97. Are images then not at all to be made?
God neither can nor may be represented by any means (Isa. 40;18, 25); but as to creatures, though they may be represented, yet God forbids us to make, or to have any resemblances of them, either in order to worship them (Ps. 97;7), or to serve God by them (Lev. 26;1).
Isa. 40;18, 25.—To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.—Deut. 4;12-18.—Rom. 1;23.
Ps. 97;7.—Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols.—Deut. 27;15.—Deut. 7;5.
Lev. 26;1.—Ye shall make you no idols nor graven images, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.—2 Kings 18;3, 4.—Ex. 23;24.—Ex. 34;13, 14.
98. But may not images be tolerated in the churches, as books to the laity?
No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have his people taught not by dumb images (Zech. 10;2); but by the lively preaching of his word (2 Tim. 3;16, 17).
Zech. 10;2.—For the idols have spoken vanity.—Hab. 2;18, 19.—Jer. 10;8-10.
2 Tim. 3;16, 17.—All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.—John 5;39.—Luke 16;29.—2 Pet. 1;19.
