Friday, November 05, 2004

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EXPEDIENT AND AN ADDITION TO GOD'S WORD

There is a difference between an expedient and an addition to God’s Word. The Bible warns not to take away or add to it: to do so is to sin. However, the Bible also gives commands without giving every detail on how to fulfill them. These unspecified “details” are called necessary expedients because they are necessary for expediting the command. How does the follower of God know the difference between an addition and a necessary expedient? This has been a problem for many people.

The debate between those who justify instruments in worship and those who do not. Some people counter the argument against using instruments in worship–because there is no command for them in the New Testament–by pointing out that the Bible doesn’t command song books, but a capella churches use song books. Are a capella groups being inconsistent? The following graphical illustration should clarify the issue and help to settle the debate.

When the New Testament Began
1. In the center of the diagram is the general command to worship. From John 4:23,24 are two items that guide Christians in all things pertaining to worship: it must be done “in spirit and truth.” Because God specifically states what is acceptable, nothing is offered to Him beyond what He has specified.

2. The five specific items of worship include: Singing, praying, giving, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, and teaching Scripture.

3. Connected to the five specific items of worship, the New Testament gives some details (gray box) or particulars showing how they are done: the details come in the form of specific commands, approved examples, or necessary inferences.”

4. Connected to these are the “expedients” (thick black box) – not addressed in Scripture, but they are arguably necessary if the command is to be fulfilled. For example: God says to assemble, but he does not say where. A rented building is therefore an expedient because it aids the Church if fulfilling the command to assemble. The song book is an expedient that helps the Church fulfill the command to sing.

5. Additions (pink box) are unnecessary to fulfill the God's commands. They are presumptuous and they open the door to other unscriptural practices. Because vocal singing requires no accompaniment, a musical instrument is not an expedient: instead, it is the addition of an unauthorized form of music. Selecting an appropriate meeting place to assemble is an expedient, but singing can be done anywhere and everywhere without the accompaniment of musical instruments. It is sophistry and human desire that justifies additions to God's Word.

6. When these principles are followed, the Christian can be confident that God is pleased with his worship.

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