Q: What is God's will for us in the second commandment?
A: That we in no way make any image of God1
nor worship him in any other way
than he has commanded in his Word.2
1 Deut. 4:15-19; Isa. 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:22-23
2 Lev. 10:1-7; 1 Sam. 15:22-23; John 4:23-24
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.1
1 Ex. 34:13-14, 17; 2 Kings 18:4-5
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-1
not by idols that cannot even talk.2
1 Rom. 10:14-15, 17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19
2 Jer. 10:8; Hab. 2:18-20