What does the Bible say regarding pagans?

Definition and Historical Context

The term “pagan” typically refers to those who worship deities other than the God revealed in Scripture. Paganism can encompass various forms of spiritual or religious practice, often featuring multiple gods, nature worship, or idolatry. In biblical times, these practices frequently appeared in nations surrounding Israel, such as the Canaanites, Philistines, and other neighboring peoples. Scripture consistently contrasts worship of the one true God with pagan worship.

Old Testament Perspectives on Pagan Practices

From the earliest pages, the Bible condemns the worship of false gods. In the Ten Commandments, God declares, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). This foundational principle sets the tone for Israel’s relationship with God: they are to remain distinct and devoted, avoiding all pagan forms of worship.

Pagan worship in the Old Testament often involved idols crafted from wood, stone, or metal. Psalm 115:4 warns, “Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men”. The prophets describe these idols in contrast to the living God who speaks and acts throughout history (see Isaiah 44:9–10).

Israel’s Call to Separate from Pagan Influence

To preserve fidelity to God, Israel received specific commands to avoid pagan alliances and religious involvement. Deuteronomy 18:9 instructs, “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn the abominations of those nations”. The concern was that adopting pagan practices would lead to moral corruption and the abandonment of true worship.

Many of Israel’s historical downfalls occurred when they incorporated pagan rituals—such as worshiping Baal (Judges 2:11–13). This blending of worship led to God’s judgment and exile, as seen in 2 Kings 17:7–12, where Israel is taken captive due to turning from the LORD to the pagan gods of the surrounding nations.

Prophetic Warnings and Judgments

Biblical prophets sternly warned God’s people not to be enticed by pagan deities. Elijah famously confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, demonstrating that only the LORD could send fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36–39). This event underscored that pagan gods were powerless, while Yahweh alone answered with miraculous power.

The prophets also issued oracles against pagan nations. Isaiah 46:1–2 shows the impotence of Babylonian gods, “Bel bows down; Nebo stoops low… their idols weigh down beasts and cattle.” Similarly, Jeremiah 10:10–11 emphasizes that the LORD is the true and living God who will judge all false gods.

New Testament Perspectives on Paganism

In the New Testament era, paganism was widespread throughout the Roman Empire, visible in city temples and practices of the Greco-Roman pantheon. Nonetheless, disciples of Christ were urged to “turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

The Apostle Paul encountered pagan practices throughout his missionary journeys. In Acts 17, Paul proclaimed the gospel to the thinkers of Athens, distinguishing God as the Creator who “does not live in temples made by human hands” (Acts 17:24). Describing the altar to an unknown god, Paul pointed out that the true God had revealed Himself ultimately in Jesus Christ, thereby confronting pagan conceptions of deity.

Redemption and Outreach

Though Scripture condemns pagan practices, it also provides the path for pagans themselves to become children of God. Many individuals from pagan nations joined themselves to the faith of Israel, as seen with Ruth, a Moabite (Ruth 1:16–17). In the New Testament, believers were commanded to share the good news with everyone—including pagans—so that they, too, might repent and receive salvation (Matthew 28:19–20).

Wherever the gospel spread, it rescued people from the darkness of idolatry and brought them into the light of knowing the one true God (Colossians 1:13). This call to repentance represents God’s heart to save anyone who seeks Him.

Practical Implications and Warnings

1 Corinthians 10:20 warns, “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God,”, highlighting the spiritual danger of idolatry. Believers are called to remain distinct by rejecting practices connected with false worship or occult rituals (2 Corinthians 6:14–17).

Alongside the warning is also the reminder of grace. Believers are encouraged to proclaim God’s truth lovingly to those who remain in pagan worship, hoping to see them turn from futile practices to the living God.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, “pagan” worship stands in stark contrast to the worship of the one true God. The Old Testament details how pagan practices ensnared nations and tempted Israel; the prophets called for repentance and affirmed God’s power over all false gods. In the New Testament, the message of Christ drew conscientious distinctions between truth and error, yet offered redemption to pagans who would acknowledge Him as Lord.

Today, the examples of ancient paganism remind believers of the continual relevance of God’s call to holiness and the urgency of holding fast to the truth. At the same time, the Bible’s consistent invitation to turn from idols and find life in the Creator underscores God’s mercy for all people, regardless of background or past devotion.