The fact that hand clapping was commanded in Old Testament worship does not authorize it in New Testament worship any more than the fact that the burning of incense and the offering of animal sacrifices in Old Testament worship gives authority for them in New Testament worship. The Old Testament Law was for Israel and has been replaced by a new and better covenant (Colossians 2:14 Hebrews 7:12 8:6-13). We are under the New Testament law of worship. Some try to justify hand clapping in the worship of the church by arguing, “It is mentioned in the Old Testament.” While this is true (see Psalm 47:1), this does not authorize it in the worship of the church today. “Whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).ī) The Word of God does not mention hand clapping in the worship of the church.Ĭ) Therefore, hand clapping is not an act of faith and is a sin!Ī) God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” through His Word (2 Peter 1:3).ī) God’s Word does not give us anything concerning hand clapping in the worship of the church.Ĭ) Therefore, hand clapping in the church does not pertain to life and godliness! Please consider the following arguments from the Word of God:Ī) All Scripture is given to thoroughly equip the man of God for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).ī) No Scripture authorizes hand clapping in the worship of the church.Ĭ) Therefore, hand clapping is not a good work!Ī) It is a violation of Scripture to go beyond what is written (Revelation 22:18,19 2 John 9).ī) Hand clapping in the worship of the church is not written in the New Testament.Ĭ) Therefore, hand clapping in the worship of the church is a violation of the New Testament!Ī) “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God ” (Romans 10:17). Where is the verse which gives us authority for hand clapping in worship? It is not mentioned anywhere in the New Testament! Therefore, we must have authority for everything we do in our worship and practice. The apostle Paul wrote: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). To do a thing “in the name of the Lord” means to do it by His authority. Since, in the New Testament, God has commanded the way to show approval or agreement in worship is by saying “ Amen,” then no other way can be used with His approval! God does not have to say, “Thou shalt not practice hand clapping or any other thing except to say “amen.” When He commanded saying “ Amen,” this eliminated (left out) every other way of doing it! The Lord told Noah to “Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.” Since God commanded the specific kind of wood to be used, no other kind could have been used with His approval. This principle is clearly seen in Genesis 6:14. However, God did not simply say “Show agreement!” He said to say “Amen” to show approval or agreement. If God had simply said, “Show agreement,” then hand clapping, whistling, or anything else could be done to accomplish it. Paul wrote: “Otherwise, if you bless with the Spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ‘Amen’ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?” The manner of Paul’s question implies that the proper way to show agreement is to say “Amen.” Even though this passage is dealing with the miraculous spiritual gifts of the apostolic age, it clearly shows how the Lord expects His disciples to show agreement today. What is the proper way to show agreement or approval in worship? The answer is found in 1 Corinthians 14:16. If He does not, then we are doing it without His authority. However, there is no Scriptural authority for hand clapping in the worship of the church! One of the principles which will help us understand the Lord’s will for worship is to”speak where the Scriptures speak, and to remain silent where the Scriptures are silent.” In other words, when the Lord teaches us by a command, approved example, or implication in His Word, we have authority to do it. Some applaud when he finishes his sermon. Why do some clap their hands (applaud) during the worship of the church? Some clap when they agree with a point the preacher has made.
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