Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, in its broadest sense, refers to any act or speech that shows irreverence or disrespect toward God or sacred things. Within the biblical context, idolatry is often considered a form of blasphemy because it involves the worship of false gods or the elevation of created things to the status of deity, thereby denying the unique sovereignty and holiness of the one true God.The Bible consistently condemns idolatry as a grievous sin. In the Old Testament, the First Commandment explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This command underscores the exclusive worship and reverence due to God alone. Idolatry, therefore, is not merely a breach of this commandment but an affront to God's divine nature and authority. The prophet Isaiah vividly describes the folly and blasphemy of idolatry, highlighting the absurdity of worshiping man-made objects: "They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it in its place, and there it stands. It does not move from its place. Though one cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his troubles" (Isaiah 46:7). Such practices are not only irrational but also constitute a direct challenge to God's omnipotence and omnipresence. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reiterates the blasphemous nature of idolatry. In Romans 1:21-23, he writes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles" . Here, idolatry is depicted as a willful exchange of God's glory for the profane, a blasphemous act that distorts the truth of God's nature. The severity of idolatry as blasphemy is further emphasized in the warnings against it. In Deuteronomy 13:6-10, the Israelites are instructed to put to death anyone who entices them to serve other gods, illustrating the seriousness with which God views this sin. Similarly, in the New Testament, John warns believers to "keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21), underscoring the ongoing threat of idolatry and its blasphemous implications. Throughout Scripture, idolatry is consistently linked with spiritual adultery, as it represents a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prophets often use the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 3:9: "Because of the indecency of her unfaithfulness, Israel defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees" . This imagery highlights the personal and relational nature of the offense, portraying idolatry as a profound betrayal of God's love and faithfulness. In summary, idolatry is counted as blasphemy because it denies God's rightful place as the sole object of worship and reverence. It is a sin that not only violates God's commandments but also challenges His divine nature, leading to spiritual corruption and separation from the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:7Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, said the LORD, which have burned incense on the mountains, and blasphemed me on the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 20:27,28 Library His Name --The Mighty God Colossians iii. 7-May Hebrews x. 26, 27 In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution Matt. xvi. 28 In Judaea Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; Resources What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the blasphemy challenge? | GotQuestions.org What is blasphemy? What does it mean to blaspheme? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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