Can Christians who were former idol worshippers keep the idols as decorative objects in their house? What if the idols are priceless antiques?
In obedience to the second commandment, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” we should not keep idols in the house, not even as decorative objects. They should not be stored away in some cupboard or sold to an antique dealer. They must be destroyed together with all the joss sticks, joss paper, and other paraphernalia (Deuteronomy 7:5). As long as the idols are not destroyed there is always a possibility that they will fall into hands that will worship them again. Some Christians who are antique collectors or dealers should take note of this. If something has been made as an object of worship no matter how priceless or valuable it is, you are not to keep it in your shop or home. Not because it can have any power on you, but because it is an abomination to God (2 Corinthians 6:16,17).
