Tied and Trapped in Tradition – Part 2
Tied and Trapped in Tradition – Part 2
"Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." – Mark 7:13 (KJV)
From our last time together, we discovered that iconic paintings in Greek Orthodoxy are not just decorative—they also serve as objects of veneration and spiritual reflection. In addition, they are believed to be windows into the divine, helping worshippers connect with the sacred figures they represent.
As I stated last week, being tied to the tradition of venerating iconic paintings, and seeking and elevating sacred figures, is a serious trespass against the Scriptures and a suspension of sound doctrine.
According to the Word of God, there is a considerable consequence for cementing one’s worship and expression of faith in idolatry. Adherents that are attached to idolatrous actions will be cursed with the condemnation that comes with idolatry.
Deuteronomy 27:15
"Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen."
Despite the definitive warning from the Word of God, traditions generated from the Greek Orthodox Church as well as the Catholic Church not only are complicit but cemented in teaching the veneration of saints—mostly Mary. Their doctrines also advance that saints are in a venerated seat to engage in intercession for believers. The Catholic Catechism and Greek Orthodoxy accentuate Marian devotion, plus prayers and feasts in her honor.
Recently, the newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo the 25th, expressed an exhortation to the masses that called for deeper devotion to Mary. In the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Pope Leo XIV venerates the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, prays in front of the tomb of Pope Francis, and urges Christians to grow in our devotion to Mary.
Scripture never commands genuine Christians (born again) to venerate, worship, or deepen our devotion to Mary.
Let God be true, and every teaching or word of man be a liar.
Deuteronomy 6:4–5
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
1 Chronicles 16:29
"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 86:12
"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."
In our opening text, our Lord Jesus calls out the religious leaders’ ritualistic reverence for rules that trapped them in traditional treachery.
Mark 7:13 records our Lord’s refutation of human traditions that trample and contradict God's commandments and consequently nullify the proposed power of God's Word.
In closing: Traditions apart from truth will trap you into damnation. Truth promotes triumph and salvation.
Not a sermon—just some thoughts.