Topical Bible: Idolatry: Saints should Refuse to Engage In, Though Threatened With Death

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Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is strictly forbidden in the Bible and is considered a grave sin against the one true God. Throughout Scripture, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with severe persecution or the threat of death. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of rejecting idolatry, regardless of the consequences.

Biblical Commandments Against Idolatry

The prohibition against idolatry is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where God explicitly commands His people to worship Him alone. In Exodus 20:3-5 , it is written: "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 or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God."

Examples of Faithfulness Amidst Persecution

The Bible provides powerful examples of individuals who refused to engage in idolatry, even when faced with death. One of the most notable accounts is that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Despite the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they remained resolute in their faith. In Daniel 3:17-18 , they declare, "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."

Similarly, the early Christian martyrs exemplified unwavering devotion to God in the face of persecution. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith. In Romans 8:35-37 , he writes, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

The Call to Endure

The New Testament continues to emphasize the call for believers to endure persecution without compromising their faith. In Revelation 2:10 , the church in Smyrna is encouraged with these words: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

The Spiritual Battle Against Idolatry

Idolatry is not merely a physical act but a spiritual battle. Believers are urged to guard their hearts and remain vigilant against the subtle forms of idolatry that can infiltrate their lives. In 1 John 5:21 , the apostle John warns, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." This admonition serves as a reminder that idolatry can take many forms, including the elevation of material possessions, power, or even personal desires above God.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that idolatry is a sin that must be resisted, even in the face of death. The examples of faithful individuals throughout Scripture serve as a testament to the power of unwavering devotion to God. Believers are called to stand firm, trusting in God's promises and the eternal reward that awaits those who remain faithful.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 3:18
But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... Judah to Bethel, to prophesy against the idolatry that was ... the apostle saith also
to the saints at Corinth ... itself much unbecoming a people that should bear the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... common conversation, as well as the idolatry of swearing ... justly expected from the
prayers of saints on behalf ... own finger pointed out where they should be sent ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... of the unaptness of the minds, even of the saints themselves, to ... Before the child
shall know to refuse the evil ... of Christ, and the glory that should follow' (1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Covenant Duties.
... Idolatry, or the whole of false religion and all its ... praise thee, O Lord; and thy
saints shall bless ... First, Covenanting should engage all to every former good ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... of Israel were peculiarly exposed was that of idolatry. ... They who are accepted in
it are the saints. ... it might hold the desired prominence, it should not suffer ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... is to commit most gross and horrible idolatry: For albeit ... (1.) How innumerable the
saints, those spiritual ... were: probably signifying, that nothing should be so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... destroyed by the lions, because they had set up idolatry in the ... our bondage-state,
so long as is meet we should be so held, which to some of the saints is a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... made them idols.' The sin of idolatry threw their ... and sinful motions our minds and
affections should depart from ... affections and lusts of the new man in saints. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... yet to enter that place to accuse the saints on earth ... As who should say, What would
heaven yield to me for ... solace can he that is without God, though he were in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... first made this name common among the saints, and that ... He gives some up to idolatry;
he gives some up to ... absolute promise to Abraham, that Sarah "should have a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm