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What does the Bible say about idolatry?

Answered in 22 sources

The Bible illustrates that idolatry is a significant sin, as both Old and New Testaments emphasize turning to the living and true God away from idols.

Idolatry is addressed throughout the Scriptures as a grievous sin, particularly against the backdrop of Israel's history, where they repeatedly turned to idols amidst God's covenant. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warned the people about the consequences of forsaking the true God for fabricated deities. This theme continues into the New Testament, as Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 that true Christians turn from idols to serve the living God. Idolatry can manifest not only in physical forms but also as misplaced affections in the heart, where anything that takes precedence over God becomes an idol. Paul cautions believers to examine their hearts and rid themselves of all idols, underscoring that true faith requires this abandonment of false gods.
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 1:9, Colossians 3:5, Ezekiel 14:3, Ezekiel 36:25, 2 Kings 18:1-8, Exodus 20:4-5, Acts 17:16, Acts 17:22-23, Psalm 50:21-22, Romans 1, 1 John 5:21, Judges 17, Exodus 20:3-5, Isaiah 44:9-20, Romans 1:23, 2 Kings 18:4, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:14, Romans 1:22-23, Isaiah 44, Judges 6:25-28, Romans 1:25, Romans 1:21-23, Judges 2:12, Judges 3:7, Judges 10:6

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