Calvin and the Reformation: Returning to Pure Worship

During the Reformation, John Calvin led Christians back to the worship of God through the singing of Psalms without instruments. This was a Reformation not a new work. The Reformers returned to the Bible as their authority. Others argued that tradition (the preferences of men over time) or even reason (intuitions about “how things ought to be done”) were equal to the Bible. The Reformed view is that the Bible is above both of those. Where a tradition or our intuitions contradicts the Bible, the Bible must be followed.

This practice reflected a return to the worship observed by Jesus and His disciples. Calvin firmly rejected the use of musical instruments in worship, viewing them as part of the ceremonial law fulfilled and set aside in Christ. In his Commentary on the Psalms, Calvin wrote:

"Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law."

In the preface to the Geneva Psalter, Calvin emphasized that worship should center on the congregation singing the pure Word of God with their hearts. He warned against the return to Temple ceremonial practices, such as the use of incense and instruments, which he saw as promoted by the Roman Church.

Calvin also recognized the power and significance of music, cautioning against its misuse. He stated:

“Now among the other things which are proper for recreating man and giving him pleasure, music is either the first, or one of the principal; and it is necessary for us to think that it is a gift of God deputed for that use. Moreover, because of this, we ought to be the more careful not to abuse it, for fear of soiling and contaminating it, converting it to our condemnation, where it was dedicated to our profit and use. If there were no other consideration than this alone, it ought indeed to move us to moderate the use of music, to make it serve all honest things; and that it should not give occasion for our giving free rein to dissolution, or making ourselves effeminate in disordered delights, and that it should not become the instrument of lasciviousness nor of any shamelessness.”

Calvin understood music as a gift of God meant to inspire holiness and honor Him. However, he was keenly aware of its potential for misuse, warning against allowing music to lead to self-indulgence, distraction, or improper worship. In his view, congregational singing of the psalms united believers in proclaiming God’s Word and kept the focus on inner spiritual truth rather than external ceremonies or spectacle.

Through Calvin’s influence, the Reformation restored worship to its biblical simplicity, grounded in the Word of God, sung from the heart by the gathered congregation.