Message #637

[Kilika]

Indeed the Levitical law says no graven images, and clearly these statues and the various scultures in the Cahtolic church are graven images. No way around it. But we aren't under the law, but grace. So then what? Being under grace we have charity towards one another, and that charity is seen in the following...


4   As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. 
5   For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 
6   But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him. 
7   Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 
8   But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 
9   But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 
10   For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 
11   And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 
12   But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 
13   Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. 
1 Corinthians 8:4 (KJB)


Erecting such things are born of pagan idol worship practices, and they are neither edifying nor expedient. It does back up scripture that man looks on the outward appearence when God is a spirit, and we compare spiritual with spiritual, so what are they doing messing with carnal idols?
 

"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." Mark 7:7 (KJB)


21   Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 
22   Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 
23 ¶ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 
24   Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth]. 
1 Corinthians 10:21-24 (KJB)