Music has always been an important part of worship but what constitutes Scriptural music? The music to which the Psalms were put is quite different from Southern gospel music and many Americans probably wouldn't like it. It is fortunate that God isn't a Pharisee. He hasn't set a rigid set of rules on the tone, beat, rhythm, temp or key of the music. He hasn't stated that music should be in major keys or minor keys. Although in the 150th Psalm he named a variety of musical instruments that can be used in music he didn't command that they all be used every time nor limit musical instruments to these. So what then constitutes Scriptural music?
Let us examine the purpose of music in a worship service. Colosians 3:16 says, "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." Music should be spiritual and should teach and admonish the brethren. To know what constitutes a spiritual song just read the book of Psalms, the inspired hymnal. These songs praise and thank God for who he is and what he does. Psalm 98:4-6 reads, "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King." Music is song "unto the Lord" to praise him, not performed before man to receive his praise. II Chron 29:28 and 30 is a beautiful Old Testament example of the attitude of worship and the role music plays in it.
Although music is sung for the honor and glory of the Lord it is also a medium through which others are taught and edified. Both the lyrics and the instrumental music are important and should both contribute to rather than detract from worship. The same demands for Biblical truth should be placed upon music as those upon preaching. The same care should be put into the selection of worship music as that which a pastor puts into selecting and preparing his message. Music should be worshipful whether presented during a Sunday morning service or at a youth retreat. It is still to be spiritual and to teach and admonish. If it does otherwise it is unscriptural.
Music sets the tone and mood of a service and plays a significant role in the degree to which a service is one of true worship. As we praise God and declare his Word through song let us always do it to the honor and glory of Him.