Idolatry of the Holy Spirit
Idolatry can be defined in different ways. Webster’s identifies it as “excessive devotion to or reverence for some person or thing.” It also defines it as “worship of idols.” We then look up “idol” and, among other things, it is “a false notion or idea that causes errors in thinking or reasoning.” Idols do not have to be material to be false. In Ezekiel’s day, the Israelites had set up idols in their hearts (14:3-7).
Is it possible to commit idolatry with a legitimate member of the Godhead? I propose there is. Among the plethora of false ideas floating around in the name of Christianity, one of the most pervasive is the idea that the Holy Spirit nudges us, influences us, or otherwise aids us in making everyday decisions, separate from communicating through the Bible.
Look back at Webster’s definitions. Idolatry is “excessive devotion to or reverence for some person” based on a “false notion or idea that causes errors in thinking or reasoning.” The bottom line is that, while the Holy Spirit does guide us through the Bible (John 16:13 and many other passages), there is no Scripture that teaches implicitly or explicitly that the Holy Spirit helps us make our decisions one way or another through some kind of supra-biblical influence or communication.
The motivation for worshipping idols is that the idol rarely tells you that you are wrong. An idol rarely rebukes you for going against its desires and plans for your life. In fact, typically, an idol tells you what you want to hear and it usually encourages you in your current behavior.
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Isaiah portrays the foolishness of an idol: “The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint. The carpenter stretches a line; he marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house. He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it” (44:12-15).
The one who practices “idolatry of the Holy Spirit” is in the same predicament. If you think the Holy Spirit communicates to you outside of the Bible, you are too easily led by your own heart and your own instincts. Who among us can afford to be led by our own heart and our own emotions? Such a “holy” Spirit rarely tells you that you are wrong. “He” rarely rebukes you for going your own way. In fact, “he” normally encourages you in what you are already doing.
When it comes to the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit, perhaps more than any other topic, we need to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. Accept the Bible as the Word of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Nothing else is. Follow closely what you know to be from Him.
–Paul Holland
