To Rightly Know the Only True God

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

I am the Lord your God, who brought you of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, you shall have no other gods before me.

What does the Lord require in the first commandment?

That I, not wanting to endanger my own salvation, 

avoid and shun 

all idolatry, sorcery, superstitious rites, 

and prayer to saints or other creatures.

That I rightly know the only true God, 

trust him alone, 

and look to God for every good thing 

humbly and patiently, 

and love, fear, and honor God 

with all my heart.

In short, 

that I give up anything 

rather than go against God’s will in any way.

Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.  (Psalm 119:77 NIV)

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is 

having or inventing something in which one trusts 

in place of or alongside of the only true God, 

who has revealed himself in the Word. 

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.  (Psalm 118:8 NIV)

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 34