Articles
The Time of Reformation
That most of the modern denominations started out in agreement that instrumental music was part of the Old Testament system but was not to be included in the New Testament “time of reformation” (Heb.9:1-12) is clearly evident in the following quotes:
“I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” — John Wesley, founder of Methodism, quoted in Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 685.
How did John Wesley reach this conclusion? It was self-evident that the change from an earthly temple service to a spiritual temple service dis- closed the absence of the earthly instruments in the spiritual service of making “melody in the heart” (Eph.5:19). The early Methodists were, like the Greek Orthodox Catholics, against bring- ing together the carnal and spiritual in this time that called for the spiritual and the dropping of the carnal ordinances that characterized the old Juda- ic system. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, was insistent that the instruments of music had no place in Christian worship because of the contrast of the time of reformation from the old earthly system. He said emphatically and passionately:
“But were it even evident, which it is not, either from this or any other place in the sacred writings, that instruments of music were prescribed by divine authority under the law, could this be adduced with any semblance of reason, that they ought to be used in Christian worship? No; the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are against this; and those who know the Church of God best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that these things have been introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion; and that where they prevail most, there is least of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles from the worship of that infinite Spirit who requires His followers to worship Him in spirit and truth, for to no such worship are these instruments friendly.” – Adam Clarke (Methodist), Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. II, pp. 690-691.
If the instruments of battle (swords and armor) were now spiritual (Eph.6:10-18), were not carnal and physical, and the temple is not physical but spiritual (Eph.2:18ff; 1 Peter 2:5- 9), then why would all the temple elements be reformed to spiritual with the one exception of retaining the musical instruments? Your instrument of war is now spiritual (2 Cor.10:4f) but your instrument of music would retain its place in this time of reformation? Everything else would reform to a spiritual instrument, but not this? Wesley and Clarke were voicing objection to allowing instrumental music into the worship of the church precisely because they had a reverent appreciation for the authority of the New Testament and the change from the old to the new and living way. Melody is to be made “in the heart” (Eph.5:19), the only instrument God is interested in us using in His worship in this "time of reformation.".
