96. Q. WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR US IN THE SECOND COMMANDMENT?
A. That we in no way make any image of God nor worship Him in any other way than HE has commanded in His Word.
97. Q. MAY WE THEN NOT MAKE ANY IMAGE AT ALL?
A. God can not and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Although creatures may be portrayed, yet God forbids making or having such images if one’s intention is to worship them or to serve God through them.
98. Q. BUT MAY NOT IMAGES BE PERMITTED IN THE CHURCHES AS TEACHING AIDS FOR THE UNLEARNED?
A. No, we shouldn’t try to be wiser than God. He wants His people instructed by the living preaching of His Word-not by idols that cannot even talk.
In seminary, I remember Dr. Mohler distinguishing the first two commandments by teaching that the 1st warns us against worshiping the wrong god(s). We are to worship the One True God, the right God. The 2nd now warns against worshiping the right God the wrong way. Thus the first two commandments point to worshiping the right God the right way.
The answer to Q. 97 reminds us that “God can not and may not be visibly portrayed in any way.” God is too majestic! Kevin DeYoung writes, “His glory cannot be captured in a picture or an image or a form…His glory is too great to be fully seen.”
We do not need images to come to know God; He has given us His Word. His all-sufficient Word. 2 Peter 1:19 calls it a “more fully confirmed” word, a more certain testimony than even eye witnesses.
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