Theological Term of the Week

polytheism
The belief that there are many gods; the worship of multiple deities.  

• Scripture teaching against polytheism: 

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,

“and my servant whom I have chosen,

that you may know and believe me

and understand that I am he.

Before me no god was formed,

nor shall there be any after me. (Isaiah 43:10 ESV)




For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens. (Psalm 96:5 ESV)

Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ESV)

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,“and my servant whom I have chosen,that you may know and believe meand understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed,nor shall there be any after me. (Isaiah 43:10 ESV)



For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens. (Psalm 96:5 ESV)

Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ESV)

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Heidelberg Catechism

Question 45. How do we benefit from the resurrection of Christ?

Answer: First, by his resurrection Christ has overcome death, so that he could make us partakers of that righteousness which he purchased for us by his death; (a) secondly, by his power we too are raised up to a new life; (b) and lastly, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection. (c)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

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Sunday's Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great;
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is for ever.

—Martin Luther

St Olaf Choir

(This is a different translation than the one I’ve posted. The rhythm of the third verse is supposedly something like the way the hymn would have been originally sung.)

Piano and violin

Other hymns, worship songs, prayers, sermons excerpts, or quotes posted today:

• At the Name of Jesus at Graces Daily
• The Old Book Stands at The Happy Wondere
• If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee at LigonDuncan.com
• May the Gates of Hell Crumble Before Them from Trevin Wax
• Condescending Love at Tried With Fire
• Lord’s Day 29, 2014 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your weekly dose of Spurgeon: The brilliant future will arise out of the gloom at Pyromaniacs

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.