Music is a powerful medium of communication. Today, the church is bombarded with all sorts of sights and sounds under the name of "Christian contemporary music." Advocates of "pop-idiom" evangelism claim that their music and songs can help propagate the gospel. But are these claims true? The Christian church needs proper guidelines, standards or criteria for choosing biblical and God-honouring music and songs.

The Scriptures are our ultimate standard and guide on this matter, as on all others. Eph 5:19-20, for example, provides biblical criteria for a proper selection of "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" that are honouring, glorifying and pleasing to God.

An individual’s attitude in worship is determined by his theology and concept of God. If he recognises the attributes of God, that He is an almighty and sovereign Creator, holy, just and righteous (Rev 4:8; 5:4; Deut 32:4), he will approach God with reverence and fear. If, however, his knowledge of God is shallow and deficient, this will be reflected in the manner in which he worships. His choice of music will be self-centred, frivolous, superficial and even worldly.

A worship service should be characterised by reverence, sincerity, humility and dignity. Congregational singing should always be an expression of our worship, adoration and praise. There should be a restful meditative atmosphere, where people can hear the Word of God and sing his praise without distraction. The New Testament gives no definitive instructions as to the proper format of worship. But there are general principles that can be gleaned from different portions of Scripture.

Firstly, Paul exhorts that all things should be done decently and in order (1 Cor 14:40). This provides a good guide in the choice of music for worship. Disorderly, chaotic and outlandish tunes, loud and jarring instruments, go against orderliness and should be rejected.

Secondly, Jesus told the Samaritan woman to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Hence, praise and worship must be a sincere, spiritual, personal and intelligent activity. The mind, heart and will of the worshipper are to blend together in expressing praise, love, gratitude and obedience. Worship must be "in truth" as opposed to falsehood, and "in spirit" as opposed to sensual or physical. Whatever assistance we may derive from music or instruments, these things cannot of themselves constitute a spiritual act of worship. They should not be accorded such significance that they eclipse or interferes with worship. Dr Peter Masters writes:

So, instruments are to be used sparingly in worship and not for showmanship and entertainment. In some churches with synthesisers and drums, the music drowns the voice of praise altogether.

Thirdly, we were told to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (1 Chron 16:29). Holiness, because the person we worship is the thrice-holy Jehovah, and that requires propriety and decorum from his subjects in public worship. Thus, loud, lilting, jarring and syncopated music that encourages a flippant and irreverent attitude is inconsistent with the principle of beauty and holiness in worship and ought to be discarded.

There is a proper place for new edifying songs and hymns, composed today with theologically sound lyrics and suitable tunes. But the majority of new songs and tunes that are emerging are far from edifying. Calvin Johannson comments:

There should be no compromise and accommodation with worldly music, even if it is so-called "gospel music" like songs by Amy Grant, Sandy Patti or Cliff Richard. Some may have started well but the allure of the world’s popularity has led them to a deadly compromise.

The church should not adopt a utilitarian or pragmatic approach in the name of sharing the gospel. The means have to be right and acceptable before God, and the end does not justify the means. Johannson adds: "The centuries-long trend towards the enthronement of self has done much to invalidate our worship … We cannot set ourselves as gods and expect to worship God."

Many young believers are mesmerised by new tunes. Because of this the lyrics enter their subconscious minds, which accept and retain the information. Sound reason, which should filter and reject unhelpful information, is bypassed. The ideas absorbed by the subconscious mind then influences the personality and the way it responds to situations. We need to examine carefully the content of the lyrics and the musical arrangement of the song.

The Bible tells us: "gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:13). This is a warning to believers to be ready to protect the faith we have in Christ. We must be continually on the lookout for things which will have a negative influence in our lives. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones opined,

These are remarkable facts — music is a powerful tool that can be manipulated for better or worse.

The lyrics of some "Christian songs" produced today are questionable. Coupled with the lifestyle and behaviour of the composers, they leave much to be desired. What we listen to and feed upon, is what will affect and be evidenced in our lives. We must not let ourselves be pushed around by feelings generated by contemporary music. Rather, we must be guided by our reason, enlightened by knowledge of the truth of God in the Scriptures.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul delineates some general guidelines for God-honouring Christian living and decision making. These are also helpful for the selection of sound, godly edifying Christian music. They can be expressed as four questions.

Is it expedient? (1 Cor 6:12). All things are permissible but are they beneficial or profitable to me spiritually? Yes, it is legal to do certain things like going to rock concerts or singing worldly sentimental music. But is it good for my soul?

Is it enslaving? (1 Cor 6:12). Do I become dependent on it, enslaved by its repetitive and hypnotic sounds so that I must hear it or do it? We can become addicted to worldly contemporary music if we are not careful.

Is it an example? (1 Cor 8:9). Is it offensive to other Christians? Does it cause a brother or sister to fall or to doubt? For the sake of our brother’s weaker conscience we should not sing tunes or words that offend or mislead others spiritually.

Is it edifying? (1 Cor 10:23,31). Does this song or music increase our devotion and love to Christ? Does it strengthen faith, holiness, godliness and Christian piety? Is it glorifying and honouring to God?

Is the name of Christ exalted and extolled? This is one vital question we need to ask and answer, even before we discuss specific criteria for the selection of good Christian music.

The foremost consideration in choosing a song is the content and message of its words. Does the lyric convey a scriptural message, or are its words repetitive and devoid of theological content? Are there scriptural or moral flaws? Are the sentiments expressed anti-biblical, or even anti-Trinitarian? We must be careful not to sing unscriptural songs and nonsensical ditties. For example, consider these words:

The theology of this verse is absolutely unbiblical. At his Second Coming, Christ will appear as King and Judge. He will certainly not "go away in tears" but will accomplish all that he has purposed.

Or, again, what about this song for children?

This is both ridiculous and factually wrong. Abraham had only two children and we know nothing about their size. Calvin Johannson says,

A chief principle of choral composition is that the musical arrangement must harmonise with the words that go with it. Consider the melody and rhythm. Are they compatible with the words? Are they uplifting, devotional and edifying? Or are they jarring or distracting? Music has a character of its own and to some extent conveys its own message. If an inappropriate tune is coupled with fine lyrics, the incongruity can be disastrous or ludicrous. The way a text is expressed is as important as the text itself.

Sacred music must be characterised by clear communication and comprehension of the text. We must sing with understanding and meaning. Paul testifies, "if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful ... I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (1 Cor 14:14-15).

Can you sing ‘Near the Cross’ in a flippant, fast-paced and frivolous way? Or "Lead Me to Calvary" in a swaying, jazzing and hypnotic manner? In the 1970s a worldly pop group called "Boney M" sang words taken from Ps 137, "By the river of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, when we remembered Zion." Even though the words were from Scripture, their rendition was totally unacceptable because the jazzy, seductive music was incompatible with their sombre meaning.

E J Young, a reformed theologian, wrote:

The text used to convey spiritual truth should be carefully composed. Some so-called Christian songs are shallow, superficial and irreverent, like this one, "Give me gas in my car, keep me trucking for the Lord." Music affects our feelings and behaviour. Some Christian music grips young hearts by its sensuality. They reject traditional church music as outmoded and boring and, as a consequence, a worldly culture has invaded the church.

Rhythms, too, must correspond to the spiritual emphasis of the words. Rhythms that are syncopated, lilting or toe-tapping, have no place in the worship of God. Sensual, suggestive and worldly music must not be mixed with sacred words and tunes. Much of the contemporary Christian music sung in some charismatic and liberal churches is outrageously unacceptable. It devastates Christian influence and testimony.

The choice of Church music and hymns should reflect the relevance and needs of the occasion. There is an appropriate hymn for every occasion. For example, to begin the worship Service, a hymn of praise like "O For a Thousand Tongues" or "O Worship the King" might be chosen. For an offertory hymn we might select "All to Jesus I Surrender" or ‘More Love to Thee." For some occasions a hymn of consolation and comfort might be needed, such as "The Comforter Has Come" or "Keep on Believing." During a vigil service, we might sing "Abide with Me;" on Resurrection Sunday, "Low in the Grave He Lay;" and so on. Appropriateness and relevance are important if the hymn or music is to reinforce the message or the occasion.

The purpose of sacred music is to glorify God and edify the saints. The church must promote good healthy Christian music. Johannson comments,

We should teach Christian virtues and doctrine through good Christian music. Sacred music is a ministry to the soul, not an entertainment or gratification of the flesh. Many can testify to the godly influence of healthy music in their spiritual lives. It was said that more were converted by Charles Wesley’s hymns than by John Wesley’s sermons.

The choice of hymns and music plays a vital role in congregational worship. The theme of sound, acceptable, reverential worship of a sovereign God is dominant throughout the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation. Every Sabbath is an emblem of eternal rest. Believers should prepare for eternal worship by singing God-honouring, biblically sound hymns, choruses and spiritual songs, worshipping God in spirit and in truth (Col 3:16).

The selection of hymns should be biblically sound. Lyrics on Christology, pneumatology, theology and eschatology must accord with Scripture. There is an acceptable way of worshipping the living and true God. The Westminster Assembly defined what is commonly called the "regulative principle" in worship: "He may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men or any way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture" (Westminster Confession of Faith, 21:1).

God prescribes how he may be approached and it is not left to the whims and fancies of men. There is to be sanctity of worship, reverence and awe for the holy and Almighty God. To some degree, different ethnic cultures, or different forms of church government, may influence our choice of music. But the overriding principle should be one of sanctity, sacred devotion, reverence, awe, decency and orderliness in worship, praising the Lord always (1 Cor 14:40; John 4:24).

The words in Col 3:16-17 should be our guide and principle, "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." Good hymns speak to our heart and can teach and admonish us.

Music as a medium can be used for either good or evil. Paul exhorts,

We must not be conformed to the world’s carnal tastes but, rather, transformed by godly, spiritual, theologically sound and edifying Christian music. As justified and sanctified people, we should avoid all forms of music that are unedifying and enslaving. Let them not infiltrate either the church or our Christian homes. Let us be pure and undefiled, offering acceptable, reverential worship and ministry in a day when many churches are confused and compromised.

Rev Jack Sin is the pastor of Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church, and lecturer in church history at Far Eastern Bible College. The above article was published in Evangelical Times (UK), July and August 2002.