Music I - History of Christian Music

Click here to go to our audio sermons page to listen to Pastor Jeff Musgrave's audio sermon on Music, preached on 10 Oct 2004.

Introduction: There are 575 musical references (eg. music, musician, musical instruments, songs, singers, singing) in the Bible. These musical references are found in 44 out of the 66 books of the Bible. The longest book in the Bible is its "song book" - the Psalms. The first reference to music is found GEN 4:21 and the last reference is found in REV 18:22.

The great events of history were celebrated with music. There was music when the world was created (JOB 38:7). There was music when God delivered His people from Egyptian slavery (EXO 15). There was music when the Temple was 'inaugurated' ( 2CH 5:13). The angels sang when Jesus was born (LUK 2:13). God will blow His trumpet when Jesus comes again (I TH 4:12).

Heaven is filled with music. When Isaiah was given a glimpse of heaven he heard music (ISA 6 3). Hundreds of years later when John was given a glimpse of heaven he also heard music (REV 4: 8). Music is the universal language because it communicates human emotions without words. It is the language of emotions. It is also a powerful instrument that can make a man happy or sad, bold or cowardly, obedient or rebellious. The ancient Greek philosophers used music to build character. Hitler used music to mobilize his people. Communists use music to control the masses. Advertisers use music to increase sales. Satan uses music to turn people away from God. But few Christians know the power of music - to produce godliness or worldliness.

Music is such a vital part of man's life because God is musical and we are created in His image (GEN 1:26). In ZEP 3:17 we are told that God rejoices by singing. In ZEC 9:14 we are told that God plays a musical instrument. Almost everyone sings spontaneously when he is happy. However, it is ironical that Christians have to be reminded (in JAM 5:13) to sing when they are happy!

History of Christian Music: Man is basically religious (ROM 1: 19,20)- Throughout history man has tried to fulfill his obligations to God by religious rites. Historical evidence reveals that the ancient Egyptians used many different musical instruments in their worship. Religious music was also a vital part of other cultures (eg. ancient Chinese and Greek).

When Israel had a permanent place of-worship, King David appointed musicians (I CH 6:31,32). Temple musicians were numerous (I CH 25:6,7), trained full-timers (I CH 9:3 3) and financially supported (NEH 11:23). The priests were the Temple musicians and the Psalms was their songbook. In accordance to God's character, the music was majestic, beautiful and orderly.

After the coming of Jesus Christ, Christians enjoyed a personal relationship with God. They were priests (I PE 2:9) and "temples" of God (I CO 3:16). Therefore, the early Christians were known as the "joyful singing" people. In times of persecution (even as they were martyred) they sang joyful victory psalms (ACT 16:25)! The joy of salvation through Jesus Christ, added a new element of Joy to the way they sang the psalms. It was no more the dutiful singing of paid priests but the joyful singing of redeemed saints. Even until today, other religious music is basically mournful (though some elements of Christian joyful music has been occasionally incorporated into their music).

During the Dark Ages (AD 500 to 1500) when the Roman Church persecuted the true Church and the true Gospel was hid from the masses, joyful Christian singing was replaced by the mourn-fid chanting of the monks. Gregorian chanting is still practiced by some Romanists today and is presently gaining popularity. When Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation (c. AD 1450), he reintroduced congregational singing - both of psalms and songs. It is said that more people were converted by Luther's hymns than by his preaching. Luther was so convinced of the importance of singing, that he would not ordain a man to the ministry unless he was also a trained musician. The other Reformers (eg. Calvin, Zwingli) also recognized the importance of congregational singing, though not as much as Luther did. Every spiritual revival has been accompanied by a revival in congregational singing.

Isaac Watts (c. AD 1550) is considered the "father of English hymnody." He wrote beautiful songs (eg. "When I survey the wondrous cross," "O God our help," "Joy to the world") and improved the quality of the musical accompaniment.

Charles Wesley (c. AD 1750), wrote and translated about 65 00 songs (eg. "O for a thousand tongues to sing," "Love divine, "Jesus lover of my soul".

The 1850's was the time of evangelistic songs. Ira Sankey wrote "Hiding in thee," "Faith is the victory," "Trusting Jesus."