Idolatry Provokes Yahweh's Anger

A Restoration Light Publication

It is easy to deceive ourselves concerning idolatry. It is easy to excuse our idolatry as not important, just as Israel of old did.

"You cannot drink of the cup of Yahweh, and the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers of Yahweh's table, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke Yahweh to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" -- 1 Corinthians 10:21,22

"The things that the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not wish you to have fellowship with demons." -- 1 Corinthians 10:20-21

(1)  The clouds of trouble in this world are rapidly leading the nations into depths of deterioration. God's wrath is soon to be executed upon all nations. Hear what Yahweh says: "For my judgment is to gather the nations, for me to gather the kingdoms, to pour on them my fury, all my hot anger. For all the earth will be burned up with the fire of my jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8,9) These are foreboding words! They are not said idly. This hot anger of Yahweh is yet to be expressed upon the nations! It is going to come, and there is nothing that you or I will be able to do to stop it. If we really want to be found on the side of Yahweh, we should be doing as Zephaniah 2:3 says: "Seek Yahweh, all meek ones of the earth, who have done his justice; seek righteousness, seek meekness. It may be you will be hidden in the day of the anger of Yahweh."

(2)  Who are these who are doing his justice? The only way we can truly be counted as just is through faith in the blood of Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26) Thus the "nation" spoken of in Zephaniah 2:1 is not meek people of the world in general, but the dedicated disciples of Jesus who have been justified in the lamb's blood. It is his dedicated disciples living in the last days just "before the day of Yahweh's anger come on you." It is therefore dedicated disciples of Jesus who are told to seek Yahweh! Why? Because the days are wicked. Traditional Christianity has been polluted as described in Zephaniah 3:1-7.

(3)  Thus there is a call to the dedicated disciples of Jesus and all who love their Creator to clean up their ways, to forsake the idols of the traditions which they have inherited from their fathers. Yes, there are many things that can become our idols, or that we could participants with others in their idolatry. Traditions that in effect make void the Word of God is one form of idolatry. Many people know that the usage of crosses, birthday candles, trees (Christmas trees), etc., have their roots in heathen worship. Many excuse the use of these idols with thought that they are not worshipped today. But we believe this to be a Satanic deception. Now is no time to be indulging Satan with cross adoration, birthday candles, Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, etc! The sentiments of worship toward these objects are still active and are very strong. The scriptures tell us that those who practice idolatry will not inherit the kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21) Should not we who are living at the end of the age take a stand against all idolatry? Of the early disciples we read of their repentance that they turned "from idols to serve the Living and True God." Shouldn't we do the same? - 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

(4)  Should we continue flirting with the idols of the heathen? Notice Yahweh's commands: "You must worship no other god, (for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God) lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, so that when they commit adultery with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice, and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters commit adultery with their gods and make your sons commit adultery with their gods." And the disciples of Jesus are told: "The things that the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not wish you to have fellowship with demons." - Exodus 34:14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21.

(5)  It is easy to deceive ourselves concerning idolatry. It is easy to excuse our idolatry as not important, just as Israel of old did. How could we be deceiving ourselves concerning idolatry? We should ask ourselves some soul-searching questions. Should we continue celebrating birthdays by offering prayer-wishes to birthday candles on birthday cakes? Who do these wishes go to? Did God tell us to pray to him in this manner, that is, by means of a cake with candles? To whom should all of our petitions be made known, and through whom should we pray? "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6; Isaiah 44:15-20; John 15:16; 16:23; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17; Acts 3:6; 1 Peter 2:5) One may excuse the idolatrous practices by saying that it is all in fun, that nothing is meant by it. Don't deceive yourself! Why do it if you don't put some meaning to it? The scriptures reveal that offerings to idols go to the demons and not to God. (1 Corinthians 10:20) If we make a wish-offering to a birthday cake, should we think Yahweh would answer such a prayer-wish? Absolutely not! If our prayer-wish should could come true, more than likely it would be answered by Satan or one of the demons! "You cannot drink of the cup of Yahweh, and the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers of Yahweh's table, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke Yahweh to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" -- 1 Corinthians 10:21,22; See Exodus 7:11,12.

(6)  The traditional Christmas celebration is nothing more the ancient day of tree worship celebrated long before Jesus came to the earth. The idolizing of the tree is very easy to see when the tree is called "the spirit of Christmas," etc. Offerings [gifts, presents] are made in the same manner as pagans make offerings or place gifts before or beneath their idols. "Santa Claus" is also idolized. Should we ask people: "What did Santa Claus bring you?" Should we indulge people who ask us this question? Many of our neighbors put a lot emphasis on this ficitious man, many even claiming that he is the "spirit" of Christmas. Is not such a participation with a false god? And do we not make ourselves participants in their conscience by so doing? (1 Corinthians 10:29 -See Addendum) People set up a Christmas, decorate it, and put presents under it; this mimics the very same thing that is still done in heathen idol worship to this day when presents are first presented to this or that idol before being given to the people. Is this practice really something a Christian should flirt with? The heathen sing their praises to their idols and so do people sing praises to the Christmas tree and Santa Claus idols. Is this something a Christian should take part in? (We realize that many often do this without really noticing the words of Christmas songs.) The principle given in the scripture is: "But if any man says to you: 'This is offered in sacrifice to idols,' do not eat for the sake of him who showed it, and for conscience sake, for the earth is Yahweh's and the fullness thereof. Conscience, I say, not of yours, but of the other." While the apostle here speaks of food sacrificed to idols, the principle is the same with any kind of offering to idols. -- 1 Corinthians 10:28,29; Jeremiah 10:3-5.

(7)  Should we pray before crosses, sing praises to crosses, or seek comfort from crosses? The Bible speaks against making a molten image of anything for use in worship as this provokes Yahweh to jealousy. (Deuteronomy 4:25,26) This includes the cross, as well as statues of those purported to be saints, heroes, or whatever. (See our publications The True Meaning of the Cross & Glorying in the Cross or the Impalement?

(8)  And dedicated disciples of Jesus with children have an added responsibility. These need to work with the school teachers and the principal where their children go to school to insure that their children remain free from idolatry. Schools are adding more and more religious idolatry to their activities as each country receives people who worship in many different ways. For instance, in the United States schools have traditionally celebrated the holidays of the popular churches: Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Valentine's Day, etc. The emblems of these holidays are often sung to or about in the same manner of heathen idolatry. However, with the influx of Orientals into the country, many schools have adopted even other idolatrous celebrations. The disciples of Jesus are told to bring up their children in the instruction and admonition of Yahweh. The admonition of Yahweh through the apostle Paul says: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry!" -- Ephesians 6:4; 1 Corinthians 10:14,19-21.

(9)  Should we continue to associate our worship with material things, instead of worshiping in spirit and truth? (John 4:21-24) Better to forsake the traditions surrounding Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day celebrations, New Year's Day celebrations, etc., all of which are usually celebrated in manners forbidden to those who worship in spirit and truth. -- Ephesians 5:3-6; Romans 1:25: 13:13.

(10)  But there is an even more subtle form of idolatry. This is servitude to religious leaders as men-pleasers. "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) Many religious leaders spend a lot of time preaching themselves, their organization, and their works, rather than preaching the truth about Jesus, his impalement and his kingdom. (1 Corinthians 1:22,23) This is quite deceptive for these leaders often very craftily present certain "evidences" that they are God's special representatives. (2 Corinthians 11:12-13) There are religious groups and organizations that provide a religious environment wherein one can feel a sense of security through the fellowship received within an association in which everyone has to agree with the leader(s). This gives many people a happy feeling and a sense of belonging, a kind of self-exaltation that they are in some way better than the world around them. This attraction, however, is along the line of the material rather than the spiritual. Don't be fooled by it! Those who are genuinely appointed by God to perform a certain ministry will not be preaching themselves nor their works. Better to serve Yahweh alone in spirit and truth than to sell the truth to gain a certain supposed secure feeling in a fellowship that in effect demands idolatry, either toward objects or leaders! -- John 4:21-24; Proverbs 23:23; Psalm 118:8.

(11)  Wake up! Yahweh is not joking! Those who continue in these idolatries, or indulge those partaking in these idolatries, will possibly not inherit any position in the Kingdom, even as in the apostles' day the disciples of Jesus were told: "Do not be led in the wrong way! Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who are soft [lacking in courage; Strong's #3120], nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor those who are greedy, nor drunkards, nor those who speak abusively, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God." -- 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Revelation 7:15.

(12)  We have all been guilty of some of the above practices sometime in our lives. We all need to continue to assess our own lives to make sure that we do not allow these characteristics to encroach and keep us from the kingdom inheritance.

(13)  But our special interest for this study is in idolatry. If we are now practicing any kind of idolatry, or are too soft to say no to those who would indulge us in their participation in idolatry, isn't it high time that we put every effort forth to put these practices out of our lives?

(14)  If we have completely given our lives to Yahweh we have his assurance that he will be with us and strengthen us if we let him, even though friends and family may speak abusively or persecute us. (Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 6:22,23; 1 Peter 3:13-14) Just before mentioning that we should keep from idolatry, Paul said: "No temptation has come upon you except such as is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "And we know that all events work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28.

(15)  It is in accord with all this that the Scriptures assure us that faith is vital to our acceptance to Yahweh and our continuance in his favor. (Hebrews 11:6) Those who cannot exercise faith cannot be of the faithful class now being the recipients of His favor. Those who can and do exercise faith, hold to the Divine promise, walk to the best of their ability in the footsteps of their Master, and trust to the covering of the merit of our Redeemer -- these only will receive the kingdom.

(16)  Following faith comes profession, and it also is vital. We are assured that with the heart man believes, and with the mouth one makes profession to salvation. (Romans 10:10) Those who would exercise faith, but are restrained from declaring their faith to others, possibly for fear of not being accepted, are not of the kind whom Yahweh will count worthy to share in the Royal House in the Kingdom. His own words are: "He who is ashamed of me and my words [including his instructions through his apostles to flee from idolatry.] in this adulterous [idolatrous] and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) Manifestly such will not be fit for the glorious position to which Yahweh called us if they are so weak of courage as to be ashamed of Jesus and his word of truth. Such ones must be laboring under the fear of man that brings a snare. - Proverbs 29:25.

(17)  Should we then be seeking to condemn those who are continuing in these matters? Should we disfellowship everyone in our Ecclesia [Assembly, often translated "church."] who puts up a Christmas tree, of instance? Should we refuse to associate with "brothers" who wear crosses? In 1 Corinthians 5:11 we read: "But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." Yes, any brother who knowingly, willfully and stubbornly continues in these things after receiving an complete understanding about what idolatry is should be disfellowshiped. In this, however, we need to exercise great caution. We are almost 2,000 years away from the first century. Among the Jewish population in the first century the more gross forms of idolatry were clearly known. Over the centuries the enemy has thoroughly saturated the minds of the people into believing that by using the pagan's methods of worship they are actually honoring the Father or Jesus. Jesus said that in the last days many of his servants would not know the Master's will; others would know and not fully do it. (Luke 12:47,48) However, we need to note that they are still servants of the Master. Both groups undergo disciplining but they are not totally rejected by the Master. Likewise we should consider this about the brothers with whom we associate. We need to heed also the words of 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15: "But you, brothers, do not be tired of doing right. If any man is not in obedience to our word by this letter, note that man, and do not have companionship with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."

(18)  Those of us who have this understanding need to exercise love and patience toward those brothers who do not. While we need to be firm in not participating in idolatry, we should not have a condemning attitude towards those brothers who have not yet come to understand matters as we do. Yet we do not want to be led into appearing to be in agreement with idolatry either. The overruling element here is love -- love first for Yahweh and love for the brothers. Through prayer and perseverance the Holy Spirit can work miracles.

Addendum

What the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about participation in idolatry (King James Version): Many appear to confuse what the apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 8 with what he wrote in Romans 14. However, in one instance he is talking about idolatry and things offered to idols. In the other he is talking about those whose conscience does not allow them to eat certain foods. We should not confuse the two.

CO1 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

CO1 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

CO1 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

CO1 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

CO1 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

CO1 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

CO1 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

Not all have knowledge that an idol is nothing, therefore their defiled conscience says that it is acceptable to eat food as being offered to an idol.

CO1 8:8 But meat [Greek, Strong's 1033, food] commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

CO1 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

In other words, the food itself is not unacceptable to be eaten, but we need to be careful not to cause others to stumble in idolatry.

CO1 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat [food] in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak [not strong, that is not developed in strength] be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

If we SEEM to others to be eating food offered to idols, we are telling the undeveloped conscience of the unbeliever or newly associated one that it is acceptable to eat food sacrificed to idols. This gives us the principle to apply to all forms of idolatry, including the cross, Santa Clause, Christmas, Easter, New Year's, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Birthday cakes, etc.

CO1 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak [undeveloped] brother perish [be turned away into ruination], for whom Christ died?

CO1 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak [not strong, undeveloped] conscience, ye sin against Christ.

CO1 8:13 Wherefore, if meat [food] make my brother to offend [Strong's 4625, be enticed to sin], I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend [be enticed to sin].

Most newcomers in the ecclesia at Corinth were coming out from former idol worship. Unless those with strong consciences set the proper example, the newcomers to the way could easily be led into believing that it is acceptable to eat food as being offered to idols. Since this has been the way their conscience had been trained before learning the truth, their conscience, being weak, undeveloped, would not feel any qualms about eating food as being offered to idols.

The same principle applies today to the gifts and offerings that are made in the name of the false traditions and idols of the Cross, Christmas, Easter, New Year's, Valentine's, etc. If the one whose conscience is strong is showing acceptance of these things without feeling any idolatrous sentiments in his own conscience, yet he would still be making it appear to others that the attachment and veneration generally offered these idols are acceptable. The conscience of most has been so ingrained to the symbols and glitter, etc., that they do not realize that they are even committing idolatry. Only by removing the idols from our midst are we assured of setting the proper example.

The apostle diverges in chapter nine, but returns to the topic of idolatry in chapter ten.

CO1 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Most idolaters do not realize that they are engaging in idolatry. The Israelites who worshiped before the golden calf did not consider themselves as rejecting Yahweh. (Exodus 32:1-8) They did not consider that what they were doing was idolatry. So today, the whole world is led into idolatry by denying their idolatry.

CO1 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

CO1 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

CO1 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

CO1 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

CO1 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

CO1 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

CO1 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

It is claimed by some that the consecrated spirit-begotten child of God does not need to be reminded not commit idolatry, that the holy spirit within him makes it so that he does not consider idolatry. However, the Bible, realizing how deceptive idolatry can be, many times warned the saints to avoid idolatry. -- 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; 2 Corinthians 6:16,17; Galatians 2:18; 5:19,20; Colossians 3:5; 1 John 5:21

CO1 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

CO1 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of [Strong's #2842, participation in] the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of [participation in] the body of Christ?

CO1 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

CO1 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

The apostle brings the thoughts of participation in these things in order to serve as an illustration of how one could become a participant in idolatry even though his conscience knows that an idol is nothing.

CO1 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

CO1 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship [Strong's 2842, participation] with devils.

Again, we know that an idol is nothing, but we, by our actions, could easily get involved in participation with the idolatrous worship which in reality goes to the demons.

CO1 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of [Yahweh], and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of [Yahweh's] table, and of the table of devils.

CO1 10:22 Do we provoke [Yahweh] to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

The matter is so serious that it provokes the very jealousy of Yahweh, that is, his demand for exclusive worship. WE are not stronger than he that we could tell him that we were not really worshiping the idol. Nor are we allowed to take the idols of false worship and "Christianize" them, as many claim to be doing. Just by accepting the idol we bring ourselves into disobedience to Yahweh, for he tells us to have nothing to do with the idols of the nations. -- Exodus 20:4,5; 32:4-10; Deuteronomy 4:15-26; 7:3,4; Jeremiah 10:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:14,19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16,17.

CO1 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient [Strong's 4851: bringing forth unity]: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

CO1 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth [advantage].

CO1 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles [food market], that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

CO1 10:26 For the earth is [Yahweh's], and the fulness thereof.

If there is no one telling us that the food, presents, etc., is for the purpose of idolatrous sentiments, we can partake without bringing ourselves into the participation of idolatry.

CO1 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

CO1 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is [Yahweh's], and the fulness thereof:

CO1 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

CO1 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of [defamed] for that for which I give thanks?

We may eat anything or accept any gift that is set before us in an unbeliever's home, as long as it is not set before us as being an offering for some idolatrous worship, such as Christmas, Easter, Birthday cake, etc. If the festive occasion is in honor of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, New Year, Valentine, Easter, Buddha, etc., we need to decline, not because of our own conscience. We know the food, presents, etc., are not of themselves defiled, even if used in idolatrous worship. But because of the other person's conscience which is defiled with affections toward material things, we cannot participate, else we would be sharing with the other person in idolatry. Thus our liberty would become judged by another man's conscience and, even though we give thanks to Yahweh, we could still be bring ourselves into evil repute by our actions. If we, then, avoid eating food or partaking of anything that is declared as an offering or gift for an idol, we will not be declared evil for partaking even if it has been offered to an idol.

CO1 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

CO1 10:32 Give none offence [Strong's 677, the thought of leading into sin], neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

WE should do nothing that would give others cause to commit idolatry.

CO1 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Various Scriptures and References on Idolatry

Idolatry Defined

"You must love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." -- Matthew 22:37.

"They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for images resembling corruptible man or birds or animals or reptiles." -- Romans 1:23.

"They . . . worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator." -- Romans 1:25 (Revised Standard Version)

DEU 4:15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that [Yahweh] spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

DEU 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

DEU 4:17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,

DEU 4:18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:

DEU 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which [Yahweh] thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

COL 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

COL 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

EPH 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Idolatry is the giving to creation that which belongs to the Creator. What belongs to the Creator? "Jesus said unto him, 'You must love Yahweh your Mightiest with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'" (Matthew 22:37)

Idolatry Denounced

See: Deuteronomy 12:31; 27:15; Job 31:26-28; Psalm 44:20,21; 97:7; Isaiah 42:17; 45:16; Jeremiah 3:1-11; 32:34,35; Ezekiel 16:16-63; 43:7-9; Hosea 1:2; 2:2-5; 4:12-19; 5:1-3; 9:10; 13:2,3; Jonah 2:8; Amos 4:4,5; Habakkuk 1:16; Acts 17:16-29; Romans 1:25; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.

Idolatry Forbidden

See Genesis 35:2; Exodus 20:3-6,23; 23:13,24,32,33; 34:14,17; Leviticus 19:4; 26:1,30; Deuteronomy 4:15-28; 5:7-9; 7:2-5,16; 14:1-8; 16:15-28; 5:7-9; 7:2-5,16; 11:16,17; 16:21,22; Psalm 81:9; Ezekiel 8:8-18; 14:1-8; 16:15-63; 20:7,8,16,18,24,27-32,39; 23:7-49; Acts 15:20-29; 1 Corinthians 10:14,20-22; 1 John 5:21.

Idolatry and the Dead

Deuteronomy 14:1; Isaiah 8:19,20; Ecclesiastes 9:5,10; Leviticus 19:31; 20:6,27; 1 Corinthians 10:20.

Offerings to Idols

Exodus 32:6; Deuteronomy 32:38; Judges 10:14; 16:24; 1 Kings 12:33; 18:26; 2 Chronicles 30:14; 34:25; Jonah 1:5: Psalm 16:4; Isaiah 57:6; 44:17; 45:20; 46:7; 65:3,11; Jeremiah 1:16; 7:18; 11:12,17; 19:13; 32:29; 44:3,17,19,25; 48:35; Ezekiel 16:18,19; 20:28; 23:41; Daniel 5:4; Hosea 11:2; Zechariah 9:7; Acts 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:20.

Idolatrous Partying

Exodus 32:1-19; Daniel 3:5-7; 11:38; 1 Kings 18:28; 19:18; 2 Kings 5:18; 23:11; Jeremiah 41:5; Hosea 13:2; Job 31:27; Amos 4:4,5.

Idolatry to Supposedly Honor Yahweh

Exodus 32:1-35; 1 Kings 12:26-13:5; 2 Kings 18:4.

Punishment for Idolatry

Deuteronomy 8:19; 11:28; 13:6-9; 17:2-5; 28:14-18; 30:17,18; 32:15-26; Judges 2:3; 1 Kings 9:6-9; Nehemiah 9:27-37; Psalms 16:4; 59:8; 78:58-64; 106:34-42; Isaiah 1:29-31: 2:6-22; 30:22; 65:3-7; Jeremiah 1:15,16; 5:1-17; 7; 8:1,2,19; 13:9-27; 16; 17:1-6; 18:13-17; 19; 22:5-9; 44; Ezekiel 6; 8:8-18; 9; 14:1-8; 16:15-63; 20:7,8, 24-39; 22:4; 23:9,10,22-49: 44:10-12; Hosea 8:5-14; 10; 13:1-4; Amos 3:14; 5:5; Micah 1:1-9; 5:12-14; 6:16; Zephaniah 1; Malachi 2:11-13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9,10; Revelation 21:8; 22:15.

The Obscuring of Idolatry

A statement made in Smith's Bible Dictionary under "Idolatry" illustrates how idolatry is obscured today: "The modern objects of idolatry are less gross than the ancient, but are none the less idols. Whatever wealth or honor or pleasure is love and sought before God and righteousness becomes an object of idolatry." This view is misleading. While wealth, honor and pleasure are idols, the statement would ignore the more prominent idolatry in popular Christianity associated with the "Cross," Easter, Christmas, Halloween, New Years, etc., which is often just as intense in forms of adoration today as in ancient times. Although we know of no one today who performs the most gross form of idolatry (human sacrifice to idols), the same sentiments can be seen expressed as was expressed by the heathen in ancient times. For many the holidays are viewed as a time to commit fornication, adultery, or other forms of licentious revelries, drunkedness and obscene orgies.

Attractions of Idolatry

From Smith's Bible Dictionary: "Many have wondered why the Israelites were so easily led away from the true God, into the worship of idols. (1) Visible, outward signs, with shows, pageants, parades, have an attraction to the natural heart, which often fails to perceive the unseen spiritual realities. (2) But the greatest attraction seems to have been in licentious revelries and obscene orgies with which the worship of the Oriental idols was observed. This worship, appealing to every sensual sensation, joined with the attractions of wealth and fashion and luxury, naturally was a great temptation to a simple, restrained, agricultural people, whose worship and laws demanded the greatest purity of heart."

  We agree with this statement from Smith's Bible Dictionary. However, this is the same attractions that are prevalent today in the idolatries of New Years, Valentine's Day, Easter, nationalistic celebrations, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas, as well as among many of the the Holy Days of religions that do not profess Christianity.

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Questions

(1)  What is soon to be expressed upon the nations and what should Christians be doing today?

(2)  Who are the ones being addressed in Zephaniah 2:3?

(3)  What time is it now for Christians and all who love their Creator everywhere to do?

(4)  What does Yahweh command his people with respects flirting with idolatry?

(5)  Why should a Christian avoid celebrating birthdays with cakes, candles, etc., as is often the custom?

(6)  What are some reasons a disciple of Jesus should avoid celebrating the idolatrous traditions of Christmas?

(7)  Why should Christians avoid using the cross or other images in worship?

(8)  What matters should Christian parents consider concerning idolatry in schools?

(9)  What other kinds of idolatrous celebrations should Christians avoid and why?

(10)  What is an even more subtle form of idolatry?

(11)  What scripture should Christians take notice of?

(12)  What should Christians continually do?

(13)  What question is pertinent for Christians to ask themselves?

(14)  What assurances are given Christians who are truly dedicated to Yahweh?

(15)  What is needed for us to be accepted by Yahweh?

(16)  What is else is needed?

(17)  (a) What questions need to answered regarding our fellowship? (b) What does 1 Corinthians 5:11 have to say about fellowship with an idolater? (c) What should a Christian Ecclesia do with a brother who has received a complete understanding of idolatry yet who stubbornly continue in it? (c) Why should we proceed with great caution in this matter? (d) What did Jesus say would be condition of his servants in the last days as recorded in Luke 12:47,48, and how does this apply to our discussion? (e) What does 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 tell us concerning those who are disobedient?

(18)  (a) What do we need to exercise toward those who do not have this understanding? (b) What attitude should we have toward any brothers who have not yet come to understand matters as we do?

Updated slightly, December 12, 2003.

Idolatry and Holidays - A Resource Page

See also Hislop's The Two Babylons, available online. This book details the history of idolatry and reveals much of the idolatry prevalent in popular Christianity.

Related Books:
PLEASE NOTE: The following books are given as sources of more information on the above topic. The opinions and conclusions given in the books are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect our conclusions. Click on titles for more information and/or to purchase.

The Golden Bough/2 Volumes in 1 : The Roots of Religion and Folklore
by James G., M.A. Frazer
The only unabridged, illustrated edition of the classic exploration of the world of myth, folklore, and primitive customs is an inspiration to poets, students, and readers in general. Gives some background to modern-day celebrations and customs.

The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion
by James Frazer
Penguin Paperback Edition

The Golden Bough
by James Frazier
Wordsworth Collection
NTC/Contemporary - Paperback

The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion
by James Frazier
Oxford World'c Classics Paperback Edition

Aftermath: A Supplement to the Golden Bough
by James Frazer

Two Babylons or Papal Worship
by Alexander Hislop