Little children, keep yourselves from idols. I John 5:21
Barnes' Commentary: The word is applicable to idol-gods - pagan deities, but it would, also, be applicable to any "image" designed to represent the true God, and through or by which the true God was to be adored. The essential things in the word seem to be:Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. II Cor. 6:17, 18
(a) an image or representation of the Deity, and,
(b) the making of that an object of adoration instead of the true God.
Since one of these things would be likely to lead to the other, both are forbidden in the prohibitions of idolatry, Exo_20:4-5. This would forbid all attempts to represent God by paintings or statuary; all idol-worship, or worship of pagan gods; all images and pictures that would be substituted in the place of God as objects of devotion, or that might transfer the homage from God to the image; and all giving of those
affections to other beings or objects which are due to God.
Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. Matt. 6:24
Thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exo. 34:14
Serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. I Chron. 28:9
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psa. 51:6
Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Sam. 16:7
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. I John 3:21
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