Section 35: Lord’s Day 35

What doth God require in the second command?

That we in no wise represent God by images,^a nor worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his word.^b

1. a. Deuteronomy 4:15; Isaiah 40:18; Romans 1:23ff; Acts 17:29

   Deuteronomy 4:15

   Isaiah 40:18

   Romans 1:23–32

   Acts 17:29

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. 1 Samuel 15:23; Deuteronomy 12:30

   1 Samuel 15:23

   Deuteronomy 12:30

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Are images then not at all to be made?

God neither can, nor may be represented by any means,^a but as to creatures, though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make, or have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them, or to serve God by them.^b

1. a. Deuteronomy 4:15–16; Isaiah 46:5; Romans 1:23

   Deuteronomy 4:15–16

   Isaiah 46:5

   Romans 1:23

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Exodus 23:24; 34:13–14; Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 7:5

   Exodus 23:24

   Exodus 34:13–14

   Numbers 33:52

   Deuteronomy 7:5

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

But may not images be tolerated in the churches, as books of the laity?

No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God who will have his people taught, not by dumb images,^a but by the lively preaching of his word.^b

1. a. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19

   2 Timothy 3:16

   2 Peter 1:19

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Jeremiah 10:1ff; Habakkuk 2:18–19

   Jeremiah 10:1–25

   Habakkuk 2:18–19

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible