Topical Bible: Idolatry: Saints Preserved by God From

◄ Idolatry: Saints Preserved by God From ►

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Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a grave sin against the one true God. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts of individuals and groups who, by God's grace, were preserved from falling into idolatry, serving as exemplars of faithfulness and divine protection.

Daniel and His Companions

One of the most notable examples of saints preserved from idolatry is found in the Book of Daniel. Daniel and his three companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were taken captive to Babylon, a land rife with idol worship. Despite the pressure to conform, they remained steadfast in their devotion to God. Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." This resolve was a testament to his commitment to God, and God honored their faithfulness by granting them favor and wisdom.

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace for refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Their response in Daniel 3:17-18 reflects their unwavering faith: "If the God we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up." God miraculously preserved them, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

The prophet Elijah is another figure who stood against idolatry. During a time when Israel was led astray by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel into the worship of Baal, Elijah remained a solitary voice for the Lord. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to demonstrate the power of the true God. The Lord answered Elijah's prayer by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving His supremacy over the false gods. Elijah's preservation and victory over idolatry were acts of divine intervention and a testament to God's sovereignty.

The Apostle Paul

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is a prominent figure who was preserved from idolatry and called to preach against it. In Acts 17, Paul addresses the people of Athens, a city full of idols, and proclaims the truth of the one true God. Acts 17:16 notes, "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed to see that the city was full of idols." Despite the pervasive idolatry, Paul remained committed to his mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel and turn people away from false gods.

The Early Church

The early Christian church also faced significant challenges from idolatry, particularly in the Roman Empire, where emperor worship and polytheism were prevalent. The Book of Revelation addresses the churches in Asia Minor, encouraging them to remain faithful amidst persecution and idolatrous practices. Revelation 2:14 warns against the teachings of Balaam, which led to idolatry, yet commends those who hold fast to their faith.

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His ability to preserve His saints from the snares of idolatry. These accounts serve as powerful reminders of His faithfulness and the importance of steadfast devotion to Him alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 19:18
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 11:4
But what said the answer of God to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... that Christ's prayers are living petitions preserved for us ... Praying to the translated
saints, and asking them to pray for us, is a modified form of idolatry. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 13 the immortal prayers.htm

City of God
... 23.--What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from ... 22.--That the
Bodies of the Saints Shall After ... Line the City of God is Preserved Till the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

The Church Before and after Christ.
... had a special work in the days before Christ, which was intended for the saints
of those ... First, it prepared and preserved amid heathen idolatry a people ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xi the church before and.htm

Prayer Essential to God
... agent in saving men and in edifying the saints. ... because of their great sin of idolatry,
at the ... cruel lions and closed their mouths and preserved His servant ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/i prayer essential to god.htm

Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity.
... are error and darkness and a vain service"idolatry, which he ... and so did he tempt
the saints; and so ... all things through the Son"and are preserved, in God's ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/trinity sunday the article of.htm

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
... and Latimer went to the stake,"has preserved us through ... Think of the saints in Nero's
household at Rome ... city like Athens, "wholly given to idolatry." You may ...
/.../chapter ix acts 17 16-17 athens.htm

Epitome of the Definition of the Iconoclastic Conciliabulum Held ...
... and the six Ecumenical Councils have preserved inviolate ... of the human form, so that
idolatry might not ... The Saints live on eternally with God, although they have ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/epitome of the definition of.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... cannot be inferred from the fact, that idolatry continued to ... the fact of the fall
and ruin of real saints. ... have we to affirm that they were preserved from sin ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

The Fatherhood of God
... "Saints in prayer appear as one." for when they get on ... thou wilt say unto me, I have
preserved thee, but ... some remote part of the earth where idolatry is still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the fatherhood of god.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... the mass, of monkery and the worship of saints; and the ... Such is the usual course
of idolatry. ... Church is at all times wonderfully governed and preserved by God ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm