Topical Bible: Idolatry: Consists in Worshipping Demons

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, in the biblical context, is the act of revering or worshipping anything other than the one true God. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, often associated with the worship of false gods and the spiritual forces behind them, which are identified as demons. This entry explores the biblical understanding of idolatry as the worship of demons, drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of idolatry, condemning the worship of idols and the spiritual entities they represent. In Deuteronomy 32:17, Moses warns the Israelites about the dangers of idolatry, stating, "They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear." This passage highlights the belief that behind the idols worshipped by the nations were demonic forces, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

The Psalms also reflect this understanding. Psalm 106:37-38 recounts the Israelites' involvement in idolatry, saying, "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood." Here, the psalmist equates the worship of Canaanite idols with the worship of demons, emphasizing the spiritual corruption and moral depravity associated with such practices.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the connection between idolatry and demonic worship. In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue directly: "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons." Paul warns the Corinthian believers against participating in pagan rituals, which he identifies as communion with demonic forces.

The Book of Revelation also speaks to the demonic nature of idolatry. In Revelation 9:20, it is written, "The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk." This passage underscores the persistent nature of idolatry and its association with demonic worship, even in the face of divine judgment.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, idolatry as the worship of demons underscores the spiritual battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil. It highlights the deceptive nature of idolatry, which entices individuals away from the truth of God and into the realm of spiritual darkness. The biblical narrative consistently portrays idolatry as a grave sin, not merely because it involves the worship of false gods, but because it aligns the worshipper with demonic powers opposed to God's kingdom.

The biblical injunctions against idolatry serve as a call to exclusive devotion to God, who alone is worthy of worship. The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3), reflects this demand for loyalty and the rejection of all forms of idolatry. The Scriptures urge believers to discern the spiritual realities behind idolatrous practices and to remain steadfast in their commitment to the worship of the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:9-10
And said to him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 9:20
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... is the worst of all; for it consists of a ... judgment of God concerning that species
of idolatry which is committed with the intention of worshipping that God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Though in Almost Every Age There have Indeed Been in the Heathen ...
... spirits, and dared not to condemn the worshipping even of ... produced, allowed men to
continue the idolatry of their ... of which the whole scheme consists: But this ...
/.../vi proposition vi though in.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 Mystery
... as the Israelites in the wilderness of worshipping Jehovah; with ... The name of blasphemy
is the mark of idolatry. ... feet), the chief strength of the body consists. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

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 Sixth vision "On Earth"
... which we have marked "V," and which consists of the ... that those who are engaged in
worshipping the Beast ... kings of the earth have practised idolatry, [346] and ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

part ii
... We must remember that the Christian religion consists in loving our enemies: "For
if ye ... such as the angels and the souls of men, the demons themselves with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... Thus the god whom you represent us as worshipping, though he is not the one true ...
of the great is like that of boys at school, whose learning consists in the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

part i
... image of God in the man, will dishonour the King by worshipping His servant ... Cross,
and gives it the wonderful power of driving away passions, demons, and to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm