Topical Bible: Idolatry: Consists in Worshipping Other Gods

◄ Idolatry: Consists in Worshipping Other Gods ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or the reverence of anything or anyone other than the one true God. This practice is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as a grave sin, as it represents a direct violation of the first and second commandments given by God to the Israelites. The Bible portrays idolatry as a spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament is replete with warnings against idolatry. The first commandment explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This command underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people. The second commandment further prohibits the making of carved images for worship: "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" (Exodus 20:4).

Despite these clear instructions, the history of Israel is marked by repeated lapses into idolatry. The worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32) is one of the earliest and most infamous examples. The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return from Mount Sinai, demanded a tangible representation of God, which led to their sin of idolatry. This incident highlights the human tendency to seek visible and tangible objects of worship, contrary to the faith in the unseen God.

The prophets frequently rebuked the Israelites for their idolatrous practices. Isaiah denounced the futility of idol worship, declaring, "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). Jeremiah similarly condemned the senselessness of worshipping lifeless objects: "Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm—and neither can they do any good" (Jeremiah 10:5).

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues the denunciation of idolatry, expanding its definition to include not only the worship of physical idols but also the elevation of any created thing above God. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14). He emphasizes that idolatry is incompatible with the Christian life, as believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth.

Paul further explains the spiritual implications of idolatry in Romans 1:22-23 : "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." This passage illustrates the degradation that occurs when humanity turns from the Creator to the created, exchanging divine glory for earthly representations.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul identifies covetousness as a form of idolatry: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). This broadens the understanding of idolatry to include any desire or pursuit that takes precedence over God in one's life.

Theological Implications

Idolatry is fundamentally a theological issue, as it challenges the sovereignty and uniqueness of God. It is a rejection of God's rightful place as the sole object of worship and devotion. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a jealous God, not in the human sense of envy, but in His rightful demand for exclusive worship. This is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:14-15 : "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God."

The practice of idolatry is not merely an ancient problem but remains relevant in contemporary times. Modern forms of idolatry may not involve physical idols but can manifest in the worship of money, power, status, or even self. The biblical call to reject idolatry is a call to recognize and affirm the supremacy of God in all aspects of life, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of meaning and fulfillment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 30:17
But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 81:9
There shall no strange god be in you; neither shall you worship any strange god.
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

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

Mongrel Religion
... allow them to go the whole length of idolatry in his ... How many there are whose religion
consists in a fear ... They saw the people worshipping their gods, and they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... is always dashing itself, and in one shape or another idolatry is the ... persons might
honestly declare, "I do not mind worshipping God if it consists in doing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Perpetuity
... has always existed on earth which consists in believing ... Egyptians were infected both
with idolatry and magic ... they have offended Him by worshipping gods who were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.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 First vision "On Earth"
... this is further explained as not worshipping the Beast ... When we say that the population
consists of so ... family or tribe" who should introduce idolatry into Israel ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.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

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... 14:9, it is shown that the sin of worshipping Jehovah under ... this is only a species
of the idolatry of all ... etc., show what that is in which the answer consists. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.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/