Sermon Outline:
1. The Model
2. The Means
3. The Motivation
Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 35
96.
Q. What does God require in the second
Commandment?
A. That we in no way make any image of
God,[1] nor worship Him in any other
way than He has commanded us in His
Word.[2]
[1] Deut 4:15-19; Isa 40:18-25;
Acts 17:29; Rom 1:22-24;
[2] Lev 10:1-7; Deut 4:23-24,
Deut. 12:30-32; 1 Sam 15:22-23;
Mt 15:9; Jn 4:23-24
97.
Q. May we not make any image at all?
A. God may not and cannot be imaged
in any way; as for creatures,
though they may indeed be imaged,
yet God forbids the making or
keeping of any likeness of them,
either to worship them or to serve
God by them.[1]
[1] Ex 23:24-25, 34:13-14, 17;
Num 33:52; Deut 7:5, 12:3, 16:22;
2 Kgs 18:4-5; Isa 40:25; Jn 1:18
98.
Q. But may not pictures be tolerated
in churches as books for the people?
A. No, for we should not be wiser than
God, who will not have His people
taught by dumb idols,[1] but by the
lively preaching of His Word.[2]
[1] Ps 135:15-18; Jer 10:8;
Hab 2:18-20;
[2] Rom 10:14-17; 2 Tim 3:16-17;
2 Pt 1:19