I have loved music for as long as I can remember. More than that, I have always been fascinated by it. Music is an extraordinary blend of science and art, structure and creativity, and logic and emotion. It is governed by mathematical principles, yet it remains an expressive and deeply personal form of art.
On the scientific side, music is rooted in physics and mathematics. Every note we hear is simply a vibration moving through the air at a specific frequency. The musical scale is built on mathematical ratios. Octaves, harmonics, and chord structures all follow measurable and predictable patterns. Even our brains process music in ways neuroscientists can map, showing how different frequencies stimulate various parts of the mind.
Yet, despite all this structure, music is also pure art. It expresses joy, sorrow, longing, or triumph in ways words alone often cannot. Some melodies evoke nostalgia. A shift from a major to a minor key can completely alter a mood. Two pieces of music may share the same mathematical structure, yet one can move us deeply while the other feels lifeless. There is a mystery to it all, and that truly fascinates me.
Even if you are not particularly interested in music in the same way, consider how much of our daily lives involve it. Some of us wake up to an alarm that plays music. We listen to it in the car. We hear it in stores. It plays in the background of nearly every TV show or movie, setting the emotional tone. Music is all around us.
I did not intend to spend so much time discussing various forms of entertainment, but I want to return to this subject because music is everywhere, and it is worth considering what the Bible says about it.
Think about how powerful music can be. It can shape our moods. For me, music can transport me to another time and place more effectively than almost anything—a sight, a smell, or even a taste. So, what is the biblical worldview of music? How should we, as Christians, think about it?
Music in Creation and Early Human History
Let’s start at the beginning because music is woven into creation itself. Before humans invented instruments and incorporated music into culture, the universe was already filled with rhythms, harmonies, and vibrations. The wind whistles through the trees. The waves crash in rhythmic pulses against the shore. Birds sing intricate melodies, each species with its own song. Crickets and cicadas chirp in synchronized patterns. Even the human heartbeat follows a steady rhythm.
Sound exists because of vibrations, and those vibrations follow specific patterns called harmonics. These patterns are not random. They are orderly, mathematical, and built into creation by God. We did not invent them. We discovered them. We utilize them, but they were designed by him.
Psalm 19 comes to mind: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1). Not only can we see his handiwork, but we can hear it as well.
Scientists have even discovered that stars emit sound waves. They call this “the music of the cosmos,” which is fascinating because long before modern science, God told Job, “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).
God also gave us vocal cords, enabling us to sing. Our brains are uniquely wired to recognize and remember melodies. We instinctively tap our feet or nod our heads when we hear a beat. Music is very much a part of God’s good design. It existed before the first instrument was made, and according to the book of Revelation, it will exist for all eternity.
The Bible even tells us when humans first harnessed music. In Genesis 4, we read about the descendants of Cain. Adam and Eve had Cain, who had Enoch, and so on, until we come to Jubal. Genesis 4:21 says, “He was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe” (Ge 4:21).
This could mean a few things. He may have invented those instruments or raised a family of musicians. It could be both. Historically, most commentators believe he created these instruments. Either way, this moment in Genesis marks a turning point in musical history. It seems to be when music was first integrated into human culture, and it has remained ever since.
Notably, Genesis 4, like the rest of the Bible, presents music as a good thing until it is not. It is a gift from God until man finds a way to use it for evil. It is like fire. Fire can warm a home or burn it down. The difference is in how it is used.
The Role of Music in Worship
That brings us to the most important use of music in the Bible—worshiping God.
In the Old Testament, music played an essential role in worship, both in the tabernacle and later in the temple. King David, a gifted songwriter and musician, organized thousands of Levite musicians to lead worship. First Chronicles 15:16 says, “David … commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy” (1Ch 15:16).
Later, in 1 Chronicles 23, David tells the Levites, “Four thousand shall offer praises to the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praise” (1Ch 23:5). In chapter 25, he sets apart nearly three hundred trained singers to lead worship.
When Solomon completed the temple, music played a central role in the dedication. Second Chronicles 5 describes the scene:
All the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD,
“For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever,”the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. (2Ch 5:12-14)
David, of course, was also a prolific songwriter. He wrote the majority of the Psalms, which have been sung by both Jews and Christians for thousands of years. The final psalm, Psalm 150, declares:
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD! (Ps 150:1-6)
As we move into the New Testament, we find music still central to worship. Ephesians 5:19 says, “Address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Colossians 3:16 echoes this, saying, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
It is clear from Scripture that the primary purpose of music is to glorify and praise God. But there is an important distinction to make. Music can glorify God, but music itself does not automatically accomplish this. Let me explain.
In Amos 5:23, God rebukes Israel, saying, “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” What was the problem? Had they changed the words of their songs? Were they playing their instruments in an ungodly way? Why did God reject their music?
Jesus later quoted Isaiah, saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mt 15:8). The issue was not the music itself but the hearts behind it. If a musician or singer lacks sincerity, their music cannot truly glorify God. Even the most beautiful song, rich in theology, is nothing more than noise if it comes from a heart that is far from him.
Music in Celebration, Mourning, and Daily Life
The Bible also shows that music is not limited to worship. It is used throughout Scripture to celebrate, to mourn, and even in the everyday moments of life.
For example, after the Israelites escaped from Egypt, Miriam led the women in music and dancing (Ex 15:20-21). While this was an act of praise, it was also an expression of pure joy. Similarly, after David defeated Goliath, the women of Israel celebrated with music (1Sa 18:6-7). In the parable of the prodigal son, when the lost son returns home, his father throws a feast, and music is part of the celebration (Lk 15:25).
But music is also a means of lament. Many of the Psalms are songs of grief and sorrow. Psalm 13 begins, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?” (Ps 13:1). Psalm 22 cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1). The entire book of Lamentations is essentially a funeral song for Jerusalem. Even Jesus referenced the use of dirges, or funeral songs, in Matthew 11:17: “We sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” These examples show how music has the power to resonate with our emotions, whether in joy or sorrow.
Music is also connected to everyday activities in the Bible. In Isaiah 16:10, as God pronounces judgment on Israel, he says, “Joy and gladness are taken away from the fruitful field, and in the vineyards no songs are sung, no cheers are raised; no treader treads out wine in the presses; I have put an end to the shouting.” This implies that singing was a normal part of working in the vineyards.
The people of Israel also sang as they traveled to Jerusalem for worship. Psalms 120–134 are known as the Songs of Ascent because they were sung by travelers on their way to the temple. These were not formal worship settings, but the people still sang.
In the New Testament, we see the same pattern. After sharing the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn (Mt 26:30). Paul and Silas, while imprisoned, sang praises to God (Ac 16:25). Even early Roman records indicate that Christians were known for singing wherever they went. Worship through song was not confined to one day of the week.
The Evolution of Church Music Through History
Looking through history, we can trace how music developed among God’s people. In the Old Testament, temple worship was extravagant. Thousands of musicians and singers were organized to lead worship.
But everything changed when the Jews went into exile. Without the temple, they worshiped in synagogues, where music was much simpler—primarily vocal, focused on singing the Psalms. There is little evidence that musical instruments played a major role in synagogue worship. This stripped-down style carried over into the early church. Christians gathered in homes, and their worship was characterized by simple congregational singing, much like the synagogue tradition. They sang the Psalms but also began writing new hymns.
One of the earliest known Christian hymns was discovered in Egypt among a collection of ancient manuscripts. Dating back to at least the third century, it is the oldest surviving piece of Christian music with both lyrics and musical notation. Translated, it says:
Let the world be silent.
Let the luminous stars not shine.
Let the rushing waters be still.
We, in the light, sing praises
to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Even in the earliest days of the church, believers used music to express their faith. Though we cannot reconstruct the melody with absolute certainty, scholars have attempted to decipher the notation.
It sounds quite different from modern church music, but it remains part of our shared Christian heritage.
Church music continued to evolve as time went on. By the Middle Ages, Christianity was no longer a small, persecuted movement but the dominant religion of Europe. Worship moved from homes and small gatherings into massive cathedrals, and the music became more formalized. In many ways, it resembled the structured worship of the Old Testament temple rather than the simpler singing of the early church.
During this period, church music was primarily sung in unison, without harmony. It was slow, flowing, and meditative, designed to create an atmosphere of reverence. This style, known as Gregorian chant, dominated church worship for centuries.
By the ninth and tenth centuries, however, music in the church began to develop more complexity. Composers started experimenting with polyphony, meaning multiple vocal parts were sung at the same time, creating harmony. By the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, church music had become intricate and layered, often performed by choirs rather than congregations.
Musical instruments were used only sparingly in worship until the tenth century, when the organ was introduced. The organ added grandeur and power to church music, but it also contributed to an unintended consequence—the gradual shift from congregational singing to musical performance. Over time, choirs and organs dominated worship, leaving the congregation as passive listeners. To make matters worse, the songs were often sung in Latin, a language most churchgoers no longer understood.
That all changed with the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, a strong advocate for music in worship, famously said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” He believed that church music should be accessible to everyone, not just trained choirs. In addition to translating the Bible into German, he also translated hymns into the common language and wrote new ones, including “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” which we still sing today.
Not all the Reformers agreed on how music should be used in worship. Some, like Luther, embraced choirs and instruments as long as the congregation could participate. Others, like John Calvin, believed worship should be far simpler, focused almost entirely on Scripture. He banned musical instruments in church services and restricted singing to the Psalms, rejecting newly composed hymns.
This debate over church music has continued through the centuries. In the eighteenth century, hymn-writing flourished with figures like Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, who wrote theologically rich and musically accessible songs such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, revival movements introduced a new style of music that was simpler and more emotional. Songs like “Blessed Assurance” and “I Love to Tell the Story” became popular because they were easy to sing and carried heartfelt messages of faith.
Principles for Biblical Worship Music
Church music has continually evolved from one generation to the next. It varies across cultures and congregations, yet it always serves the same purpose—glorifying God. While styles may change, certain principles should remain constant.
At the very least, church music should be doctrinally sound, theologically rich, and biblically accurate. It should also be singable and accessible to the entire congregation. Worship should exalt God rather than focus on the self. Most importantly, church music should encourage participation rather than turning worship into a concert where the congregation simply watches. If the people are not singing, then the purpose of music in worship is being missed entirely.
You may have noticed that I have not made a distinction between traditional hymns and modern worship music. That is intentional. Throughout history, the church has balanced tradition and innovation, embracing new musical expressions while staying within biblical boundaries.
Evaluating Secular Music with Biblical Discernment
But beyond worship music, how should Christians think about music in general? One of the most common questions people ask is, “Should Christians listen to secular music?” I believe that is the wrong question.
I believe in what theologians call common grace, the idea that God gives good gifts to all people, not just Christians. For example, an unbeliever may have the talent to paint a beautiful sunset. If I see that painting, should I not enjoy it simply because a non-Christian created it? Of course not. The same principle applies to music. Many songs written and performed by non-Christians are beautiful and meaningful and even reflect biblical truth in some way.
Instead of asking whether a song is Christian or secular, a better question is, “Is this song wise to listen to? Is it edifying? Does it draw me closer to Christ or pull me away?”
When evaluating music, we tend to focus on lyrics and musical style, and that makes sense. But we should also ask, “What effect does this song have on me emotionally and spiritually?” This is a question Christians have wrestled with for centuries.
Augustine, in his Confessions (4th century), admitted that when he listened to beautiful church music, he sometimes became so caught up in the sound that he forgot about the words. He struggled with the tension between enjoying the beauty of music and truly worshiping God. He recognized that music powerfully stirs emotions. This can be good if it helps focus our hearts on God, but it can also be dangerous if it distracts us from him.
This is why the Bible warns us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance” (Pr 4:23). Music has the power to lift us up, calm us down, or even lead us into sin. That is why we must be discerning, not just about lyrics but also about how music affects our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual focus.
For example, a song may not contain blatantly sinful lyrics, yet it might stir up lust, anger, pride, or self-centeredness. On the other hand, a song might not be explicitly Christian, but it could inspire gratitude, hope, or reflection on truth. Instead of passively consuming music, we should ask, “Is this helping or hindering my walk with Christ?”
The Bible does not give us a list of approved songs or musical styles, but it does provide principles to guide our choices. One of those principles applies to entertainment in general. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” In other words, just because something is not explicitly sinful does not mean it is good for us.
Discernment in the Gray Areas of Music
When I was in high school, I became a fan of 70s rock music. My father, a pastor, was concerned and gave me a cassette tape of a sermon about the dangers of rock and roll. Intrigued, I listened to it.
The preacher spent much of the sermon warning about backmasking, which is the idea that rock songs contain hidden, satanic messages that can only be heard when played in reverse. Even as a teenager, I found this argument unconvincing. Who is playing songs backward? I thought. I had no way of doing that, and even if I could, what difference would it make?
But here was my bigger thought: If a band is called Black Sabbath or I listen to a song like “Sympathy for the Devil,” do I really need to play it backward to know where it stands? The message is already obvious. The real issue is not secret, hidden messages but what the music is openly saying and how it affects the listener.
Of course, most Christians are not listening to bands like Black Sabbath. The challenge for us often lies in evaluating the so-called “gray areas” of music. What about songs that are not blatantly evil but also not overtly Christian? How do we discern whether they belong in our playlists?
There are several ways we can evaluate music wisely. First, and most obviously, we should consider the lyrics. Do they promote immorality, pride, materialism, or rebellion? Do they contradict biblical truth? If you were to hear the lyrics spoken in a conversation rather than sung, would they still seem appropriate?
Second, what is the overall message or worldview of the song? Even if the words are not explicitly sinful, do they subtly promote ideas that are contrary to Scripture? Does the song glorify fleeting pleasure while ignoring eternal truth?
Third, how does the song affect your thoughts, emotions, and spiritual life? Music has a powerful way of shaping our hearts. Does this song stir up sinful desires? Does it make you feel angry, self-centered, or spiritually numb? On the other hand, does it inspire gratitude, humility, or reflection on God’s truth?
Fourth, what is the song’s cultural or spiritual association? For example, some songs are heavily tied to lifestyles or movements that celebrate sin. Even if a song’s lyrics are not inherently evil, does it subtly draw your heart toward a worldly mindset?
Fifth, what about the musical style itself? This is where people often disagree. Some believe music is neutral, while others argue that certain styles inherently provoke sinful emotions. A better question might be, “How does this song affect me personally?” Does the sound itself stir up aggression, lust, or vanity? Or does it encourage peace, joy, and self-control?
Sixth, does this song help you glorify God? Can you listen to it with a clear conscience, thanking God for it as something beneficial to your spiritual walk? Or do you sense that it is dulling your love for Christ or drawing your heart away from him?
Not every song needs to be a worship song, but every song will have some degree of influence on us. The question is whether that influence is leading us toward Christ or away from him.
Applying Biblical Discernment to Specific Songs
As I considered this topic, I started testing different songs by running them through these questions. I thought it might be helpful for us to do the same.
So, let’s look at a few songs together. I will present a song, and you can think through whether or not it aligns with biblical wisdom.
Let’s start with a well-known song. The artist who recorded it was not an orthodox Christian, though he had religious influences from Christianity, Catholicism, and Judaism.
This song does not mention God, but it does express wonder at creation. It acknowledges beauty and goodness in the world, which aligns with biblical truth. Genesis 1:31 says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Psalm 74:16 declares, “The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.” Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
So, is this an appropriate song for Christians? It does not contain explicit biblical truth, but it reflects common grace and a recognition of beauty in God’s creation.
Now, consider another song. It has a gentle melody, accompanied by soft piano, and is widely regarded as an anthem for peace.
At first, the song might seem appealing. It promotes unity and harmony, which sound like good things. But notice the foundational message. It explicitly rejects the existence of heaven, hell, and even religion itself. It presents a worldview completely opposed to biblical truth.
This is where discernment comes in. A song may sound beautiful, but we must ask, “Is this influencing my thinking in a way that aligns with God’s truth, or is it subtly shaping my worldview in a way that contradicts Scripture?”
Now, let’s consider another song. This one was written by a Christian artist and clearly references God.
The lyrics affirm God’s presence, his sustaining power, and the transformation he brings to a believer’s life. However, there is something that could make this song controversial. It is performed by a Christian heavy metal band. The music is loud, with distorted guitars and intense drumming.
We could do this all day, and I am sure not everyone would agree on every song. But that is precisely the point. God created music as a good gift, yet we live in a fallen world that distorts his design. That leaves us with the task of discerning what is good and what is not. While God’s Word provides clear guidance, it does not always give black-and-white answers to every question. Music is one of those areas where we must evaluate carefully, using biblical principles and listening to our conscience.
So, here is a question I often ask myself when considering a song—or any form of entertainment, whether a TV show, movie, or book: Can I sincerely thank God for this? If the answer is yes, then it is likely something worth enjoying. If not, that usually tells me all I need to know.
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