What Does the Bible Say About Music? 7 Biblical Principles Every Christian Should Know

Music Was God's Idea From the Very Beginning

Have you ever wondered where music came from? Many Christians struggle with questions about what kind of music is appropriate for worship, not realizing that the Bible provides clear principles about music's divine origin and purpose.

The truth is, music didn't originate in human culture or entertainment—it began in heaven with God Himself.

Music Existed Before Humanity

In Job 38:4-7, God reveals something remarkable about the creation of the world: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth... When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

This passage takes us back before Adam and Eve, before any human existed. When God was creating the foundations of the earth, the angelic beings—the morning stars and sons of God—were already singing praises to their Creator. Music was happening in heaven as God formed the world.

First Biblical Principle: Music should be used to sing praises for what God has done. You can't go wrong with music that glorifies God and celebrates His magnificent works.

God Rejoices Over Every Soul That Gets Saved

But there's something even more beautiful than creation—re-creation. Luke 15:10 tells us: "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Just as the angelic hosts sang when God created the physical world, there's celebration in heaven when God re-creates a human soul through salvation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rejoice when someone becomes a new creature in Christ.

This gives us our Second Biblical Principle: Music should celebrate salvation and God's redemptive work.

Look at Exodus 15:1-2, the first recorded song of mankind: "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously... The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation."

This song praised God for physical salvation through the Red Sea. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:24-25 shows the same principle: "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry... he heard musick and dancing."

When someone gets saved, you sing!

What Made Lucifer's Music Turn Evil?

Here's where the story takes a dark turn. Ezekiel 28:13 describes Satan before his fall: "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God... the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created."

Lucifer was likely the main choir director of the angelic hosts in Job 38. God created him with built-in instruments—tabrets (percussion) and pipes (wind instruments). His workmanship was beautiful, and his music was a highlight of his being as he praised God.

But it wasn't enough for him. Pride caused him to fall, and instead of using his musical gifts to worship God, he began using them to worship himself and draw followers after him.

Third Biblical Principle: You can tell if music is worldly or Christian based on who it magnifies and glorifies. Worldly music centers around self-worship and making yourself feel good, while Christian music directs worship toward God.

How Should Christians Approach Music Today?

The Psalms—the Bible book with the most chapters (150)—is entirely about music and worship. This shows how important music is to God.

Psalm 33:3 commands us: "Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise."

Fourth Biblical Principle: If God has put a new song in your heart, practice it, make it skillful, and don't be ashamed to sing it loud.

Psalm 40:3 says: "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God."

Fifth Biblical Principle: That new song should come out of your mouth and show forth His salvation (Psalm 96:2).

The New Testament Perspective

Colossians 3:16 provides crucial instruction: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Sixth Biblical Principle: We must sing with grace in our hearts because what's in our heart comes out in our music. Music is powerful—it teaches and admonishes others, so we must be careful that Christ is sanctified in our hearts before we sing.

Instruments Aren't the Problem—Hearts Are

The Bible doesn't ban any instruments. Even a piano is both a stringed and percussion instrument. The issue isn't the instrument itself—it's the heart and intent of the person using it.

Instruments don't have hearts and minds of their own. When someone approaches an instrument, they bring what's in their heart, mind, and soul. They play either for the Lord's glory or for themselves.

Seventh Biblical Principle: Congregational singing is biblical (Psalm 149:1) and powerful for uplifting saints' spirits and preparing hearts for worship.

Music's Ultimate Restoration

Even though Satan corrupted the musical gifts God gave him, God will ultimately restore music to its proper place. In Revelation 5:9, we see the future: "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood."

Revelation 14:2-3 and 15:2-3 show the same pattern—music returned to its original purpose of praising God around His throne.

Let Your Music Glorify God

Music is a gift from God that should:

• Praise Him for His creation and salvation

• Be performed skillfully and with passion

• Come from a heart filled with grace

• Glorify God rather than self

• Unite believers in congregational worship

The next time you choose what music to listen to or sing, ask yourself: Does this magnify God or self? Does this prepare my heart for worship or feed my flesh?

Remember, what's in your heart comes out in your music—and your music teaches others what's truly in your heart.

🎵 Want to hear the complete biblical teaching on music? 📖

This blog post only scratches the surface of this powerful expository preaching on the biblical principles of music. For the full verse-by-verse bible teaching that dives deeper into Job 38, the fall of Lucifer, and God's heart for worship music, listen to the entire sermon. You'll discover even more biblical insights about how Christians should approach music in worship and daily life.

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