Expert: Onaga Thomas - 12/14/2006

Question
I have just a couple of questions I would like to ask. I don't understand why the Church of Christ claims to be the "true church." The true church consists of all the people who have had their sins forgiven, washed away by the blood of the Lamb, whether or not they belong to any of the "Churches of Christ" specifically. If a person is sincerely sorry for his or her sin, and they ask God's forgiveness, turn from their wicked ways, then "walk in the light, as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7), that makes them a part of the True Church.
Also, concerning instruments in worship. First of all, there is no indication in Scripture that the Old Testament is any less important for us today than the New. True, we don't have to kill animals for sacrifice like they did, Jesus took care of that when He went to the Cross. But we should follow ALL Scripture and treat it with equality, not just with the New Testament. There are several instances in Scripture where musical instruments were used in worship, and there is certainly nothing in the New Testament prohibiting this practice! "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph.5:19). I see nowhere in this scripture verse prohibiting instruments "made with human hands"! It seems from what we read in the Bible that God is pleased when He has given us a musical talent (such as playing piano, guitar, drums, etc.), that we use those talents for His service!! Would that not mean playing them in the worship of God our Creator?? To not do so would be displeasing and insulting to Him, since He has so graciously given musicians that ability!
Thank you. God Bless.  

Answer
Thankyou for your question Holly

 Members of the Church of Christ believe that Jesus only built one church (Matt. 16:18), in so believing, that one church is the one New Testament Church, which consist of the "true church" of Jesus Christ.  Now, COC members have scriptural reference to believe so, it is named by Paul in Rom: 16:16 meaning it had to be in existence at that time and being so, the true church.  We go by the Lord's commandments in the New Testament about how we worship, act amongst each other, treat all-peoples, give, obey, and live.  I am not into church-names but if any of these names were founded by none other than Christ, and He said he will built his church, not churches, then there can only be one true church He built that was established in the New Testament, that coming on the day of Pentecost (Acts. 2). As for the music, Eph. 5:19 and !! Cor. 3:16-17 commands us to "sing", "make melody in our hearts" to the Lord. So it outlines the kind of "music" appropriate in God's sight.  I am saying that just because scripture does'nt say specifically not to do something, does that make it right?  I believe that when the Lord gives a command, He tells you what you need to know and what to do-in the same instance leaving out all things that are not necessary.  Musical instruments are not necessary in worship of the Lord, we as Christians don't have a command to use them in worship.  People do have musical talents from God no doubt and they can use them to glorify His name, but we have no command form God to do that in worshipping Him

Onaga