What is forbidden in the first commandment?
The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, as God and our God, and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due unto him alone.
Proofs
- The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, (Psalm 14:1)
- or not worshipping and glorifying the true God, (Romans 1:21)
- as God and our God, (Psalm 81:10–11)
- and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due unto him alone. (Romans 1:25–26)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is it a sin to deny God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They deny the only Lord God, (Jude 4)
May God be denied in his attributes?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They say, How doth God know, and is there knowledge in the Most High? (Psalm 73:11)
And in his authority?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Who is Lord over us, (Psalm 12:4)
And in his providence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They say the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil, (Zephaniah 1:12)
And in his truths?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They bring in damnable heresies, denying the Lord that bought them, (2 Peter 2:1)
And may God be practically denied even where he is doctrinally owned?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, (Titus 1:16)
Section 2
Is ignorance of God a great sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They know not the way of the Lord, (Jeremiah 5:4)
And forgetfulness of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou hast forgotten God that formed thee, (Deuteronomy 32:18)
And distrust of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Is the Lord among us, or is he not? (Exodus 17:7)
And contempt of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Wherefore do the wicked contemn God? (Psalm 10:13)
And any abatement of affection towards him?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love, (Revelation 2:4)
Section 3
Is it a sin to neglect the worship of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, (Isaiah 43:22)
Or to divide it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They swear by the Lord, and swear by Malcham, (Zephaniah 1:5)
Or to be remiss in it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Their heart was not right with him, (Psalm 78:37)
Or to perform it for selfish ends?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Did ye at all fast unto me, even to me, (Zechariah 7:5)
Section 4
Is idolatry a very heinous sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them, (1 Corinthians 10:7)
Were the Gentiles idolaters?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ye have seen their idols, wood and stone, (Deuteronomy 29:17)
Were they guilty of the grossest idolatry?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They sacrificed to devils, and not to God, (1 Corinthians 10:20)
Are the Papists idolaters?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For they do honour to one who sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God, (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
But is there such a thing as heart idolatry?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: These men have set up their idols in their hearts, (Ezekiel 14:3)
Are proud men idolaters?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, (Ezekiel 28:2)
And covetous men?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Mortify covetousness, which is idolatry, (Colossians 3:5)
And sensualists?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Whose god is their belly, (Philippians 3:19)
Is undue flattery also a kind of idolatry?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The people said, it is the voice of God, and not of man, (Acts 12:22)
Is this a sin that God will correct in this world?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ye shall bear the sins of your idols, (Ezekiel 23:49)
And will he severely punish it in the world to come?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For idolaters shall not inherit the kingdom of God, (1 Corinthians 6:9)