Quote:
Originally Posted by Backwoods Presbyterian  Well certainly if you do not buy the premise that all elements of the Temple Worship ceased with Christ's atoning Death and Resurrection and Ascension (and the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 do not forget) and instruments were an "element" then the discussion is moot.
Here is a quote from John Calvin to think about : Quote: |
"Musical Instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law...Music was useful as an elementary aid to the people of God in ancient times...Now that Christ has appeared and the Church has reached full age, it were only to bury the light of the Gospel, should we introduce the shadows of a departed dispensation." (from pg. 9 of the John Price book that I highlight on my blog post) | Of course as Calvin says if you use instruments why do you not also use incense and the other things "commanded" by the Psalms? |
I notice that, in the quote itself, as presented, Calvin offers no scriptural support for his position. He just asserts that, since the church has reached "full age" (whatever that may mean; I would say that the church won't reach "full age" until the eschaton), musical instruments in worship are not necessary.
He offers no biblical proof for this assertion because he can't. Nowhere in the New Testament is the use of musical instruments in worship forbidden. I believe Calvin's opinion is an overreaction to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church.