Other Gods
In today’s world it appears to be sophisticated to believe in “Other Gods” or Polytheism. Maybe it’s broad-minded & friendly to accept other religions & gods. Certainly, it’s politically correct to be at least respectful of “Other Gods.” And there is a popular phrase that says, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.” (Mark Twain) This mindset says basically that other gods are GOOD.
In ancient Biblical times there were about 41 “Other Gods”. At the time of Christ there were about 20 Greek gods. Today Hinduism has a staggering 33 million gods. Considering the quantity & diversity of “gods” recognized today, it’s admittedly tough to make a stand for “one God & one way”. And there is a popular culture today which frowns on anyone who dares to claim allegiance to Biblical concepts – they think us believers cannot be intelligent beyond the moron I.Q. level . . .
Well, if the Bible is valid, then it is a HUGE gift of light from above telling who God is & how us sinful humans can connect w/Him & be blessed all the way to Heaven. And the “Other Gods” question was answered quite early in history – Moses received the 10 Commandments in a dramatic way about 1500 B.C. (See Exodus 20). That choice revelation of God & His rules addresses “Other Gods” #1 on the Decalogue list. Idols are #2. And God reveals right there that He is a jealous God. Israel learned the hard way in the next 3400 years that God punishes the dis-loyal. See Exodus 20:5 & 34:14. This is Biblical & world history – And this planet would be TOTALLY different if Israel had not violated Commandments #1 & #2. How many pogroms against the Jews (& the Nazi holocaust) have happened in those 3400 years? Their population & land area would be EXPONENTIAL to what it now is. The earth would now look like what is in prophecy for the Millennial Kingdom of Christ after the 2nd Coming. See Micah 4:1-4, & Zechariah 14:8-9.
Now again, if the Bible is valid, as soon as I admit “Other gods” exist, I tear down the Bible & insult God. This is simple logic. And if Commandment #1 flows from the mind of God, & the majority of the world’s population is entangled with millions of “Other Gods” (& idols), wouldn’t it suggest how LOST this planet is IN GOD’S EYES?? I know it would not be politically correct to call “Other Gods” and faiths FALSE, but Scripture does exactly that. If spiritual light is what we want, the below refs. may be useful to ponder:
-- Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”
-- Deuteronomy 4:35 “To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him.” (Moses addressing the Israelites 1500 B.C.)
-- Psalms 16:4a "Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;"
-- Psalms 81:8b-9 "O Israel, if you would but listen to me! There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god."
-- Romans 1:18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth.” (Going after "Other Gods" is implied in this.)
-- 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
On the subject of “Other Gods” I would ask, what do they have to offer? This in effect was asked by an Old Testament prophet named Elijah. There was an awesome Biblical SHOWDOWN revealing the POWER of Israel’s “One” God & false gods. That incident involved the false god Ba’al & his 450 prophets. They lost badly. (1 Kings 18:17-40). In our day I have been amazed with the “Born Again” relationship w/the same “One” God. He has shown me “neat” stuff also - to confirm my faith & commitment, (which is “Why I Write” Gospel-notes. See link 158) Choose Jesus, He is Alive. The Biblical Trinity is real – in the long run “Other Gods” don’t stand a chance. See “New Age” & “Steam Roller” links 56 & 102.
Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org * * F. J. Stone * *
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