Winning Hearts to Christ Through the Power of Music

Winning hearts to Christ through the power of music is a sacred and effective means of ministry that involves the cultivation of the human voice and the expression of heartfelt praise3SM 334.4+1.

The Power of the Human Voice

The human voice possesses a natural pathos and musicality that, when intentionally developed, becomes a powerful instrument for winning souls to the SaviorVSS 25.2+1. When students and youth make a determined effort to refine their manner of talking and singing, they acquire a capability that can deeply influence others for eternityBEcho September 1, 1892, par. 8+1. This cultivation of our natural abilities is not for self-display but to make our offerings to God as perfect as possible4LtMs, Ms 22, 1886, par. 9.

Music as a Heart-Winning Influence

Music is of heavenly origin and has a unique power to thrill the heart, much like the angelic song that reached the shepherds on Bethlehem's plains3SM 334.4+1.

• Melody and Praise: Gratitude expressed through singing is the result of the Holy Spirit striking the chords of the soul, awakening "music of the heart" that attracts others to God1SM 344.1.

• A Testimony of Joy: In medical missionary work and home visits, the "voice of melody" and songs of grateful praise bear a testimony that wins people to allegiance with ChristCH 215.3+1.

• Breaking Resistance: Talking, praying, and singing about Christ crucified has the specific power to break and win hearts that might otherwise remain closedHvn 12.1+1.

Spiritual Requirements for Musical Influence

For music to truly win hearts, it must flow from a life that is in harmony with Christ and His lawSWk 61.1+1. When the human heart is fully surrendered to Him, it becomes a "sacred harp" that sends forth music which is as a "savor of life" to those who hear itRY 150.1+1. The simple prayer of faith and the kind, gracious words of a converted soul are recognized as music in the ears of the Lord and a blessing to those in the worldTSA 78.1+1.

Heavenly Harmony on Earth

The redeemed will finally enter their immortal reward with songs of victory, but that heavenly communion must begin here on earth3SM 334.4+1. By maintaining a life of praise and unselfish labor, we join our voices with the heavenly choir, drawing hearts closer to the singers above Matthew 11:29-30Ed 168.4.

A Power to Win Souls—There is great pathos and music in the human voice, and if the learner will make determined efforts, he will acquire habits of talking and singing that will be to him a power to win souls to Christ.—Manuscript 22, 1886— Ev 504.2 (1946)

The Power of Music—Music is of heavenly origin. There is great power in music. It was music from the angelic throng that thrilled the hearts of the shepherds on Bethlehem's...— 3SM 334.4 (1980)

Christ crucified—talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win hearts. This is the power and wisdom of God to gather souls for Christ. Formal, set phrases, the pre...— Hvn 12.1 (2003)

...ned from the service of sin unto righteousness, will be heard thanksgiving and the voice of melody. By their songs of grateful praise a testimony will be borne that will win others to allegiance to and fellowship with Christ.” Testimonies for the Church 7:51, 52— LS 402.3 (1915)

...thos and music in the human voice; and if the learner will make determined efforts, he will acquire habits of talking and singing that will be to him a power to win souls to Christ. God wants the offerings of yourself to be perfect through Christ. The teachers in our schools shou...— 4LtMs, Ms 22, 1886, par. 9 (1883)