Topical Bible: Idolatry: Consists in Worshipping Angels

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, in its broadest sense, refers to the worship of anything other than the one true God. Within the biblical context, this includes the worship of angels, which is explicitly condemned in Scripture. The Bible consistently emphasizes the exclusive worship of God, and any deviation from this, including the veneration of angels, is considered idolatrous.

Biblical Prohibition Against Angel Worship

The New Testament provides clear instruction against the worship of angels. In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul warns the church against false teachings that promote such practices. He writes, "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen; such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind" (Colossians 2:18). This passage highlights the danger of being led astray by those who advocate for the worship of angels, which is rooted in human pride and false humility.

Angels as Created Beings

The Bible describes angels as created beings who serve God and carry out His will. They are not to be objects of worship. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John recounts an encounter with an angel, where he is corrected for attempting to worship the angel: "But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!'" (Revelation 22:9). This directive underscores the proper relationship between humans and angels, emphasizing that worship is due to God alone.

The Role of Angels in God's Plan

Angels are depicted in Scripture as messengers and servants of God, playing significant roles in His divine plan. They are often sent to deliver messages, provide guidance, and offer protection to God's people. However, their role is always subordinate to God, and they act according to His commands. The book of Hebrews affirms this by stating, "Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). This reinforces the understanding that angels, while important, are not to be worshipped.

Historical Context and Misunderstandings

Throughout history, there have been instances where individuals or groups have misunderstood the role of angels, leading to practices of angel worship. Such practices often arise from a desire for spiritual experiences or a misunderstanding of the spiritual realm. The early church faced challenges from various heretical teachings that included angel worship, prompting apostolic warnings and clarifications.

Theological Implications

The worship of angels detracts from the glory and sovereignty of God. It shifts focus away from the Creator to His creation, violating the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). Theologically, angel worship undermines the central tenet of monotheism and the unique mediatory role of Jesus Christ, who is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

In summary, the Bible clearly prohibits the worship of angels, affirming that worship is due to God alone. Angels, as created beings, serve a specific purpose within God's plan but are not to be venerated or worshipped. The scriptural warnings against angel worship serve as a reminder to maintain the purity of worship and devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... mode is the worst of all; for it consists of a ... which is committed with the intention
of worshipping that God ... of the crime of the two-fold idolatry which has ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

The First Commandment
... Adoration consists in bowing to him, or worshipping him. ... Therefore, when Israel
committed idolatry with the golden calf, God disclaimed his interest in them ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... who are most desirous to clear themselves of idolatry. ... that they worship their images
without worshipping them. ... that the source of the whole evil consists in a ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... come now to the preface itself, which consists of three ... But, for their idolatry,
God forsook the place, gave ... was God against Israel for worshipping the golden ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... we are taught that man's final perfection consists in his ... with the purpose of preventing
idolatry, for in ... God forgave the people's sin of worshipping the calf. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God ... seventh day Sabbath, in knowing
and worshipping God in ... to the honour of any creature, is gross idolatry. ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm

Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... sacrifices; as we see in the word idolatry, which means ... to the king, he was found
worshipping and praying ... vestal virginity is great, yet it consists wholly in ...
/.../faustus repels the charge of.htm

City of God
... Pagans Attempt to Defend Their Worshipping Among the ... is Neither Fortuitous Nor Consists
in the ... What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

The Book of Jubilees
... sons of Noah; the introduction of idolatry by Ur ... about the folly and wickedness of
worshipping idols; and ... into three parts each; his "evening" consists of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... 4, this is further explained as not worshipping the Beast ... When we say that the
population consists of so ... with reference to idols and idolatry (see Deuteronomy 5 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm