Against the Idols and the Restoration of Wholehearted Worship in Christ
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Against the Idols and the Restoration of Wholehearted Worship in Christ (Contents)
1: What Is True Faith in Jesus? – Beyond Belief to Devotion 2: What Is Idolatry? – Statues, Systems, and Substitutes for God 3: Can I Believe in Jesus and Still Bow to Idols? – Theological Contradictions 4: Old Testament Warnings – God’s Jealousy and Covenant Loyalty 5: Jesus and…
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1: What Is True Faith in Jesus? – Beyond Belief to Devotion
1. Introduction In a world where religious pluralism and cultural syncretism are widespread, many profess belief in Jesus while simultaneously practising other forms of worship. This raises a foundational question: what does it mean to truly believe in Jesus Christ according to the Bible? This entry examines the biblical nature…
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2: What Is Idolatry? – Statues, Systems, and Substitutes for God
1. Introduction The word idolatry often evokes images of carved statues and ancient temples, but the biblical concept of idolatry is far broader and more penetrating. Idolatry is the elevation of anything—whether physical, ideological, emotional, or spiritual—to a place that belongs to God alone. This entry explores the biblical definition…
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3: Can I Believe in Jesus and Still Bow to Idols? – Theological Contradictions
1. Introduction A pressing question for many believers—especially in culturally pluralistic societies—is whether one can claim faith in Jesus while simultaneously participating in acts of idolatry. This issue arises not only in overt idol worship (such as bowing to images) but also in syncretistic practices that blend Christianity with traditional…
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4: Old Testament Warnings – God’s Jealousy and Covenant Loyalty
1. Introduction The Old Testament offers a compelling portrait of God’s covenant relationship with His people—a relationship that is exclusive, intimate, and deeply personal. At the heart of this covenant is a repeated and emphatic warning against idolatry. This warning is not arbitrary, but grounded in the character of God…
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5: Jesus and the First Commandment – Worship the Lord Only
1. Introduction Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not nullify the commandments of God—He fulfilled them and reaffirmed their spiritual depth. Among these, the First Commandment remains foundational: exclusive worship of the one true God. In His teachings, temptations, and confrontations, Jesus consistently called for wholehearted allegiance to God.…
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6: New Testament Idolatry – Greed, Image, Power, and False Religion
1. Introduction While the Old Testament often portrays idolatry in overt, physical forms—statues, shrines, and rituals—the New Testament unveils a more subtle and internalised form of idolatry. Though Greco-Roman idols remained visible in Jesus’ and Paul’s day, the Holy Spirit, through the apostles, expands the definition to include greed, status,…
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7: Idolatry in the Church Today – Cultural and Religious Blending
1. Introduction While ancient idols were often visible—wood, stone, gold—the idolatry of today is often invisible, subtle, and even cloaked in religious language. Within the modern Church, cultural values and non-Christian beliefs can quietly blend with Christian doctrine, creating a form of syncretism that dilutes devotion to Christ. This entry…
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8: The Cost of Divided Worship – Judgment, Discipline, and Loss
1. Introduction Worship is not merely a spiritual activity—it is a covenantal allegiance. The Bible consistently warns that divided worship, in which the heart attempts to serve both God and another master, invites consequences. These include divine judgment, discipline, and spiritual loss. This entry explores the theological cost of syncretism…
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9: Repentance and Renewal – Returning to Christ with a Whole Heart
1. Introduction After exposing the sin of idolatry and the dangers of divided worship, Scripture always extends a hopeful call: return to the Lord. God does not merely condemn; He invites. The Bible presents repentance as the pathway to renewed covenant relationship, restored joy, and revived spiritual power. This entry…
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10: Walking in Purity – How to Guard Your Heart from Idols
1. Introduction Turning from idols is not a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong walk of spiritual vigilance and purity. The Christian journey requires constant guarding of the heart against anything that would dethrone Christ. This final entry offers biblical instruction and practical wisdom for cultivating a lifestyle…
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11: Idolatry and the Trinity – Worshipping God in Wholeness
1. Introduction The battle against idolatry is not merely moral or behavioural—it is profoundly theological. At its core, idolatry is a misrepresentation of God, a rejection of His self-revelation, and a distortion of worship. True worship must respond to God as He is, and the God of Scripture reveals Himself…