“There
are many counterfeits masquerading as means of grace. Music is a common one. In
Scripture, music is never identified as such as a means of grace. Now, it can
in one sense elevate our soul in praise to God and encourage us, and this is
legitimate only if it is word-based and dominated, in its content and style,
which latter, I know, is very problematic. Things that are problematic,
however, are not necessarily things that are insoluble, provided we go only so
far as God’s word allows without being led astray by our emotions,
imaginations, and preferences. What I mean by this is that God-honoring music
in the church does not focus primarily upon style, instrumentation, or tune but
upon God’s word. If the music helps us know and love God’s word better, if it
directs us in praise to God according to his word, if it leads us to depend
upon God’s word and rejoice in his promises, if it brings us to glorify the
worthy Lamb that was slain, it can help us seek God’s grace. Thus, the question
with music in the church is not whether or not I like the style or tune but
whether or not it brings my attention to God’s word and promises. Other
considerations are secondary, if even legitimate. Certainly, much of the music
in the church today has no other consideration than to elevate the emotions and
gratify the flesh, and as such, it is a counterfeit, for it does not lead us to
God’s word, to his Son, or to true fellowship with one another. It creates the
emotional energy of a rock concert. This is dangerous and anti-Christian. The
temple of God has and must have nothing to do with the temple of idols (2 Cor.
6:16).”
-Excerpted
from the sermon, Means of Grace By Rev. Chris Strevel, Covenant Presbyterian
Church
