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Any "God concept" that does not match God's self-revelation in the Bible
is idolatry and a lie. Since Scripture defines the matter this way, we
(if we are going to be genuine followers of Jesus) must also define it
this way. The world will hate us for doing so, but it hated Jesus, too.
Idolatry may involve statues, relics and images. Yet it also includes
attitudes of the heart, where no visible image is present. All "religion" (as the world defines that term) is
idolatry - for Scripture describes genuine salvation as a
relationship, not a religion. (The "religion" of Christianity
is a response of love that occurs once the relationship with Christ
already exists. It does not in any way create or obtain that
relationship.)
Idolatry may involve a false god (whether or not represented by an
"image") or a false perception of the true God. It may involve a
"non-religious" replacement - something that receives more loyalty and
attention than we give to the God of the Bible. Modern-day idolatry comes
in many forms - possessions, sports, entertainment, friends, pets, work,
etc. Each of these may have a legitimate place in a person's life, but
when they become more important than God - and this will be evident by
one's values and choices - they have become a form of idolatry.
Indirectly, even atheists are idolaters, because they give more
loyalty and attention to something other than God.
The BIBLE and the OCCULT |
An in-depth look at this issue. It includes just about
every verse in the Bible on this topic, arranged in outline form,
along with additional comments. The Bible verses that were used are
listed at the end of the article. |
Article with verse references only - HTML /
PDF |
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The following is the same as the above article, but
the verses are written out (rather than giving just the references).
[I had to use a public domain translation of the Bible, because over
60% of the article was Bible verses - and that is "too much
Bible" for most (if not all) of the copyright restrictions I've read!] |
Article with verses written
out - PDF only |
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Here are a few additional comments about the occult,
which were originally part of some e-mail correspondence: |
Additional comments from
e-mail - HTML /
PDF |
Jezebel |
An in-depth look at one of the queens who was
responsible for some of the worst idolatry ever introduced into the
nation of Israel. The article also looks at how
"Jezebel-type" influences can creep into the church, as
described in the book of Revelation. |
HTML / PDF |
Balaam and the Issue of Compromise |
In contrast to Jezebel (above), Balaam looked like a
prophet of God. Yet his heart was full of evil and compromise.
Whereas Jezebel introduced evil by direct means, Balaam
introduced evil through indirect means. |
(Under the topic: Temporary
Disciples & Counterfeits) |
The Bible tells us...
- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God
revealed it to them.
- For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his
everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
- Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave
thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was
darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of
an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and
creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23)
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