Music Can Become a Counterfeit Means of Grace

“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