Hi Could somebody please help me in defining these two parts of scriptures because if I'm correct in understanding them then even to wear or hang up the cross of Jesus would be classed as idolatry? Also if the children of the fathers are to be punished according to the father’s sins, then how does that work out fair for the children? Exodus 20 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 punishing the children for the sins Of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of Those who hate me, but showing love to a thousandGenerations of those who love me and keep My commandments.
Is The Cross Idolatry ?
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No the cross is not idolitry, the cross is a sybol of the pain and suffering jesus went through to save us from death. The cross is a beutifull symbol that represents gods love.
The short answer is that anything you place before God can become an idol. It could be a symbol, depiction, car, boat, significant other, etc. So technically the cross could become an idol, but it only becomes such when it replaces God. The cross as a symbol of Christ in remembrance of what he did is not. Interestingly enough, the cross symbol has been around prior to Christ as a symbol of salvation. I can't help but think this was by design of God. The key is just knowing it's not the cross, but Christ that saves you.Where do you find verses that you feel suggest even wearing an a cross is idolatry?To move towards your second question; here is Scripture which seems to contradict that which you posted at first glance:
Note the contrast. The key is to understand the culture. In the days that the first covenant was handed down, you had the tribes of Israel; these commandments were clearly handed down to a group which was primarily faithful (initially) and those breaking the rules (commandments) would be the outsiders. In this case, retribution came down upon the sons because, to borrow an old phrase, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree. (And it still doesn't to a large extent.) There is actually a modern book on this idea that you rarely deviate from where you come from (ie: you are like your family background). The families where the father (head of household) worshiped idols was a indicative of a household where idols were worshiped.The pattern of the kings of Israel and Judah were a great example of this beginning with David and Solomon. The good kings would come along in between the terrible kings, and Israel or Judah would find a slight reprieve. Yet, in the end, they were still a part of the original fracture, because overall the bad behavior continued.
Note the contrast. The key is to understand the culture. In the days that the first covenant was handed down, you had the tribes of Israel; these commandments were clearly handed down to a group which was primarily faithful (initially) and those breaking the rules (commandments) would be the outsiders. In this case, retribution came down upon the sons because, to borrow an old phrase, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree. (And it still doesn't to a large extent.) There is actually a modern book on this idea that you rarely deviate from where you come from (ie: you are like your family background). The families where the father (head of household) worshiped idols was a indicative of a household where idols were worshiped.The pattern of the kings of Israel and Judah were a great example of this beginning with David and Solomon. The good kings would come along in between the terrible kings, and Israel or Judah would find a slight reprieve. Yet, in the end, they were still a part of the original fracture, because overall the bad behavior continued.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form Of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath. But now that you quoted, (So technically the cross could become an idol, but it only becomes such when it replaces God) Now I understand it perfectly, thank you for your reply. BlessMw.
No we should not wear nor posses anything resembling anything in heaven and we are told in Acts not to compare God to graven images. Acts 17:29 Therefore since we are God's offspring' date=' we should not think that the Diving Being is LIKE gold or sliver or stone--an image made by man's design and skill. 17:30 [B']In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to REPENT. [/B]Few have understood that we are the image of God, his offspring, and therefore we are to wear or carry nothing that resembles him, likening God to silver or stone or gold. Whether it be in the form of a cross, a statue, any graven images. The ten commandments one says, You shall have NO GRAVEN IMAGES before God. We need to listen to the every word and seek understanding in it to be obedient and in honor to the Lord in all things.musicworld;71042][COLOR=black][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Hi [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Could somebody please help me in defining these two parts of scriptures because if I said:
Without digging up tons of scriptures. A Idol is not something that you put before God, like TV.It has always been defined in the Bible as something you pray or put faith in other than God. You believe it has the ability to harm or bless you. It is normally made of wood or stone, but can be anything that you think has an intelligence and hear you. God has said several times, Idols can not hear you, they are dumb. A idol is something that you think has greater strength or divine power to change circumstances for you.A cross can be close to an idol if you think thats where power is coming from, so can a rabbits foot.True idolatry is a very serious sin, as it says there is another besides God that can help you. Watching TV all day and not praying does not even come close to this sin.Allowing other things to come into your life is covered also. things that take away from you time with God and pull you away from the Word.This is covered in Mark chapter 4 for example. "Lust of other things enter in and choke the word." This is also not good, but it's not Idol worship.Jesus Is Lord.
The emphasis is always on the truth of the cross of Christ, and its power in the life of the believer. This must always come first. Paul was crucified with Christ and he was dead to the world and world to him. This is a great truth. It is an inward and spiritual teaching to be received and appreciated by faith.
If, say, an earnest young man wanted to have a little cross embedded in his earlobe, or a young lady had a tasteful little cross tattooed, I wouldn't be vocally critical of them, and might at some level respect their motive, but, again, the emphasis should always be on the inward and spiritual apprehension of the great and wondrous truth of the Cross of Christ.
If, say, an earnest young man wanted to have a little cross embedded in his earlobe, or a young lady had a tasteful little cross tattooed, I wouldn't be vocally critical of them, and might at some level respect their motive, but, again, the emphasis should always be on the inward and spiritual apprehension of the great and wondrous truth of the Cross of Christ.
6stringedsignseeker
New Member
I think anything that we put in place of God or above God is an idol or idolistic (did I just make up that word?) type thing. I sometimes wear a cross around my neck and almost always wear my ring which has a cross and I think that's fine. Most christians I think wear one as a reminder of Christ and His sacrifice for us. Some wear one as a symbol of their identification as a christian... I think that's ok as well, as long as your not just trying to make a "fashion statement". If you're praying to the cross instead of to the Son of God who died ON that cross... then yes it is becoming an idol.
6string:
6string.
Although I don't think it's necessary to wear a cross, and in any case what one actually believes about the cross isn't necessarily conveyed by the wearing of one, either, yet I know that cross chain, a cross earring, tattoo, etc are widespread.
So I guess you prefer a cross round your neck to a more 'permanent' one in ink, right?
Take care.
6string.
Although I don't think it's necessary to wear a cross, and in any case what one actually believes about the cross isn't necessarily conveyed by the wearing of one, either, yet I know that cross chain, a cross earring, tattoo, etc are widespread.
So I guess you prefer a cross round your neck to a more 'permanent' one in ink, right?
Take care.
6stringedsignseeker
New Member
Well... to be honest I think either is ok. I've had some friends who've had some pretty cool cross tattoos. I've thought about getting one myself, maybe a fish as well, a permanent reminder to what Christ means to me and has done for me. But it's what the cross stands for (Christs salvation) not the cross itself that matters to me. The cross by itself is only a wooden structure the romans used as a horrible form of execution... so the cross without the memory of Jesus is nothing but a symbol of death. With the memory of Christ however it's a reminder of a promise of eternal life.
Well... to be honest I think either is ok. I've had some friends who've had some pretty cool cross tattoos. I've thought about getting one myself, maybe a fish as well, a permanent reminder to what Christ means to me and has done for me. But it's what the cross stands for (Christs salvation) not the cross itself that matters to me. The cross by itself is only a wooden structure the romans used as a horrible form of execution... so the cross without the memory of Jesus is nothing but a symbol of death. With the memory of Christ however it's a reminder of a promise of eternal life.
Here's a good verse:
Galatians 6.14: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
6stringedsignseeker
New Member
The amplified bible says it thus "14But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!" Here, Paul is saying he does not glory in anything except the cross. He's not saying he worships the cross but rather he can boast of the fact that he has salvation given him by Christ when he died on the cross. I'm not sure if we are disagreeing or agreeing Farouk lol :lol:
6stringedsignseeker
New Member
No prob.!
BTW, I once wore earrings, but not in a cross design; do you like the idea of an earring with a faith design?
Or maybe you'll stick to ink, if you do go get the tattoo.
Take care.
6stringedsignseeker
New Member
Oh definitely. I don't wear anything in my ears anymore either, but christian designs are always cool.
You wrote it yourself from the bible "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" it is clear to me. why do the people make what ALMIGHTY GOD said we should not make? why do you put it on? the cross or image on the cross you put on is not Jesus Christ cross and Jesus Christ is not the one on that cross.
I think we are getting a little to picky here. Everyone must go with their own convictions and walk by faith. If something about having a cross around does not set right with someone, then they should stay away. If wearing a cross on a necklace is OK with you, then fine, just remember that there is no power in physical objects to do anything.
Churches that don't have images of bible things still fall into having images to identify themselves. Such as fancy church logo's or some type of graphic design. Some Churches just use things familiar like the cross. I don't think we should read anything into this.
A idol is something made to pray to or worship. Rabbit's foot (Like I had as a child) would head in the category of Idol worship.
The most important thing is not to condemn or put down others. Seeing a image of Jesus tacked on some Cross bugs me, because it's the resurrection where the power of deliverance occurred. I still don't say anything, because that is where they are at and know.
The Key issue, is to walk in Love. Lead by example, not by mouth.
Remember............. Jesus Is Lord.
Churches that don't have images of bible things still fall into having images to identify themselves. Such as fancy church logo's or some type of graphic design. Some Churches just use things familiar like the cross. I don't think we should read anything into this.
A idol is something made to pray to or worship. Rabbit's foot (Like I had as a child) would head in the category of Idol worship.
The most important thing is not to condemn or put down others. Seeing a image of Jesus tacked on some Cross bugs me, because it's the resurrection where the power of deliverance occurred. I still don't say anything, because that is where they are at and know.
The Key issue, is to walk in Love. Lead by example, not by mouth.
Remember............. Jesus Is Lord.
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