Idolatry, The Test Of A Nation
Chapter Two of The Book of The Covenant, A Witness Against America
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, YoHeWaH, am a jealous Mighty One, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4–6
The underlying theme of the first commandment is carried through into the second commandment as well. The jealousy of YoHeWaH is not just for His people’s allegiance and acknowledgement. There is a jealousy for His creation as well, especially that of His creation that draws the breath of life. Notice Moses’ commentary on this subject 40 years later in the third entry into “The Book Of The Covenant”:
“Therefore, watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that YoHeWaH spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth.” Deuteronomy 4:15–18
It must be noted, the main point of this text concerns how YoHeWaH is to be worshiped, which was never intended to be via an image of Him in any way whatsoever. However, lending critical thought to this text will reveal, a secondary command which many Believers overlook today and that is the command not to even make or create an image of anything that draws the breath of life, apart from the worship of that created thing.
Now, clearly there is room for debate concerning the detail of what constitutes a carved image or what role does worship does play into the command? Is it permissible to make an image of anything that draws the breath of life if you do not worship it and what constitutes worship? All legitimate questions concerning this text. Questions for another time and place.
Our intention here is to make the point of a righteous jealousy at work within the second commandment of Covenant Law. This understanding of YoHeWaH’s jealousy will become important for the reader to consider later in this work. It is also important to consider, the jealousy spoken of in the text above, roots from a word that means to be zealous or to practice zeal, which is a might different from a person being overpowering, ruthless and mean in one’s jealousy, like a jealous husband. More on this a little later.
Ultimately, the main theme is the principle of worshiping YoHeWaH. It has been said, the first four commandments are how to properly worship YoHeWaH and the last six are how to live righteously with your fellow man. While there is much more detail of this breakdown found in the judgments, which follow the ten commandments in Covenant Law, this breakdown (4/6) is quite revealing and true.
The first four commands can be summed up this way.
1) YoHeWaH’s Introduction of Supremacy
2) YoHeWaH’s unidentifiable form
3) YoHeWaH’s reputation as The Almighty
4) YoHeWaH’s set apart time is to be honored.
The charge against Christianity in this work is that the church has broken all four of these four commands at every turn. The case was made in chapter one how Christianity has not known YoHeWaH or Yeshua, losing sight of His Supremacy by abolishing His Covenant Law, as evidenced by The Apostle John in his first epistle, chapter 2:3–4. In this chapter of this work, we will deal with the many aspects of how Christianity has placed images of YoHeWaH and Yeshua into not only physical pictures, images, statutes, and the like, but also how Christianity has created an image of YoHeWaH and Yeshua in the minds of Believers by teaching aspects of His character that is simply not true. Thus creating a God of their own imagination. Of course, we will deal with commandments three and four in the subsequent chapters.
The Bible defines and interprets itself if you know how to think critically. Sometimes, it is as easy as reading the text, then defining the words used. Other times, there are Biblical study principles involved such as typology, prophecy, stated law, time settings, etc..
With that principle in tow, let’s examine an example of a Biblical definition of at least one form of idolatry that we need to introduce into your understanding. Consider Paul’s one-word definition of this topic as he defines idolatry in a short list of the fruits of the flesh.
“Therefore, put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” Colossians 3:5-6
Wow! Covetousness is idolatry? Really?
This aspect of the second command, no doubt, falls strangely upon the hearer’s ears, however, it is clearly spot on when we begin to put all these aspects of idolatry together, as we shall soon see.
So, we have imagery, worship and covetousness to define and discuss. Allow room for one more aspect of this very important commandment……. Power.
Question, which do you think man covets more, money or power? We all know the passage stating, “the love of money is the root of all evil”, quoted below.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1Timothy 6:9–10
It is an easy equation to follow and understand.
Covetousness = The Love of Money
However, is there a greater evil than the love of money itself. What about the tree that grows from this root of all evil and the fruit that tree bears? Ultimately, the fruit manifested from the gain of money is power and/or authority over people, which is a form of deity.
All men, in some form or fashion, recognize a higher power or Supreme Being, whether they want to admit it or not. Thus, successful men, men of power, become the idol representing that Supreme Being, a type of mediator between regular persons and YoHeWaH, The Creator, or between regular persons and the twisted mind’s eye of another type of higher power. All because the mediator of success obtained money and power. We see it today in sports stars, politicians, heads of companies, and especially in the leadership of the church.
Fact is this kind of idolatry is just one step from a human being becoming a God. Follow this equation.
A regular man seeks and obtains money = power + time = perceived deity in the minds of the laity = God
You must see this clearly. The principle of God blessing those who help themselves, working hard to obtain success means, there is a Higher Power in control that aided that success…. AND that success creates an idol in the eyes of the laity. Think deeply on this question. Once an idol is established, what happens to the god of that idol? The god is no longer the main point but rather disappears into thin air. All eyes are now on the idol. The idol takes the glory, and the name of the so-called god becomes simply a word spoken or invoked, nothing more. Once more, if that idol is an actual human being, then the idol status becomes very God, taking the place of any god that individual once held as the greater.
Have you ever asked yourself why YoHeWaH commanded, no idols or images were to be made on His behalf, in the first place? This is the reason why. He knows man’s tendency to worship what can be witnessed with the eyes would ultimately replace The One who can not be viewed by man. Thus, idolatry of any kind becomes a relationship killer.
Power obtained by mankind ultimately leads to some form of idolatry, fading YoHeWaH into nothing more than a historical myth, eventually into nothing at all.
That said there is an express image of YoHeWaH and Yeshua, we can see and even worship. That image takes the form of Covenant Law……. His spoken word.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with YoHeWaH and the Word was YoHeWaH. John 1:1.
Later in chapter 1 of John….
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) with us.” John 1:14
Paul’s point blank statement, “Covetousness is idolatry” could be further expressed this way. The fruit of covetousness leads to idolatry because once the fruit of success is obtained, then power is readily expressed and established.
Now, it must be noted, power is not a bad thing, if it is wheeled via righteousness, which is proper in character. Fact is, that is YoHeWaH’s goal. To bring man to a level of righteousness that he or she is ready to hold power in check, being entrusted by YoHeWaH Himself.
In other words, the same equation applies except money is replaced with righteousness. YoHeWaH’s goal is to make each Believer a trusted God.
A regular man obtains righteousness = power + the testing of time = perceived deity = God
Thus, a man who has obtained righteous character wheels a certain amount of power, not for the purpose of causing YoHeWaH to become a myth, but for the purpose of magnifying YoHeWaH, as The Originator of all that is right and true and just. Giving glory to YoHeWaH, not by lip service, but be deeds of Covenant Law observance.
Factor in the following passages to the above thought.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve YoHeWaH and money.” Matthew 6:24.
And
“Yeshua answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” John 10:34
And
“Neither shall they say, lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21
The results are not in debate. YoHeWaH desires to make you, the Believer, a God and in fact a member of His Family, The Family of YoHeWaH. Thus, buried within a right understanding of the second commandment is the following two equations for you to understand and choose from.
The pursuit of money leads to power, which becomes a witness to others as the right way, thus becoming an image of God, which causes man to forget the One True Creator, leading to a void of righteous examples, as idolatry permeates our society.
Versus….
The pursuit of righteousness leads to power, which becomes a witness to others as the right way, thus becoming the true image of YoHeWaH, which causes man to see YoHeWaH, leading to a society where all men know YoHeWaH from the greatest to the least of them, as righteousness permeates our society.
It is here, you must factor in the Biblical definition of the word righteousness. Remember, The Bible will define itself, if you know where and how to look.
“My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.” Psalms 119:172
All YoHeWaH’s commandments are another way to say, Covenant Law… And another way to say Covenant Law (The Word) is Christ.
Now, with this understanding of what true righteousness is, it should start coming into focus how Covenant Law is the very “image of”, or if you will, the “idol of” YoHeWaH, we are to look to in order to see our Creator.
As stated in the Introduction of this work, after we quoted Leviticus 26:1–2, we wrote the following:
“If you ever want to know what YoHeWaH keeps His eye on, concerning whether a nation is on the right track, it would be whether that nation abstains from Idolatry and whether or not that nation guards and observes His Sabbaths……”
The second and fourth commands of the ten commandments are the two great test commandments for an individual and a nation’s loyalty to Our Creator. The judgment of a nation depends upon the right understanding of these two precepts of Covenant Law.
Critical thought concerning the indictment of Christianity:
Which two commandments has Christianity done the most violence to in its almost two millennia of existence?
The Mother of The Protestant Churches, The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) laid the foundation for all Christendom to follow concerning the set day of worship, i.e., The Sabbath, establishing Sunday as the Sabbath for all Christianity. They readily admit there was a change made, claiming the authority to do so in “The Convert’s Catechism” document, given to all newly converted Catholics to read and study.
This same RCC laid another foundation in its world-famous architecture and artwork which is loaded with idolatry, images of God, Jesus, Angels, and even Demons which is in direct conflict to YoHeWaH commands against such things.
Step foot in any Christian Church of any denomination you choose in the western world and you will see the pathway of idolatry, The Roman Catholic Church laid, followed to a tee. However, if it is not enough to see violence done to the second commandment via your eyes in the architecture of a Church building, take a look at the ten commandments of the Roman Catholic Church:
- I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods
If you are reading this work, you are biblically astute enough to recognize the flaw in the above list of the ten commandments. The true second commandment is totally void. The Roman Catholic Church justified their violence to YoHeWaH’s command to not make unto yourself any graven images by removing that command altogether, moving all other commandments up in the list, 3 becomes 2, 4 becomes 3, 5 becomes 4 and so on and they have doubled up on the 10th commandment breaking it up into the two commands, 9 and 10.
Could YoHeWaH’s law be more profaned? And yet, even in their blatant blasphemy, The RCC still gets it right according to Paul, as a double dose of thou shall not covet, still shows Christianity’s idolatry, 100%.
The Apostle John closes His first Epistle to an interesting audience. He writes:
“Little children keep yourselves from idols.” 1John 5:21
John refers to his audience as “Little Children’’ and later in 2John, He refers to his audience as “The Lady and Her Children”. The typology of the true church or assembly of YoHeWaH is always that of a Woman and Her Children are those whom she is teaching.
John, often called “The Apostle of Love” should also be called “The Apostle of Truth”. John wrote more concerning the truth and what defines truth than all other new testament writers combined. Thus, it would be John we should look to in defining what the true church of YoHeWaH should be based upon, which is truth.
John records Yeshua’s words here, speaking to His Father, The Most High YoHeWaH, defining truth, once again, as The Bible defines and interprets itself.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17
YoHeWaH’s word (Covenant Law) is truth.
John, the man of truth, seemingly just threw this statement in, ending his 1st Epistle, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols”. It seems, the very last verse, is an open admonition for true Believers and truth seekers to fully educate themselves as to the importance of teaching against and not practicing idolatry. That is true enough. However, why do you think it is just thrown in, as though it really doesn’t belong?
Fact is, it does belong, for it sums up the fullness of his first epistle. The entire subject of 1st John is idolatry, in all its deepest deceptions. Within this letter to John’s discipleship of The Lady Elect and her children, we find him defining the various aspects of truth. We find him defining what it really means to know Christ and by extension YoHeWaH, Himself. We find him defining what is the true make up of a member of The Body of Christ, and once again, Covenant Law is that measuring stick of truth.
We have quoted the end of chapter 5 of 1John, which ended the letter. Now let us look at the opening of chapter 5 to help make our point concerning Covenant Law, thus lending context to the admonition “keep yourselves from idols”. John writes:
“Everyone who believes that Yeshua is the Christ has been born of YoHeWaH, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of YoHeWaH, when we love YoHeWaH and obey his commandments (Covenant Law). For this is the love of YoHeWaH, that we keep his commandments (Covenant Law). And his commandments are not burdensome.” 1John 5:1–3
As stated before, in the introduction of this work, “Belief = Obedience” and “Unbelief (lack of faith) = Disobedience”.
There is not a better passage in all of scripture that witnesses to the above salvation equation than the opening of 1John chapter 5. Obedience to YoHeWaH’s Covenant Law is the measuring stick to a person’s faith and belief in YoHeWaH and His Son, Yeshua’s ministry in the flesh, as well as that person’s love toward YoHeWaH.
With this in mind, we will re-quote John, also from his first epistle, driving this point home even further.
“And by this we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of YHWH is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 1John 2:3–5
The point being, to abort YoHeWaH’s Covenant Law is an act of idolatry, to which all liars will be established as such, as John’s writings once again make clear. Notice what John records, Yeshua stating here.
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
Pretty frightening words, if you ask us, and for this, the beat of America’s judgment goes on…...
Joey Thompson
joeythompson777@aol.com
PrayAndFastForOurNation.com