Topical Bible: Idolatry: Renounced on Conversion

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, the worship of idols or the elevation of anything above God, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, consistently condemned as a grievous sin. Upon conversion, a believer is called to renounce all forms of idolatry, turning wholly to the worship of the one true God. This renunciation is a fundamental aspect of the transformative process of conversion, marking a decisive break from past allegiances and practices.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, idolatry is depicted as a primary reason for the downfall of individuals and nations. The First Commandment explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The Israelites were repeatedly warned against the practices of surrounding nations, which included idol worship. The prophets frequently called the people to repentance, urging them to abandon their idols and return to God. For instance, in 1 Samuel 7:3, Samuel instructs 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."

New Testament Transformation

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the renunciation of idolatry as part of the conversion experience. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, commends them for their transformation: "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9). This turning away from idols is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual shift, reflecting a new allegiance to Christ.

Paul further elaborates on the incompatibility of idolatry with Christian life in 1 Corinthians 10:14, where he advises, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." The call to flee suggests an urgent and decisive action, underscoring the seriousness with which idolatry is viewed in the Christian faith.

Spiritual Implications

Renouncing idolatry upon conversion is not only about rejecting physical idols but also involves a deeper spiritual cleansing. Colossians 3:5 instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Here, idolatry is expanded to include any form of covetousness or misplaced desire that takes precedence over God.

Practical Application

For the early church, renouncing idolatry often meant a radical change in lifestyle and social relationships. Converts were expected to abandon pagan rituals and practices, which could lead to persecution or ostracism. This renunciation was a public declaration of faith and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

In contemporary Christian practice, the renunciation of idolatry continues to be relevant. Believers are called to examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, power, or personal ambition, and to ensure that their devotion to God remains paramount. The process of conversion involves a continual reorientation of one's life towards God, rejecting anything that might compete for His rightful place in the believer's heart.

Conclusion

The renunciation of idolatry is a critical component of the Christian conversion experience, reflecting a commitment to serve and worship God alone. This act of turning away from idols is both a personal and communal declaration of faith, rooted in the biblical mandate to love and honor God above all else.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... what difficulty inveterate opinions and habits are renounced. ... his own institution
for the conversion of sinners ... of death." The altars of idolatry were overthrown ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age.
... to his conversion. But Edwin was more susceptible of religious impressions, and
more disposed to meditation on Divine things. He first renounced idolatry, and ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/general remarks on the history.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... part of the world they resided, who renounced idolatry, and observed ... in the earth;
to abolish idolatry, and withdraw ... by those Jews, was the conversion of many ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

A Portrait Gallery
... His conversion was characteristic of the man ... Ging and the force of his example, and
how even his old mother had, before her death, renounced idolatry and asked ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter vii a portrait gallery.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... and experience confirms, that "covetousness is idolatry." The covetous ... will say that
he has renounced it ... future period I shall have opportunities of conversion? ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... bear public testimony that we have renounced the devil ... a diviner, for that leads
to idolatry....Thou shalt ... their aversion from Satan and conversion unto Christ ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

The Ecclesiastical Writers. By "The Fathers" we Understand the ...
... to win over the pagans from idolatry; the Paedagogue ... CYPRIAN of Carthage, before
his conversion to Christianity ... When he renounced heathenism, he is supposed to ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the ecclesiastical writers.htm

The History of Simon Magus.
... settlement, those foreigners practised the idolatry of the ... Their conversion must
be ascribed to the influence ... gospel preached by Philip, renounced the magical ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture x the history of.htm

Otho, Bishop of Bamberg.
... to prove the genuineness of his conversion by his ... that island, who were wholly given
to idolatry. ... by Christianity without having completely renounced heathenism ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/otho bishop of bamberg.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... brethren, and about a year after his conversion he was ... hand to stop me, so that I
renounced the journey ... where he destroyed the strongholds of idolatry with the ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm