Bible Question:
This scripture says clearly In Exodus 20:3-5, God gives Israel this command: "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." How do you justify wearing a cross? It clearly says do not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the either beneath or in the waers below. If I wear a cross I know in my heart I am not wearing it as an idol. And the is the point I try to make, even though this is a symbol that is in the form of something in heaven, I am not idolizing it. Meaning I am not placing it before God. However, I have to continuously explain myself to people who don't understand, which is okay. I just want to make sure I am correct. To me it is a symbol that reminds me what Christ has done for me. But some people feel I am going against God's commandment and it causes confusion. To me it welcomes communication and my chance to explain God's grace and his plan for our salvation. Is that any other scripture that says people have created heavenly symbols and it was okay with GOD. |
Bible Answer: Noveta, In the verse you give, God provides several distinct and separate commands. That we shall not make an idol is one command; that we are not to worship them is another. Thus the use of the object in worship is not necessary for it to be sin. Regardless whether we actually pray to the object, the object is not condoned by God. One reference states: While we may not make or bow down to a statue, we must be constantly on guard that we let nothing come between us and God (i.e. disregard for His commands—my emphasis!). As soon as anything does, that thing is an idol. In addition to material objects such as houses, land, and cars, idols can be people, popular heroes, or those whom we love. Objects of worship can even include things like fame, reputation, hobbies, pride, and deeds done in the name of the Lord. Idolatry is a dangerous and deceitful sin. No wonder prophets preached against it so often and so strongly.” (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) NT Scripture is clear that God still prohibits the manufacture and use of any manmade item possessing, even simply, a spiritual meaning (Acts 17:29; 19:24-25; 1Jo5:21). Statues or images of Jesus, Mary or angels are clearly not desired by God (Deu 4:15-16; LK 11:27-28; Col 2:18-19), but even less obvious idols such as "WWJD" adornments and "Christian" fish are spoken against in scripture by the necessary inference that God does not desire His people to use symbols of any kind to proclaim their righteousness (MT6:1). We need only to remember Jesus' rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees. (MK12:38-40; MT23:1-7) Can a person seer their conscience to convince themselves that a religious image is “OK”? Of course, that is true, however, it does not change how God views the situation. Best regards, AO |