Keep Yourself From Idols

LSD Law defines artistic license as a term used to describe the freedom that artists have to change or exaggerate facts or details in their work for creative purposes. It is a type of license that allows artists to take liberties with reality in order to create something that is more interesting or expressive.

The Bible has more than 100 verses that urge us not to take “artistic license” with it.

Some of the last words of the Bible are, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” [1]

The whole curse on creation and humanity began with the devil taking “artistic license” with what God told Adam and Eve. He convinced them to believe a lie about God: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” [2]

Recently, Angel Studios has produced a number of so-called Christian movies. But truth blended with lies is like a drop of poison in a plate full of food. It is deadly. Angel Studios was founded by Mormon brothers. It is based in Utah. The Mormons base a portion of their beliefs on added and contradictory words to the Bible. In 1823, Joseph Smith said he was visited by an angel who directed him to a buried book of golden plates. These plates inspired him to take “artistic license” with the Bible.

Some Christians and Christian organizations collaborate with Mormons. This is a violation of God’s Word: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” [3]

The devil mixes in lies with truth to make it harder for the listener to discern between the two. He transforms himself into an angel to deceive people. “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” [4]

Jesus told Pilate, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” [5]

Jesus stuck steadfastly with what God His Father told Him to speak, “I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. And I know that His command leads to eternal life.” [6]

A good shepherd does not alter the Word of God because his flock’s eternity depends on hearing and believing and professing truth. The truth sets people free.

When someone told the prophet Micaiah to alter his prophesy to agree with what others were saying, he responded, “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” [7]

The Lord warns us, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” [8]

Do the words or scenes line up the Bible? Can you find what they said in the Bible? Did they quote the verse accurately or alter it?

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” [9]

Jesus warned of false prophets before He returned. The news media spreads false reports. Politicians lie. There are cult members going door to door attempting to persuade people to follow their leaders. Scam emails! Scam text messages! Scam phone calls! Con-artist sales people! False advertising!

The Lord Jesus and His apostles laid down their lives for their followers. Jesus taught His disciples to be servants. Only the Holy Spirit of God changes self-serving sinners into cross-bearing lovers who lay down their lives for God and others.

“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true by being in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” [10]

[1] Revelation 22:18-19
[2] 1 John 2:9-11
[3] Genesis 3:1, 4-5
[4] 2 Corinthians 11:14, Galatians 1:8
[5] John 18:37
[6] John 12:49-50
[7] 1 Kings 22:14
[8] 1 Corinthians 5:6
[9] Acts 17:11
[10] 1 John 5:20-21