The Bible has a lot to say about pagans and paganism. As Christians, it is important we understand what God’s Word teaches us about those who do not worship the one true God. This article will examine key Bible passages that address pagans and pagan practices.
Old Testament Verses About Pagans
In the Old Testament, God makes it clear that the pagan gods are false idols and worthless constructs of human imagination. For example:
“For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” (Psalm 96:5)
“Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:8) – Idolaters become like the lifeless, useless idols they worship.
“Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God and Savior of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:15) – God rebukes Israel for turning to idols and calls them to turn back to the living God.
The prophets repeatedly warn God’s people not to follow after pagan gods or adopt their immoral practices:
“Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.” (Jeremiah 14:14)
“Do not learn the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them.” (Jeremiah 10:2)
The Old Testament is clear – pagan gods are not real gods at all and must be rejected in favor of the one true God.
New Testament Verses About Pagans
In the New Testament, pagans are typically referred to as Gentiles – meaning they are not part of God’s covenant people. Here are some key passages:
“So Paul stood up in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.'” (Acts 17:22-23)
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)
“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” (1 Peter 4:3)
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
The New Testament calls Christians to share the gospel with pagans/Gentiles in hopes they will turn from worthless idols to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). But believers are also warned not to become corrupted by pagan influences or slip into idolatry.
How Should Christians Relate to Pagans?
Based on relevant biblical passages, here are some principles for how Christians should relate to pagans in their midst:
- We should not fear pagans or be intimidated by their beliefs and practices.
- We must avoid participating in pagan rituals, rites, holidays, etc.
- We should not adopt a pagan lifestyle or worldview.
- We must be on guard spiritually against pagan influences that could lead us into idolatry and sin.
- We should view pagans with compassion, knowing they are lost without Christ.
- We must be willing to share the gospel with pagans, making disciples as Jesus commanded.
- We should pray for the salvation of pagans that they would turn from idols to serve the true God.
- Biblical separation does not equal isolation – we live as salt and light in this pagan world.
In summary, Christians have a responsibility to live out their faith with conviction in the midst of pagan influences while also reaching out in love to those still lost in idolatry and sin.
Notable Bible Stories About Pagans
Several Bible stories give insights into how God’s people interacted with pagans:
Elijah vs. Prophets of Baal – 1 Kings 18
The prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of the pagan god Baal, challenging them to a showdown to prove who the true God was. Baal failed to respond with fire despite the prophets’ desperate rituals. But Yahweh revealed His power by sending fire from heaven. This story shows God’s superiority over false gods.
Naaman’s Healing – 2 Kings 5
Naaman was a pagan Syrian commander who was healed from leprosy by following the instructions of the prophet Elisha. This demonstrates God’s mercy to a pagan who recognized God’s authority through the prophet.
Cyrus Helps the Exiles – Ezra 1
The pagan Persian king Cyrus was inspired by God to help the Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. God works through pagans at times to accomplish His purposes.
Peter and Cornelius – Acts 10
The apostle Peter overcame his Jewish prejudices to share the gospel with the Roman centurion Cornelius and his pagan household, seeing them filled with the Holy Spirit.
These stories reveal how God is sovereign over all people and can work in the hearts of even those who do not know Him yet, drawing them to faith in the one true God.
Bible Verses on How to Respond to Pagan Practices
As Christians live in contact with pagan culture, certain Bible passages instruct us how to respond:
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
“Abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what has been strangled and from sexual immorality.” (Acts 15:29)
“Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
These verses prohibit engaging in or promoting pagan practices that go against God’s commands. But they allow tactful exposure of pagan beliefs and careful discernment to avoid what is false and hold fast to what is true.
Bible Stories of God’s Judgment Against Pagans
At key moments in biblical history, God brought judgment against unrepentant pagan peoples and nations:
The Flood – Genesis 6-9
God judged the whole earth in Noah’s day for mankind’s wickedness and violence, saving only Noah and his family.
Sodom and Gomorrah – Genesis 18-19
These cities were destroyed for their grievous sexual immorality and rejection of God’s ways.
The Plagues of Egypt – Exodus 7-12
God unleashed devastating plagues on Egypt to judge their false gods and free His people from slavery.
The Canaanite Conquest – Joshua 1-12
God commanded Israel to destroy the idolatrous Canaanite nations as judgment for their extreme wickedness.
While God invites all to repentance and salvation, these sobering accounts show that He does not leave the unrighteousness of pagans unjudged forever.
God’s Heart for the Salvation of Pagans
Despite pagan rebellion and idolatry, God always holds out hope for their salvation:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
God’s desire is for pagans from every nation to hear the gospel and be saved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
How Christians Should Pray for Pagans
Based on the biblical pattern, here are some ways Christians should pray for pagans:
- That their hearts would be open to hear and respond to the gospel.
- That Christian witnesses would be sent to share the Good News with them.
- That God would give them eyes to see the futility of idols and draw them to the truth.
- That God would have mercy and remove spiritual blindness/obstacles.
- That the Spirit would convict them of sin and bring them to repentance.
- That God would reveal Himself to them as the one true God.
- That they would find salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
- That new pagan converts would grow strong in biblical faith and discipleship.
Our prayers play an important role in seeing the Great Commission fulfilled as God saves many pagans from false religions to worship Jesus Christ alone.
Modern Applications About Pagans
In applying biblical teaching about pagans today, we should understand:
- Paganism still exists and is growing in popularity (Wicca, neo-paganism, New Age, etc.)
- Elements of paganism have infiltrated some branches of Christianity and doctrinal compromise must be avoided.
- Politics and culture increasingly promote certain pagan values contrary to Scripture.
- We cannot isolate from our pagan society but must remain faithful to Christ within it.
- With wisdom, we engage and build bridges with pagans to share the gospel.
- Pagans need the saving truth of God’s Word and transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
- We must guard our own hearts from subtle pagan influences and idolatry.
- God continues working sovereignly in pagan lives – we prayerfully join in His mission.
As in biblical times, challenges exist within our pagan culture. But God remains on His throne, able to save all who turn to Him in Christ.