Definition and Context
Idolatry, in biblical terms, refers to the worship of idols or the elevation of anything or anyone to a status that rivals or surpasses the worship due to the one true God. It is considered a grave sin throughout the Scriptures, as it directly violates the first and second commandments given by God to the Israelites: "You shall have no other gods before Me" and "You shall not make for yourself an idol" (Exodus 20:3-4).

Old Testament Insights
The Old Testament is replete with warnings against idolatry and calls for repentance. The Israelites frequently fell into idol worship, adopting the gods of surrounding nations, which led to severe consequences. The prophets consistently called the people back to faithfulness. For instance, the prophet Isaiah admonished, "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other" (Isaiah 45:22). The call to repentance was not merely a return to ritualistic worship but a heartfelt turning away from false gods and a return to the covenant relationship with Yahweh.

New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, idolatry extends beyond physical idols to include anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14). He further explains that idolatry can manifest in various forms, such as greed, which he equates with idolatry in Colossians 3:5: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" .

Repentance Process
Repentance from idolatry involves a conscious and deliberate turning away from false gods and a return to the worship of the true God. This process is marked by several key steps:

1. Recognition of Sin: Acknowledging the presence of idolatry in one's life is the first step. This requires self-examination and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where one's devotion has been misplaced.

2. Confession and Renunciation: Confessing the sin of idolatry before God and renouncing any allegiance to idols is crucial. This is an act of humility and submission to God's authority.

3. Restoration of Worship: True repentance leads to the restoration of proper worship. This involves prioritizing God above all else and aligning one's life with His commandments and teachings.

4. Continual Vigilance: The believer must remain vigilant against the subtle encroachments of idolatry. This requires ongoing spiritual discipline, prayer, and immersion in Scripture to maintain a heart wholly devoted to God.

Biblical Examples
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and communities who repented from idolatry. King Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 23 illustrate a national turning away from idols, as he destroyed altars and high places dedicated to false gods. In the New Testament, the Thessalonians are commended for turning "to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

Theological Implications
Repentance from idolatry is not merely a rejection of false gods but an affirmation of the sovereignty and exclusivity of the God of Israel. It underscores the biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and the call to holiness. Idolatry is seen as spiritual adultery, and repentance is akin to returning to a faithful relationship with God, who is described as a jealous God (Exodus 34:14).

Practical Application
Believers today are called to examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry, which may include materialism, power, relationships, or even self. The call to repent from idolatry is as relevant now as it was in biblical times, urging Christians to live lives that reflect the lordship of Christ in every area.