Topical Bible: Idolatry: Exhortations to Turn From

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Idolatry, the worship of idols or the elevation of anything above God, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Scriptures consistently warn against idolatry and exhort believers to turn from it, emphasizing the exclusive worship of the one true God. This entry explores the biblical exhortations to abandon idolatry, drawing from various passages that highlight the spiritual dangers and divine commands associated with this practice.

Old Testament Exhortations

The Old Testament is replete with admonitions against idolatry, beginning with the Ten Commandments. 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, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." This foundational command establishes the principle of exclusive devotion to God.

The prophets frequently called Israel to repentance from idolatry. In Isaiah 44:9-20, the futility of idol-making is vividly depicted, as the prophet mocks the absurdity of worshiping man-made objects. Jeremiah 10:5 similarly describes idols as "like scarecrows in a cucumber patch; they 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."

The call to turn from idolatry is also a call to return to a covenant relationship with God. In 1 Samuel 7:3 , Samuel exhorts the Israelites, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

New Testament Exhortations

The New Testament continues the theme of turning from idolatry, emphasizing the spiritual transformation that comes through Christ. In Acts 17:29-30 , Paul addresses the Athenians, stating, "Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man's skill and imagination. Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent."

Paul's letters further reinforce the call to reject idolatry. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , he urges believers, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." This exhortation is part of a broader discussion on the dangers of idolatry and the importance of participating in the body of Christ with a pure heart.

The apostle John also warns against idolatry in his epistles. In 1 John 5:21 , he succinctly advises, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." This brief yet powerful statement underscores the vigilance required to maintain a faithful relationship with God.

Theological Implications

Idolatry is not merely the worship of physical idols but extends to anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. The biblical exhortations to turn from idolatry are rooted in the understanding that God alone is worthy of worship and devotion. Idolatry is seen as a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people, leading to spiritual adultery and separation from God.

The call to abandon idolatry is also a call to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel. Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome the allure of idols and live in obedience to God's commands. The exhortations to turn from idolatry serve as a reminder of the holiness and exclusivity of God, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 14:6
Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus said the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
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Ezekiel 20:7
Then said I to them, Cast you away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
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Acts 14:15
And saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... Moral Exhortations of the Lord's Constitutions Agreeing with the ... a stroke on thy
right cheek, turn to him ... not a diviner, for that leads to idolatry; [3402] for ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

The Book of the Law
... read for the first time the exhortations and warnings ... Sternly he met idolatry by
slaying "all the priests ... Israel had served, was endeavoring to turn the hearts ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... Luxury, sensuality, lust, self-seeking, idolatry, ruthless cruelty, and the ... like,
but we are bound to turn a deaf ear to their exhortations and threats. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... have only our voice, only our exhortations, only our ... tribunal in the heart: and,
while idolatry presents its ... the universe, have trembled in their turn as well ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

"Behold Your God!"
... of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes ... The exhortations of the prophet
to Judah to behold the ... that glad day of redemption from idolatry they would ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 26 behold your god.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... and many of the people were led into idolatry. ... prophets continued their warnings
and their exhortations; fearlessly they ... that God was about to turn aside from ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

Plans of Marriage
... had solemnly condemned such practices because they smacked of idolatry. ... expected
that Ambrose would in turn pay some ... to profit by the pious exhortations of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv plans of marriage.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... He determined to turn the channel of the Euphrates ... lethargy they were roused by the
exhortations and reproaches ... the Jews of that tendency to idolatry which had ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

A Solemn Embassy
... fornication, adultery, and covetousness, which is idolatry"black and ... as when I have
to ply you thus with exhortations. ... men, turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a solemn embassy.htm

The Psalms of David
... CM Exhortations to peace and Holiness ... Hath set my spirit free, Nor turn'd from him
my poor request, Nor turn'd his ... The true God our refuge; or, Idolatry reproved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/