Topical Encyclopedia An idol-worshipper, in biblical terms, refers to an individual who engages in the worship of idols or false gods, which is strictly prohibited in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The practice of idol worship is seen as a direct violation of the First and Second Commandments, which emphasize the exclusive worship of the one true God and prohibit the creation and veneration of graven images.Biblical Prohibition and Condemnation The Bible consistently condemns idol worship as an abomination to God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. In Exodus 20:3-5 , God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." The prophets frequently rebuked the Israelites for their idolatry, which often led to their downfall and exile. For instance, Jeremiah 10:14-15 states, "Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a lie, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment, they will perish." Consequences of Idol Worship Idol worship is portrayed as leading to spiritual adultery and separation from God. It is often associated with moral and societal decay. In Deuteronomy 4:25-28 , Moses warns the Israelites that if they turn to idols, they will be scattered among the nations and serve gods made by human hands, which cannot see, hear, eat, or smell. The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the futility and danger of idol worship. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul advises, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." The apostle Paul also equates covetousness with idolatry in Colossians 3:5 , urging believers to "put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Idolatry in the Heart Beyond physical idols, the Bible addresses the concept of idolatry in the heart, where anything that takes precedence over God can become an idol. Ezekiel 14:3 highlights this internal idolatry: "Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of Me at all?" Call to True Worship The Bible calls believers to worship God in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:23-24 : "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth." Idol-worshippers are thus urged to turn away from false gods and seek a relationship with the living God, who alone is worthy of worship and devotion. Library Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians Forms Versus Character The Food of the World Thesaurus Idol-worshipper (1 Occurrence)Idol-worshipper. Idol-worship, Idol-worshipper. Iduel . Multi-Version Concordance Idol-worshipper (1 Occurrence). Ephesians ... /i/idol-worshipper.htm - 6k Iduel Idol-worship (2 Occurrences) Fornicator (3 Occurrences) Money-grubber (1 Occurrence) Awaiting (13 Occurrences) Assured (28 Occurrences) Share (138 Occurrences) Images (158 Occurrences) Resources Does God hate gays / homosexuals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about homosexuality? | GotQuestions.org Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Idol-worshipper (1 Occurrence)Ephesians 5:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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