Lord’s Day 35
Q98. Can't images be used in churches to help teach people?
No. We should not try to be wiser than God. He wants his people taught by the living preaching of his Word — not by images that cannot even speak.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 10:14–15, 17
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! So then faith by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All scripture given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
Jeremiah 10:8
“But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock a doctrine of vanities.”
Habakkuk 2:18–20
“What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it laid over with gold and silver, and no breath at all in the midst of it. But the LORD in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the catechism say images should not be used to teach people about God in churches?
- 2
What has God chosen as the main way his people are taught?
- 3
How is hearing the Bible preached different from looking at a picture?
Illustration
A letter from a friend tells you exactly what the friend wants to say, in the friend's own words. A painting someone else made of your friend gives you that artist's impression, which might be way off. God chose to teach his people through the living preaching of his Word because his Word carries his exact message. Images are someone else's interpretation.
Application
Pay closer attention to the sermon this Sunday. God has chosen preaching as the primary way to teach his people. Ask God to open your ears and heart to receive what he says through his Word.