Good Morning Debator,
Just a couple of thoughts here,
You used the following scripture to prove your position. I would like to address a few of them, If you will indulge me a bit.
Hi candlelight
My point was eactly the one you made the Bible God's own words defines "the cross" as an idol. By carving an image to represent Jesus or his death instrument and put it on altars or in God's house, carrying it about with them, they made it into an idol in the purest biblical definition of one. You allegations that the bible can be an idol are unsupported by scripture. We are supposed to use God's scripture it is the sword of the spirit.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edgedsword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
I have no agruement with you that the cross is in fact an Idol. But let us look at what else can be an Idol, our stomachs (gluttony), People that are Worshiped(you mentioned the pope, (I also include that who ask for dedication to themselves that are not entitled to such positions). Our apperance can be worshiped and pride is actually a worship of oneself and our own abilities. If we recall, Babal was a worship of their own abilities to raise themselves above God himself.
You quoted Hebrews. If you read the surrounding text, it is evident that it is discussing Jesus. Think about the words. Is words on a page alive? Does it have authority to Judge you? Jesus himself said that His Father is the Judge. The Bible Testifies. It is a Witness to truth. What is it's Testimony? Jesus explains that it is a witness to HIM! If we take what was given as a testimony and replace it for what it was given to testify too, is that not an Idol?
Jesus does not cancel out the Bible he opened it up for us.
Luke 24:45
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Yes I agree. Without him, you cannot understand the testimony given. However, salvation is not obtained by knowledge of scripture, but infact knowing Jesus. If you feel that you can 'take in knowledge', instead of knowing him, than you have placed your salvation in a book.