Tag Archives: idolatry

Grace for the Worst

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A compelling example of divine mercy and grace is found in the life of King Manasseh of Judah—arguably one of the most striking cases in Scripture of great evil followed by greater grace (2 Chr 33:1–20). If ever there were a portrait of undeserved favor, Manasseh qualifies.

Manasseh ascended the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years—the longest reign of any king in Judah. The vast majority of his rule was marked by depravity. Scripture records that he did “evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Chr 33:2). He reversed the reforms of his godly father Hezekiah. He rebuilt the high places of pagan worship, promoted the worship of Baal, erected Asherim, practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. In the depth of his depravity, he even burned his sons alive as sacrifices in the Valley of Hinnom (2 Chr 33:3–6). Scripture states, “He seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed” (2 Chr 33:9). In short, he led the entire nation into gross apostasy. He was a moral and spiritual train wreck. In addition, he was a great murderer of the innocent, for “Manasseh shed very much innocent blood until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Ki 21:16).

Divine justice fell hard on Manasseh. The Lord brought the Assyrians against him. They captured him with hooks, bound him in bronze chains, and dragged him off to Babylon like an animal (2 Chr 33:11). That should have been the end. But God’s grace found its way into his life. There, in exile, something remarkable happened. Stripped of his throne and his pride, Manasseh “entreated the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers” (2 Chr 33:12). Then we’re told “When he prayed, God was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God” (2 Chr 33:13). God heard. God responded. God restored. That’s grace.

Manasseh was changed by God’s discipline. He returned to his throne a changed man. He tore down the idols he had erected, repaired the altar of the Lord, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel (2 Chr 33:15-16). But even though he made these changes and tried to lead others into God’s will, much of the sinful damage of his previous lifestyle was fixed in the hearts of those he’d led into sin. According to Thompson:

“Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage his earlier apostasy had caused. He removed the foreign gods, the image he had erected in the temple of the Lord, and the altars he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem. He restored the altar of the Lord. But whatever the extent of Manasseh’s religious reforms, some of these items seem to have returned. It is easier to lead a people into sin than to lead them back out of it.”[1]

The negative impact of Manasseh’s sin remained, and the consequences carried throughout the nation. But the fact of God’s mercy could not be denied. This is not a story of a man who cleaned himself up to earn God’s favor. This is a man who fell on his face and found grace. It’s an Old Testament portrait of salvation by grace through faith, an expression of “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20). God delights in mercy (Mic 7:18). The humble are able to receive it. In a final twist of God’s grace, Manasseh appears in the royal lineage of Messiah (Matt 1:10). The most evil king in Judah’s history is included in the genealogy of the Savior. That’s God’s grace at work.

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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[1] J. A. Thompson, 1, 2 Chronicles, vol. 9, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 370–371.

Solomon: The Saved King Who Worshiped Idols

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Solomon stands as one of the most fascinating and tragic figures in biblical history. His life began with divine favor and spiritual clarity, but ended in failure and divine discipline. Yet the biblical evidence supports the conclusion that Solomon was regenerate—a child of God who, despite his later-life apostasy, remained eternally secure in God’s grace. His story illustrates both the high privilege of being chosen by God and the severe consequences of spiritual compromise. But it also affirms the unbreakable nature of God’s saving promises—that a believer, once saved, is always saved (John 10:28; Rom 11:29; 2 Tim 2:13).

From the outset, Solomon was marked by God’s love. The Lord Himself gave him the name Jedidiah, meaning “beloved of the Lord” (2 Sam 12:24-25)—a rare personal designation signaling a special covenantal relationship. As a young man, “Solomon loved the Lord” (1 Ki 3:3a), walked in His statutes (1 Ki 3:3b), acknowledged that God had made him king over Israel (1 Ki 3:7), and humbly requested wisdom to lead the Lord’s people (1 Ki 3:9). God was pleased with his request and not only granted Solomon wisdom but added riches and honor beyond measure (1 Ki 3:10-14). Furthermore, God referred to him as “My son” (1 Chr 28:6) and appeared to him on two separate occasions (1 Ki 3:5; 9:2)—a privilege granted to very few. These facts do not merely describe a religious man; they affirm a regenerate man with whom God had entered into personal covenant. More than that, Solomon was the divinely appointed king to build the temple in Jerusalem—a sacred task God specifically withheld from David and reserved for Solomon (2 Sam 7:12-13; 1 Ki 6:1).

Solomon’s divine authorship of Scripture further substantiates his spiritual standing. Unbelievers do not write Spirit-inspired literature. Solomon authored most of Proverbs, all of Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon—books filled with spiritual wisdom, divine revelation, and insights into God’s moral order. Books that continue to bless and guide God’s people today. His writings reflect not merely intellectual capacity but spiritual discernment, consistent with what Paul describes as the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). The Holy Spirit used Solomon to communicate eternal truth. That ministry alone would mark him as a redeemed man.

Furthermore, New Testament authors not only affirmed the value of Solomon’s writings but also quoted or echoed them in ways that reflect their divine authority. Jesus Himself referred to Solomon’s wisdom and glory (Matt 6:29; 12:42), and Paul drew directly from Proverbs—largely attributed to Solomon—when instructing believers (Rom 12:20; cf. Prov 25:21–22). Likewise, James quoted Proverbs 3:34 in James 4:6, and Peter did the same in 1 Peter 5:5, both saying, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” These authors, writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, drew from Solomon’s work as a reliable source of truth and instruction. The Spirit’s use of Solomon’s words affirms that he was regenerate and divinely wise.

Yet despite Solomon’s remarkable start, his heart eventually drifted. The turning point came when, in defiance of God’s commands (Deut 17:17), he married many foreign women who “turned his heart away after other gods” (1 Ki 11:4). He not only tolerated idolatry but built shrines to false gods like Chemosh and Molech (1 Ki 11:5-8), acts that directly violated the first commandment and desecrated the land God had given Israel. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained pattern of sinful failure on a massive scale. In his later years, Solomon “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (1 Ki 11:6), and though God warned him twice, he refused to turn back (1 Ki 11:9-10); Scripture records no evidence that he ever changed his mind or returned to fellowship with the Lord. And yet, even in this, God never severed His relationship with His son. Instead, God disciplined Solomon—raising up adversaries such as Hadad the Edomite (1 Ki 11:14), Rezon the son of Eliada (1 Ki 11:23), and Jeroboam the son of Nebat (1 Ki 11:26). God also promised to tear away most of the kingdom from Solomon’s lineage and removed the stability of his rule. But He delayed judgment until after Solomon’s death, “for the sake of David My servant” (1 Ki 11:12-13). God’s response was not retribution toward an outsider; it was the loving correction of a disobedient son (Heb 12:6-10).

Critically, the Scriptures never say that Solomon lost his salvation. His divine discipline came in time, not in eternity. Salvation, according to the clear teaching of Scripture, is not based on perseverance or personal righteousness but on God’s grace alone, through faith (Rom 4:5; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). Some claim Solomon must have been unsaved because he didn’t demonstrate a return to full obedience before his death. But this argument reflects a flawed theological system that confuses sanctification with justification. The biblical doctrine of eternal security affirms that once a person is saved, they are kept forever by God’s power (John 10:28-29; Rom 8:38-39). Solomon’s failure cost him fellowship, legacy, and peace—but not his eternal standing.

Ultimately, Solomon is in heaven today—not because he persevered, but because God is faithful to His saving promises. Scripture affirms, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). Solomon’s story stands as both a warning and a witness: a warning that even the most privileged believer can fall into deep spiritual compromise, and a witness that no failure—however grievous—can overturn the saving grace of God. Solomon worshiped idols, and so can believers today. That is why John wrote to regenerate Christians, saying, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21)—a command that presupposes the possibility of failure. Even the apostle John, overcome by awe, twice fell down to worship an angel and was rebuked for it (Rev 19:10; 22:8-9). The danger is real, but so is God’s faithfulness. Though Solomon’s idolatry brought divine discipline, it never nullified his status as God’s son. He, like David before him and like many after him, was saved by grace and kept by grace. His life reminds us that salvation is not earned by finishing well—but rests entirely on the unshakable foundation of God’s eternal promise.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

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Beyond the Fragrance: The Enduring Legacy of a Good Name

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Perfume BottleSolomon wrote, “A good name is better than a good perfume, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth” (Eccl 7:1). This seems antithetical to our worldly culture. That’s fine. God’s Word always challenges our secular viewpoint. A good name speaks of a good character, and a good character is more desirable than a good perfume. But why does Solomon say a good name is better than a good perfume? I’m glad you asked. In the ancient world, perfume was used at funerals to mask a body’s decay, and it was used on all, both the good and the evil. But whereas the pleasant aroma of good perfume is temporary, a good name will endure. It will endure to the end of one’s life and beyond. For this reason Solomon says, “the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.” But what is Solomon talking about? Why is the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s birth? I’m glad you asked. A birth marks a beginning of life, one with numerous possibilities, either for wisdom or folly, righteousness or wickedness, goodness or evil. Though there are forces at work (within and without) to push and pull us one way or another, our life is what we make it. And our value system and the daily choices we make, whether biblical or worldly, will direct us onto the path of righteousness or wickedness, and every moment is a choice to continue along that path or turn from it. For the righteous, as long as we are alive and walking with the Lord, there’s the possibility our good name may become ruined if we turn from that path. But if we maintain our goodness and integrity to the end of our life, our good reputation will be sealed forever. And among the righteous, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, and favor is better than silver and gold” (Prov 22:1), and “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot” (Prov 10:7). The death of the righteous is like the setting of the sun on a beautiful day, with bright rays shining through the clouds and lighting the sky on fire for all to enjoy and revel in its glory.

Ironically, Solomon failed to abide by the wisdom he gave to others. For Solomon, who started out well in life, eventually turned away from the Lord and chose a path of idolatry and wickedness. At the end of his life, Scripture reveals that “Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not follow the LORD fully, as David his father had done” (1 Ki 11:6). Though good perfume was used on Solomon’s body at the time of his death, his good name was tarnished by his evil actions.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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Babylonianism

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Babylon is named after the city of Babel, which was founded by a descendant of Noah named Nimrod, who is described as a “mighty hunter before the Lord” (Gen 10:9). Moses tells us that Nimrod founded several cities, namely, “Babel and Erech and Accad and Calneh, in the land of Shinar” (Gen 10:10). Shinar is in the region of what is today known as Iraq. Moses wrote about the origin of Babylon, with its values and practices.

Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. It came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.” And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. They said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” (Gen 11:1-4)

BabylonIn this passage we observe these early descendants of Noah all spoke the same language and chose to settle in the land of Shinar contrary to God’s previous command to “fill the earth” (Gen 9:1). After settling, they began to use God’s resources of volition, intelligence, language, and building materials to build a city for themselves, as well as a tower into heaven. All of this was done to make a name for themselves, rather than to obey and glorify God. Their big plans and big tower were small in the sight of God, who “came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built” (Gen 11:5). No matter how big their tower, it would never reach heaven, and the Lord condescended to see their production. Of course, the Lord knew all along what they were doing, and this satirical language helps us understand the work of men from the divine perspective. Because it was God’s will for them to fill the earth, He confused their language and scattered them over the earth (Gen 11:6-9). According to Allen Ross:

The Bible teaches that those who exalt themselves shall be abased (Matt 23:12). In this little story the proud rebellion was met by God in talionic judgment. What they feared the most came upon them, and the fame they craved came in the form of notoriety. By such justice God demonstrates his sovereignty over the foolish plans of mortals, turning their rebellion into submission to his will.[1]

Babylon is the birthplace of organized rebellion against God, in which people used the Lord’s resources in defiance of His will. Babylon is mentioned over three hundred times in Scripture, and in several places is identified for her pride (Isa 13:19), idolatry (Isa 21:9; Jer 51:44), sorceries (Isa 47:13), and tyrannical form of government (Dan 1:1-8; 3:1-22). By the time we get to the book of Revelation, Babylon is seen both as a city and a system that promotes religious, political, and economic agendas that are antithetical to God. Babylon is described as a great harlot who influences all of humanity with false religions (Rev 17:1-5), is guilty of persecuting and murdering prophets and saints (Rev 17:6), is a dwelling place of demons and unclean spirits (Rev 18:2), with whom “the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality” (Rev 18:3), and she sees herself as a queen that will never know mourning (Rev 18:7). Eventually, Babylon is completely destroyed just prior to the Second Coming of Christ (Rev 18:2, 10, 21).

Babylonianism is a philosophy of human autonomy that permeates all aspects of society including literature, music, art, politics, economics, business, academic institutions, and culture at large. It is a system of values that start and end with man, and is embraced by the vast majority of people who assign no serious thought of God to their discussions, plans, or projects, but who seek to use His resources independently of His wishes. Babylonianism is also the mother of all world religions, which provide people a system of beliefs and rituals whereby they can work their way to heaven by human effort. There is even a Babylonian form of Christianity, which undermines the grace of God and convinces people they are saved by good works.

Biblical Christianity is not a religion, whereby people bring themselves to God through ritual practices or good works. Rather, it presents the truth that God is holy and can have nothing whatsoever to do with sin (Hab. 1:13; 1 John 1:5), that people are helpless to save themselves (Rom 4:1-5; 5:6-10; Gal 2:16; Tit 3:5), and are under His wrath (John 3:18; 36). The gospel message is that God provided a way for helpless sinners to be saved, and this is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4), who died in our place on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins (Rom 5:6-8; Heb 10:10-14; 1 Pet 3:18). The simple truth of Scripture is that we are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (John 3:16), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), whose substitutionary death provides forgiveness of sins (Eph 1:7; Col 1:13-14), eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28), and the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9).

Biblical Christianity is more than just a way to be saved. It also provides a structured philosophical framework that tells us why everything exists (i.e. the universe, mankind, evil, etc.) and helps us to see God sovereignly at work in everything, providing purpose for our lives, and directing history toward the return of Christ. This gives us hope for the future; for “according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13). When properly understood and applied, Scripture guards us from harmful cultural influences (Phil 4:6-8), and directs and enriches our lives (Psa 119:14, 111). Jeremiah wrote, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts” (Jer 15:16). It sets us free to enjoy God’s world and to pursue righteousness and goodness (Rom 6:11-13; Tit 2:11-14).

As Christians, must be careful that we do not fall into Babylonianism, either by following the lead of those who seek to silence or pervert the voice God, or be enticed by pleasures or activities that lead us to trust in people or things instead of Him. Rather, we must consciously place God at the center of our lives and pursue His glory, and humbly serve others above our own self-interests (Phil 2:4-8).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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[1] Allen P. Ross, Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998), 244.

The Sin of Idolatry

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You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol [פֶּסֶל pesel – an idol or carved image], or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship [שָׁחָה shachah – to worship, bow down] them or serve [עָבַד abad – serve, work] them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me. (Ex. 20:3-5)

What is idolatry?

     Idolatry is the selfish sin of substitution in which we devote ourselves to worship something or someone in the place of God.  It is foremost a sin of a covetous heart that leads us to desire more than what God provides, and to trust something or someone lesser than God to satisfy our wants and needs.  Paul addresses the heart of idolatry when he writes that covetousness “is idolatry” (Col. 3:5).  Covetousness is idolatry because the covetous heart desires things and pleasures more than God.  The believer who is satisfied with God is content with what he has (1 Tim. 6:7-11; cf. Phil. 4:11), but the covetous heart is never content and always seeks more (i.e. money, success, friends, etc.) in order to feel secure or to please the flesh. 

In a general sense idolatry is the paying of divine honor to any created thing; the ascription of divine power to natural agencies. Idolatry may be classified as follows: (1) the worship of inanimate objects, such as stones, trees, rivers, etc.; (2) of animals; (3) of the higher powers of nature, such as the sun, moon, stars; and the forces of nature, as air, fire, etc.; (4) hero-worship or of deceased ancestors; (5) idealism, or the worship of abstractions or mental qualities, such as justice.[1]

What is an idol?

     Stone IdolThroughout Scripture an idol is almost always a carved image, something crafted by human hand, made of wood or stone.  An idol can be either a physical object that symbolizes a deity, or it can be an abstract concept such as greed or justice.  A physical idol is merely the work of a craftsman (see Isa. 44:9-19).  There is no life in it (Ps. 115:1-8; Jer. 51:17; Hab. 2:18-20), nor can it deliver in times of trouble (Isa. 46:5-7).   Ultimately, an idol is the thing or person we trust more than God to provide, protect, or guide us in life.  Biblically, there is only one God, and He demands that His people worship Him (Ex. 20:3-6).  The exclusive worship of God is for His glory and our benefit. 

Can God’s people engage in idolatry?

     Yes.  We can engage in idolatry.  The record of Israel’s history—with the exception of a few generations—is a record of their unfaithfulness to God as they worshipped pagan idols (Ex. 32:1-6), which at times included human sacrifice (Deut. 12:31; 18:10; 2 Ki. 21:6; Ezek. 16:20-21).  The books of Judges, 1 & 2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hosea (just to name a few) all reveal Israel regularly committed idolatry, and this caused them to suffer greatly under God’s discipline as He faithfully executed the cursing aspects of the Mosaic Covenant (Deut. 28:15-68). 

The Adoration of the Golden Calf by Nicolas PoussinIdolatry is dangerous because it is connected with the activity of demons (1 Cor. 10:19-20), who seek to steal God’s glory and wreck our relationship with the Lord.  Many of God’s people have fallen into idolatry.  Aaron led Israel into idol worship (Ex. 32:1-6).  Solomon, by the end of his life, bowed down to idols (1 Ki. 11:6-10), and there is nothing in the biblical record that suggests Solomon ever turned back to the Lord.  The apostle Paul addressed idolatry in his letter to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 8:1-13; 10:14-33; 2 Cor. 6:16).  The apostle John twice worshiped an angel and was rebuked for it (Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9).  John knew the sinful proclivity of all Christians and I believe this is why he warns us, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). 

Why do we commit idolatry? 

     Even though we are born again believers with a new heart (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Pet. 1:3, 23), we still possess a sin nature (Rom. 6:6; 13:14; Gal. 5:16-17, 19; Col. 3:9), and there is always a conflict within us (Rom. 7:19-25; Gal. 5:16-17).  We commit idolatry because we seek to satisfy our sinful desires over God and His will.  In American culture we tend to worship at the altar of self-interest, greed, personal achievement, personal security and self-satisfaction. 

How do we guard ourselves from falling into idolatry?

     First, realize our hearts are sinful and bent toward idolatry.  It is the natural proclivity of mankind to worship things and people in the place of God.  It comes very easy to us, even as Christians.  Second, be devoted to God.  Paul writes to Christians, stating, “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1).  This is a lifetime commitment to God in which we bring all of our life under His directive will.  Third, constantly be in God’s Word, letting it guide our thinking and behavior.  As Christians, we do not worship the Bible, but neither can we worship God without it (John 4:24).  The Bible is God’s inerrant and enduring written revelation that tells us who He is and what He’s accomplished in time and space.  The Bible is written in understandable language and made acceptable by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14-16; 2 Cor. 3:14-16; 4:3-4).  Our walk with God depends on rightly understanding and applying Scripture (John 17:17; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18).  Fourth, surround yourself with Christian friends who will help you in your daily spiritual walk with the Lord.  Our fellowship with other growing believers is paramount concerning our spiritual health and growth.  The Bible is very clear when it states, “bad associations corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33).  This is true in every way, and it helps us to have growing Christian friends who influence us to worship God and stay close to Him always.  Fifth, make time to worship the Lord daily, singing to Him and praising Him for all His blessings (Ps. 95:2; 105:2; Eph. 5:18-21; Phil. 4:6; Col. 3:16-17; 1 Thess. 5:18).  A heart that is satisfied with God will not seek lesser people or things to fill the void that occurs when we turn away from Him. 

Steven R. Cook, D.Min.

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  1. Do God’s People ever Behave Poorly?  
  2. Restoring Fellowship with God.  
  3. I am a Saint. 
  4. I am a Sinner.  
  5. The Sin Nature Within the Christian.  

[1] Merrill F. Unger, ed. R.K. Harrison, “Idolatry” in The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1988).