What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 7:5's call to remove idols? Setting the Scene: Deuteronomy 7:5 “Instead, this is what you are to do to them: Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.” (Deuteronomy 7:5) God’s people were commanded not merely to avoid Canaanite idols, but to remove and destroy them. The same zeal reverberates through the New Testament. Straight-from-the-Text Parallels • Matthew 4:10 – “Away from Me, Satan!’ Jesus declared. ‘For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” • Acts 17:16 – “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed that the city was full of idols.” • Acts 19:18-19 – Believers “brought their scrolls together and burned them in front of everyone.” • 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” • 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 – Idolatry is communion “with demons,” utterly incompatible with the Lord’s Table. • 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 – “What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? … Therefore come out from among them and be separate.” • Galatians 5:19-21 – Idolatry listed among the works of the flesh that “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” • Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature… and greed, which is idolatry.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” • 1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” • Revelation 2:14, 20; 21:8; 22:15 – Persistent warnings and final judgment for idolaters. Shared Themes between Deuteronomy 7:5 and the New Testament • Complete separation: no compromise, no coexistence (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). • Radical action: tearing down, smashing, burning, or fleeing (Acts 19:19; 1 Corinthians 10:14). • Spiritual purity: the believer as God’s temple must remain undefiled (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Covenant loyalty: exclusive worship belongs to the Lord alone (Matthew 4:10). • Corporate witness: the church must corporately reject idolatry to shine in a dark world (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Practical Ways the New Testament Calls Us to ‘Tear Down Altars’ Today • Identify modern idols—anything cherished above Christ (money, power, relationships, entertainment, self). • Repent decisively, not gradually (Acts 19:18-19). • Replace idols with active devotion: Scripture intake, prayer, serving others (Colossians 3:16-17). • Cultivate contentment and generosity to uproot material idolatry (1 Timothy 6:6-10,17-19). • Guard the gathering: corporate worship must remain Christ-centered, not consumer-centered (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Stay alert: “keep yourselves” is continuous (1 John 5:21), requiring ongoing vigilance. The Ongoing Call Old and New Testaments speak with one voice: God’s people are to rid their lives, homes, and churches of every rival. The altars may look different now, but the command still rings clear—tear them down, burn them up, and worship Him only. |
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