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CHAPTER 4: Of Idols or Images of God, Christ and The Saints


IMAGES OF GOD. Since God as Spirit is in essence invisible and immense, he cannot really be expressed by any art or image. For this reason we have no fear pronouncing with Scripture that images of God are mere lies. Therefore we reject not only the idols of the Gentiles, but also the images of Christians.

IMAGES OF CHRIST. Although Christ assumed human nature, yet he did not on that account assume it in order to provide a model for carvers and painters. He denied that he had come "to abolish the law and the prophets" (Matt. 5:17). But images are forbidden by the law and the prophets" (Deut. 4:15; Isa. 44:9). He denied that his bodily presence would be profitable for the Church, and promised that he would be near us by his Spirit forever (John 16:7). Who, therefore, would believe that a shadow or likeness of his body would contribute any benefit to the pious? (II Cor. 5:5). Since he abides in us by his Spirit, we are therefore the temple of God (I Cor. 3:16). But "what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (II Cor. 6:16).

IMAGES OF SAINTS. And since the blessed spirits and saints in heaven, while they lived here on earth, rejected all worship of themselves (Acts 3:12 f.; 14:11 ff.; Rev. 14:7; 22:9) and condemned images, shall anyone find it likely that the heavenly saints and angels are pleased with their own images before which men kneel. uncover their heads, and bestow other honors?

But in fact in order to instruct men in religion and to remind them of divine things and of their salvation, the Lord commanded the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 16:15) - not to paint and to teach the laity by means of pictures. Moreover, he instituted sacraments, but nowhere did he set up images.

THE SCRIPTURES OF THE LAITY. Furthermore, wherever we turn our eyes, we see the living and true creatures of God which, if they be observed, as is proper, make a much more vivid impression on the beholders than all images or vain, motionless, feeble and dead pictures made by men, of which the prophet truly said: "They have eyes, but do not see" (Ps. 115:5).

LACTANTIUS. Therefore we approved the judgment of Lactantius, and ancient writer, who says: "Undoubtedly no religion exists where there is an image."

EPIPHANIUS AND JEROME. We also assert that the blessed bishop Epiphanius did right when, finding on the doors of a church a veil on which was painted a picture supposedly of Christ or some saint, he ripped it down and took it away, because to see a picture of a man hanging in the Church of Christ was contrary to the authority of Scripture. Wherefore he charged that from henceforth no such veils, which were contrary to our religion, should be hung in the Church of Christ, and that rather such questionable things, unworthy of the Church of Christ and the faithful people, should be removed. Moreover, we approve of this opinion of St. Augustine concerning true religion: "Let not the worship of the works of men be a religion for us. For the artists themselves who make such things are better; yet we ought not to worship them" (De Vera Religione, cap. 55).

 

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Jesus Work Ministry: Non-profit Christian resource ministry for effective spiritual growth and Christian living. Spiritual growth and Christian living resources include topics (articles, books, MP3 audio sermons) on Christian doctrine, basic Christian principles, prayer, fasting, Christian spiritual warfare, Christian deliverance and healing, evangelism ministry, body of Christ discipleship (Christian discipleship), charity ministry, Bible study, prophecy, Christian marriage, Christian singleness, Christian dating, biblical financial prosperity (biblical financial freedom), etc. Major resource center on spiritual warfare, Christian deliverance and healing ministry. Plus free Christian audio sermons - MP3, available for free download from partner Christian websites and our website.

[Ch1 Scripture True Word of God] [Ch2 Interpreting Scripture] [Ch3 God Trinity Unity] [ch4-idols-God-Christ-saints] [Ch5 Worship of God] [Ch6 God's Providence] [Ch7 Creation] [Ch8 Cause of Sin] [Ch9 Free Will] [Ch10 Predestination] [Ch11 Jesus Christ] [Ch12 Law of God] [Ch13 Gospel &Promises] [Ch14 Repentance] [Ch15-Justification] [Ch16 Faith and Good Works] [Ch17 Global Church] [Ch18 Church Ministers] [Ch19 Church Ministers] [Ch20 Baptism] [Ch21 Holy Communion] [Ch22 Religious Meetings] [Ch23 Prayers-etc] [Ch24 Holy Days Fasting] [Ch25 Catechizing] [Ch26 The Dead] [Ch27 Ceremonies] [Ch28 Church Possessions] [Ch29 Celibacy, Marriage] [Ch30 Magistrate] [Helvetic Confession Summary] [Back to Homepage]

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