying. It
would apply to rock styles that accent a driving beat, screaming
vocals, blistering decibels, distorted sound and booming percussion. It
would apply to rap and hip-hop which contains little or no melody and
is almost exclusively defined and dominated by rhythm.
This principle would even apply to modern vocal performance styles
that employ what is called “flipping”- vocalizing over, under and
around the melody so that the melody is obscured. If most vocalists
that do this were honest, they would have to admit that this is not
done to enhance the song or communicate meaning. It is done to
demonstrate the vocalist’s ability. In short, any styling that omits,
obscures or overwhelms melody is not the communicative tool that
should be used to convey God’s truth to the heart or relay praise from
it.

 The Principle of Proximity

The meaning of the word proximity refers to how near something is. It
refers to how close something is in space, time, or relationship.
Proximity as a principle in the Christian life has a two-fold aspect. First,
as believers we are to have close proximity to God. Salvation in
Ephesians 2:12-19 is depicted as God bringing those who were far
away from Him near to Him. We have been made close to God
positionally and relationally through the Lord Jesus Christ and His
saving work. That aspect of nearness has been accomplished for us.
We are also to be close to God experientially. That closeness is to be
reflected both in our hearts devotion and in our lifestyle. Peter’s
admonition is for us to “sanctify”- set God in a special place – in our
hearts. 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:….
Jesus talked about this kind of nearness when he spoke to someone
about where the proper place to worship God was. He maintained that
the location where worship takes place was not as crucial as
worshiping in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) God’s people have
always been commanded to set God in a special place and be close to
and close like Him:Lev 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye
holy: for I am the LORD your God. 1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not
fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner
of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy. There is a proximity that we are to maintain to God.
There is also a proximity that we are to have from the “world.” There is
a “separateness” from the world in conjunction with our proximity to
God that believers are to be characterized by. Indeed, God commands
that separateness. 2 Co 6: 17 Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 1Jo 2:15 Love not
the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 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.
The “world” mentioned in the verse above can refer to a world system
at odds with God – the world outside. It can also refer to that fleshly
nature that desires to be gratified on the inside (Mark 7:15). The
principle of proximity affects our relationship with the “world” in both
the outside and inside senses.
There is a sense in which believers in maintaining their proximity to
God must maintain a proximity from the ungodly. If that is what we
really desire, proximity to Him, then that will mean a degree a
separateness from unwholesome relationships with the ungodly.(I Cor
5:6-13)
II Corinthians 6:14-18 says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? 16 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. 17 Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Proximity also affects our actions and attitudes toward certain
practices of life. Simply put, we are commanded in the Bible to follow
after some things and run from other things. We are to be in close
proximity to God and those qualities and attributes that are like Him.
We are to be in far proximity to those qualities, characteristics and
practices that are not like Him. (The principle really is not hard to
understand.) The scriptural testimony is abundant:1Co 10:14 ….. flee
from idolatry. Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which
make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 1Co
6:18 Flee fornication……1Co 14:1 Follow after charity,……2Ti 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 1Th 5:15 ….. but
ever follow that which is good,….1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee
these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.
Follow, flee, follow, flee, follow, flee – Get the picture? We get as close
to good stuff as we can and as far from bad stuff as we can. Separation
from the ungodly and ungodliness, not integration with that which is
against or unlike God is what God is telling us He wants from us as a
people in close proximity with Him.
In all of this, the goal is to honor God with our lives. He and his
purposes are what we have set our affections upon. Those who
practice the principle of proximity….seek those things which are
above, (Col 3:1) They have their coordinates set “….on things above,
not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2) They value their relationship with
God and they know that “…where your treasure is, there will your
heart be also. “(Mat 6:21) They know that whether we eat or drink or
whatever we do, it can all reflect upon God and His honor. (I Cor 10:31)
Those in close proximity to God care. This is the Principle of Proximity.
This challenge of applying this principle is ever before us and its
application is not always that easy. As believers we are to be in the
world but not of the world. We must minister to unbelievers without
being contaminated by their values. The question surrounding
proximity issues has always surrounded the issue of how close is too
close?
If you knew or suspected that someone had a contagious disease, how
close to them do you want to be? The question is not as easy to answer
as it may seem. There are factors that may cloud the issue. For
example, many years ago the author had an illness that affected every
major organ of his body and nearly killed him. The doctors did not
know what it was and so did not know whether it could be
communicated to others. I was put in isolation. Staff had to dress in
gowns, masks and gloves. I could not see my children and my wife was
not allowed to have any personal contact with me even though she
wanted to comfort me. It was difficult for everyone but everyone knew
that keeping at a safe distance was the best plan. But it was
complicated by relationships. The doctors, on the other hand, had a
responsibility to treat me as their patient. That meant that they had to
have contact with me, thus endangering themselves and potentially
their families.
The issues are similar for believers. We are in this world. We cannot
avoid the lost nor should we. (I Cor 5:9 -10) We are not to hide our light
(Mt 5:15) We cannot and must not avoid having relationships with
unbelievers if we are to be a witness. But we must never forget that
our primary concern is to honor the Lord. Our obligation to people is
always offset by the principle of proximity to God. But the tension
between the two will always be there.
There will always be a tension as well in making decisions as to what
glorifies or does not glorify the Lord. Nowhere is that issue more
 intense in the Christian world then over the issue of the music used in
worship. However, biblical principles mandate that we make decisions
about this important arena of life. If the music we use to edify each
other as believers and to honor God is indistinct from what the lost
world listens to; if it has no clearly identifiable melody; if the melody is
dominated or blurred by other musical factors; if it is noisy and chaotic;
if it is associated with ungodliness and wickedness; then God’s people
must not use it to communicate God’s truth or attempt to honor Him
with it.

 The Principle of Biblical Integrity

Integrity is soundness of character. If something disintegrates, it comes

apart. Biblical integrity in reference to Christian music is how the lyrical
content mirrors the biblical content. This principle simply places the
Scripture in its prominent place in biblical music.
Are the lyrics of the text faithful to the Scriptures? Since the stated
biblical purpose of Christian music is to be a vehicle for teaching
believers God’s truth. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in songs…..”(Col
3:16) the lyrical content should certainly be biblically accurate. It
should not be merely descriptive of the performer’s feelings or
sentiments. Songs about grandpa now singing in heaven’s choir or the
little brown church in the wildwood may stir up precious memories, but
they are not songs that teach biblical truth or focus on glorifying God.
“Sentimental Christian folk narratives that describe someone’s Sunday
school teacher, old stringed instruments, or some other human-interest
story should be kept out of worship services. Their place is elsewhere”
(Singing and Making Music 278) Although one wonders if one song the
author heard stating, “They Don’t Serve Cap’n Crunch in Hell” is
worthy to be sung in any context.
Biblical faithfulness also comes into play when the lyrics of a song are
not teaching sound doctrine. If music is for teaching believers, then
what it is teaching is important. Songs that teach or imply, for
example, that one earns one’s salvation by good works or human
efforts should not be sung by any believer. One “Christian” song heard
over the radio described a man who had lost a loved one in death and
who went (presumably) to heaven. The vocalist sang that he was
hanging on to Jesus with all his might so that he could see his departed
loved one again! That may be heart wrenching, but it is not biblical.
Biblical faithfulness would apply to lyrics that are muddled, mumbled,
muffled, or mangled. If instrumentation or percussion smothers the
vocals so that the message is not communicated, that musical style
should be avoided. The best and most biblical lyrics are useless if they
cannot be understood. The author has sat in church cantatas that
featured a choir with an orchestra. The orchestras drowned out the
 choirs every time! Not only did this cancel out any blessing to God’s
people through the message of the music, it wasted the hours of
rehearsal of those choir members.
A standard practice in many traditional churches is to play the organ
and/or piano so loud that one cannot hear the voices of the other
believers thus, effectively canceling out the “teaching one another”
through congregational singing.

 The Principle of Congruity

The principle of congruity, simply put, is that everything in a particular

song agrees with itself, considering all the factors of Christian music.
Does the music agree with the message? Does it reflect biblical
integrity and is it musically clear? Does it fit together?
The principle of congruity simply asks the question of whether the
“musical text and the musical setting agree in tone, quality and
character – ultimately, then, in meaning.”16 Amazing Gracesung to
the theme song of Gilligan’s Island is not congruent. This is not only
because that theme song is identified with the zany antics of the crew
and passengers of the S.S Minnow. The music simply does not “fit” with
a self described wretch glorying in the saving grace of God! Certainly,
the song’s association with a 1960’s comedy is a factor. But, musically,
it does not fit. It lacks congruity in both its character and its
association. The same could be said about applying Christian words to
the song “The Stripper.”
A second aspect of the issue of congruity is whether music that is
identified as Christian is congruent with something that is identified
with God. This question is not purely subjective. For example, God is a
God of order. He is not the…. the author of confusion, but of peace,
(1Co 14:33) The phrase “the author” is not in the original text as the
italics show. Literally, the verse says God is not “of confusion.” The
word confusion is the Greek word that means commotion and tumult. It
is a word that speaks of instability, unpredictability and disorder.
What the author, under inspiration, is saying is that God is a God of
order, not chaos. On the basis of this characteristic of God, all the
things we do as assembled believers including our worship is to be
done “…decently and in order.” (1Co 14:40) The music we use is not
exempt from this principle.
From a biblical standpoint, music is not whatever we say it is. The
sound of a train wreck is not music. Screaming, yelling, raucousness or
barking out words to a beat is not singing. Music that is melodic and
orderly mirrors the character of God. Certainly music that is directed to
God’s people and done to worship God ought not to contradict its
message with its character. Music that’s design and effect is to cause
emotional frenzy and disorder clearly violates this attribute of God. It is
not congruent with God Himself!
 Summary
Music’s biblical ministry is not for entertainment. It is for reinforcing in
believers the teaching about God and His Word and expressing our
worship to God. There are biblical principles that ought to regulate
local churches in musical decisions:

 The Principle of Distinctiveness

 The Principle of Melodic Clarity

 The Principle of Proximity

 The Principle of Biblical Integrity

 The Principle of Congruity

The music ministry of Calvary Baptist Church is regulated by the above

principles. We will attempt to apply them consistently but we lay no
claim to perfection in any arena of ministry. We acknowledge that there
is a degree of subjectivity in the application of these principles that
brethren from other churches could see differently. But we believe that
the principles are present in Scripture and we determine by God’s
grace to be faithful to what we believe He has expressed about this
vital area.
Invariably, we are asked about the issue of rock music in its multitude
of forms. Suffice to say that we do not incorporate rock music into our
ministry. There are many good books listed in the bibliography that the
reader is encouraged to read about this vital subject. However, the
following statement states in brief why Calvary does not use Christian
rock or more popularly known as Contemporary Christian Music in our
worship.

The Issue of Rock Music and Worship

A debate has raged for decades about the purity and appropriateness
of certain kinds of music used for worship- specifically this debate
rages about rock music in its various forms. Some are arguing that rock
is simply a neutral cultural musical form. Others say that it is tainted.
There is no question that the issue is complicated by Rock music’s
almost universal appeal in society. Those who like this music tend to
love it. Rock, for most, is appealing because of its energy. In short,
Rock music is exciting and its pulsating rhythm has a visceral appeal
that any “headbanger” would attest to. A casual observer at any rock
concert- Christian or otherwise- can tell by the body language that
restraint and control are not what are being communicated musically.
Many testify that this music liberates them to express what is inside.
Rock, especially in its more raucous forms, pumps up the adrenaline.
Many rock musicians describe their music as rebellious, aggressive and
projecting attitudes of “anger, defiance and aggression” A Christian
rocker, Brian Duncan, said that performing rock was a positive way to
express his anger.17 “If I was angry I could play rock n roll. That
certainly expressed anger better than anything else.”18This begs the
question of whether venting his anger is an appropriate biblical
response.
“Harder” styles of rock certainly have an emotional and physical effect
on its fans. But rock, even in its softer forms, does not just make the
foot tap. It makes the body want to move. This is consistent with what
rock musicians say about their own music. They certainly are not shy
about expressing themselves about what they see as their music’s
appeal. Rock Manager, Malcolm McLaren described rock this way:
“Rock ‘n roll is pagan and primitive, and very jungle, and that’s how it
should be! The moment it stops being those things it’s dead…the true
meaning of rock…is sex, subversion and style.” 19 Rock musician,
Stuart Goldman, said “rock stands essentially for the liberation of
emotion from the tyranny of reason.”20 If what Goldman says is even
partially accurate concerning making emotion govern over reason, that
in itself is a good reason why believers should not indulge in it, let
alone use it for worship!
“One Contemporary Christian rock music sympathizer acknowledged
that “some Christian bands are as grungy and loud as any of their
secular counterparts… Their styles are almost indescribable, but all
emphasize a driving drum beat, harmonic distortion, and very little
melodic content. The vocal lines contain at least as much screaming as
true singing…”21
This writer could cite literally dozens of quotes of this type by both
Christian and secular rock performers and promoters in the music
industry. They acknowledge the sub-Christian and often anti-Christian
character of this music. Frank admissions as to the sensual character
of rock could be cited from a wide cross-section of rock artists from
country to rock artist, Garth Brooks to rock icon Mick Jagger- all of
them describing their music in words directly contradicting the holiness
expressed in God’s Word, the Bible. There is absolutely no question in
this writer’s mind that sexuality, sensuality, aggression and adrenalin
are all part of the rock world. Good grief. One popular group is called
“Smash Mouth.” Another is called “Bare Naked Ladies.” That ought to
tell us something!
However, this writer has found that quoting a multitude of secular or
even Christian rock artists does little to convince someone who is
caught up in this music culture. Rock music, in its various forms and in
varying degrees of intensity, saturates the culture at large. The bottom
line is that people like it. Even many born again Christians like it and
 desire to use it in the worship of God. Truly “modern worship is a total
artistic identification with that culture” says one writer.22
But the fact that rock has been assimilated into modern worship begs
the question as to whether it should be this way. Have those who have
incorporated rock into worship exercised biblical discernment when
doing so? Did it ever occur to them before the fact whether it was good
to do so? Does rock used in worship violate biblical principles on any
level? This author believes that it does on a number of levels.
Mentioned above were just a few principles that this form of music runs
afoul of. Remember what they were?

 The Principle of Distinctiveness

 The Principle of Melodic Clarity

 The Principle of Proximity

 The Principle of Biblical Integrity

 The Principle of Congruity

Rock, especially in its harder forms, is defined by the dominance of

rhythm over melody. With the emphasis on heavy bass backgrounds,
rhythm is further accented over melody. Much Rock uses musical
distortion and decibels to pound home its impact. As someone said, “It
ain’t good unless its loud.” But in all of this, melody is lost or greatly
impeded. When sound is distorted or overwhelmed by other factors,
biblical principles are being violated.
A multitude of rock performers today scream out lyrics rather than sing
them to the point that there is, at best, impaired communication of a
message. The methodology of the performance dominates and
overwhelms the message. In the secular world that is of little concern.
However, in a Christian context, it means much.
The primary question that we are left with in reference to Rock and
Roll’s use in our churches is also one of proximity. Our culture is
permeated with a musical form that this writer believes, to varying
degrees, is corrupt. Its leading practitioners admit this. Rock icon Little
Richard, said “I believe this kind of music is demonic.”23 Yet, many
believers have uncritically embraced this musical form and
incorporated it into the worship of God. In this writer’s opinion it is
neither glorifying to God nor ultimately edifying to the body of Christ.
Does rock affect some listeners negatively more than others? Probably.
Some people are more musically inclined and affected than others.
There are always the people upon whom it seems to have little effect.
One wonders, in the end if that is relevant. It is pretty much a given
that the use of tobacco is not healthy. The smoker who says as he puffs
away, “My grandpa smoked all his life and he lived to be 98,” is fooling
himself if he thinks that this means that tobacco is harmless. There are
too many studies, too much research and too many gravestones to the
contrary proving that it is not good for most people. In reality, even
grandpa would probably have admitted that it was not “good” for him.
His leather lungs could just tolerate it better than most. To be sure,
grandpa probably was not going to be the champion sprinter he would
have been if he had not started puffing! We believe that the same
holds true for the deleterious spiritual affects of the “ingestion” of rock.
Are there degrees of egregiousness in regard to this music? Clearly.
Obviously, some is borderline and other musical pieces are clearly over
the line and over the top. However, our stance on the issue is not to
see how close we can come to this musical genre especially in our
worship of our holy God. We believe that we need to limit our proximity
to it. While acknowledging that some forms of Christian rock music are
milder than others, the safe course of action is to keep our distance
from it. Certainly, that is consistent with the Scriptural warnings that
we have looked at already. (2 Co 6: 17-18; 1Jo 2:15-16 )
We will not take the course of one gospel preaching church which had
to inform some ladies in the choir to quit moving their hips to the rock
choir specials. It just did not look godly to the leadership. It was
interesting to this writer, that the church leadership was telling these
ladies not to do what the music was prompting them to do. It would
have been better not to use that musical medium in the first place
rather than issue conflicting directives.
For our part we have decided here at Calvary that we will not use rock
music in any of its varied manifestations in either hard or soft forms.
We believe that there is acceptable music that is a blessing to all and
glorifying to God without getting close to that which is wicked at worst
and questionable at best.