Last week we began this Ten Commandments series with the first commandment, which is most directly concerned with undivided loyalty to the true God who is Self Existing, Creator, Ruler, Sustainer and Provider of this universe. He alone is the One who gives life by His ability to “cause to be” and "upholds all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). His holiness is beyond the full grasp of our human imagination, and He alone is in all things worthy of our undivided worship.
Before proceeding further in this series, we need to define at least in a basic sense an idol and what is idolatry. Here are three simple definitions of the word “idol”. 1) A false god—regardless of the form. 2) A representation of a false god—regardless of the form. 3) A representation of the true God—regardless of the form—even an adopted pagan tradition.
Biblically an “idol” primarily refers to the first two definitions but can also in some cases include the third. Remember we saw while reviewing the First Commandment that the worship of idols is indirectly worshipping demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-22). “Idolatry” refers to breaking the First Commandment but breaking the Second Commandment (as specifically referenced by the third definition of an idol) is likewise a great sin and is the focus of this pastor’s message focusing on the second commandment.
Human beings are by nature uncomfortable with, or even incapable of, trying to relate to a God who is invisible, infinite, immortal, transcendent, intangible, and in many ways humanly incomprehensible. The first commandment stresses the uniqueness of the Creator God. He alone is the Source of all life, truth, right values, and standards that will produce right relationships. It deals with what we worship. It forbids all false gods. If someone worships anything other than God, including any image (like a statue or painting), that is breaking the First Commandment. God wants us to worship, be devoted and respond to what He is and what He is doing. He wants us to emulate His character and the way He lives.
The second commandment deals with the way we worship. The second commandment's most obvious aspect governs the use of physical "helps" or "aids" in worshiping the invisible, spiritual God. It prohibits the use of anything that represents God or could become an object of veneration. If someone is worshipping the true God, but is physically, visually, or mentally portraying Him with images, that is breaking the Second Commandment. By our corrupt nature people seem to desire, in even a subconscious way, to humanize God so He is less heavenly and more down-to-earth. However, portraying our God with something physical is insulting to God. It seems all forms of paganism are very visually oriented. We must be focused on keeping God’s commandments by not trying to create an image of how He might look; or by creating any other item to “help” in our worship.
The second commandment is found in Exodus 20:4-6; Deuteronomy 5:8-10: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them (inferring worship). For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments”. Remember He will not share His glory or praise with another: "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols" (Isaiah 42:8).
This Commandment forbids any and all false worship. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Therefore, it is blasphemous to portray Him with anything physical—a human being, animal, bird, fish, “creeping thing,” sun, moon, stars, etc. (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 12-19, 23-24; Isaiah 40:25).
To “worship in spirit” means to worship and love God with one’s mind and heart (Matthew 22:37) and is done by those who have “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14).
Truth is defined by God’s Word (John 17:17). God’s Word tells us how to worship God and it forbids worshipping with any non-biblical practices (Deuteronomy 12:1-4, 28-31). In addition, God demands that we not “add to” or “take away from” His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19). God forbids us to invent a religious practice or copy a pagan practice.
The second commandment forbids any kind of likeness of God, or Christ such as crucifixes, pictures, and statues. Moses expounds on this in Deuteronomy 4:15-20 “Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any beast that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, His inheritance, as you are this day”.
The Second Commandment goes to the heart of our relationship with our Creator. It deals with several crucial questions: How do we perceive God? How do we explain Him to ourselves and to others? This Commandment explicitly forbids the use of any type of inanimate or lifeless imagery; “any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath”—"any figure” in the worship of the living God. Idols are representations of false, nonexistent gods.
However, may we use pictures or other images that represent the true God, or that help in our worship? People who use images or representation in their worship of God generally have good intentions. They often think they are honoring God and are using the image or representation to feel closer to God and as an aid in their worship.
Many churches use a lot of representations, physical imagery, and visual symbolism in their worship. Today these images and representations are more sophisticated than in Ancient Israel but are blasphemous, nonetheless. Although they recognize God forbids the worship of idols—they feel justified in using images, symbols, and other representations in the worship of the true God (the third definition of an idol). By doing so, they transgress the Second Commandment. In actuality, they have separated themselves from God by inserting something physical between them and God.
The Bible emphasizes the mind—factual and biblically reasoned thought, knowledge, understanding and wisdom. He gave us a God breathed book—to read, contemplate (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and rightfully divide. We must listen carefully to God rather than look at objects, symbols, pictures, or other representations. Pause and take the time here to review Isaiah 44:6-20. To liken the Creator of the entire universe to a tiny part of His creation is ludicrous, blasphemous, and evil!
What are common traditional “Christian” violations of the second Commandment? Using the following visual pictures, symbols, and designs to represent Christianity, God or Jesus Christ are violations of the Second Commandment: Paintings and drawings intended to represent Jesus Christ or God the Father. The Latin cross and the crucifix. The outline of a fish or dove. Any three-part design intended to represent “the Trinity.” Relics supposedly related to the life or death of Jesus. A steeple, especially when on a church building. Halos and other circles and disks used to indicate what is sacred. A star used in certain ways, such as at the top of a Christmas tree. Any of the numerous abbreviations of the Greek for “Jesus” and “Christ.” The Greek letters Alpha and Omega written together.
Additionally, when traditional Christianity imitates and adopts pagan holidays and rituals—such as Christmas and Easter observance, for example—that act reinforces perverted ideas about Christianity, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Scriptures. When Mary and other dead “saints” are venerated as mediators with God, that breaks the Second Commandment. When religious clothing and objects are regarded as sacred, that breaks this Commandment. Even religious music and worship services can at times become the worship of worship more than the worship of God. We must be vigilant; in all aspects of our worship, we must not reduce God or the worship of God to the likeness of a physical object. Regardless of intent, doing so is unquestionably unacceptable to God. Mark 7:7-9 is a New Testament reference to the principles involved here: “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do. . . . All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition”. People all around the world keep human—indeed pagan traditions in God's name, but He is not pleased with them or in them.
Moving to the second part of this commandment “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me” (Exodus 20:5). It does not mean that God punishes children for the sins of the parents, as God’s Word forbids that (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20). God holds us accountable for our words and deeds and often that has lasting consequences. First of all, sin often results in children and grandchildren suffering from the physical penalties incurred by an earlier generation. Secondly, religious beliefs and practices (both true and false), along with their consequences, are often passed on from generation to generation.
Here as in most places within the Bible, “love” and “hate” are generally and primarily not referring to emotional feelings. As a general rule they are action verbs. Loving God means obeying God and hating evil. Hating God means disobeying God which can be done in many ways. (Psalms 97:10; Matthew 6:24; 7:21-27; John 14:15; 15:18-25; Romans 9:13; 1 John 2:4-5; 5:2-3; 2 John 6). In this commandment, “thousands” likely refers to “thousands of generations.” Notice how the rewards for loving God and keeping His commandments far exceed the penalties for hating God! God is amazingly merciful and generous!
After writing the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone, God explained why He wanted no images of any kind used in worshipping Him: “Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure . . . And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day” (Deuteronomy 4:15-20). Likewise, He has taken you and I out of spiritual Egypt to be His people and we too must take careful heed to ourselves.
God wanted the Israelites and us today to remember that they were to worship the living God, not an idol, and to always direct their worship toward their Creator and never toward objects within His creation. He commanded them, “Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you” (verse 23). Depictions of deities, engraved and painted on walls, pottery, and other articles, are included among the forbidden and idolatrous objects (Numbers 33:52, KJV).
The spiritual principle contained in this commandment is that once we give more importance to something or someone else than to God, we are failing to keep this commandment. Idolatry and immorality are frequently linked in the Bible. Paul wrote about the problem: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).
How can we evaluate our hearts? We simply ask probing questions: Do we hold spiritual significance to anything physical, an object, image, or representation? Is something or someone more interesting to us in this life than God? Is something or someone occupying our mental and/or emotional focus more than God? Do we have more time, money, and energy for pursuing our physical relationships, hobbies, or personal interests than for God?
Once we gain an understanding of God’s word, as the second part of this commandment indicates He holds us accountable for what we know. Idolatry in any form is soundly condemned throughout the Bible. Paul praised Christians who had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9) and he warned others, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). Paul writes in Ephesians 5:5-6: “For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience”. These verses clearly point to the seriousness of idolatry, but few seem to understand that the essence of idolatry is the worship of the self. Self worship seems to be the direction of our society, and we must recognize this can and often does have an effect on us.
In their book Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant and Extreme, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons document that 84 percent of Americans believe that “enjoying yourself is the highest goal of life.” Further, 86 percent believe that to enjoy yourself you must “pursue the things you desire most.” And 91 percent affirm this statement: “To find yourself, look within yourself.” In our day, the Westminster Catechism answer has been inverted: “the chief end of man is to glorify and enjoy himself forever.” One could even make a case that self-worship is indeed the world’s fastest-growing religion.
Jeremiah 10:23 affirms, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Here God clearly indicates, without Him, man's plans always ultimately end in failure and ruin. The apostle John was clear in regards to our creators commandments: “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
Once again, the first commandment deals with what we worship and the second with the way we worship. True Christianity is a way of life that requires diligence, obedience, and perseverance on our part. God says: “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God”. (Proverbs 2:1-5)
We must apply this revealed knowledge in our lives daily. Only those who do what they learn they ought to do are true worshippers of God (Romans 2:13; James 1:22-25). We are not left without a perfect pattern of God’s character. Jesus Christ, as a human being, so perfectly represented what God is like that He told His disciples, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Paul describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). He describes Christians as those who have “put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). God wants to change the spiritual nature of mankind.
As Christ is “the image of the invisible God,” so does God the Father want to reshape our character into Christ’s image. We are to let His mind be in us (Philippians 2:2-7). The time is coming when God will transform those who have become like Him in heart and mind from a physical to a spiritual existence. Paul described to the church in Corinth how this will happen: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:50-53). John described the same ultimate transformation, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
The spiritual application of the Second Commandment touches upon the very fabric and foundation of our lives. It directs the way we worship, our focus—our goal—and highlights how we are moving toward achieving our purpose. Being like God is our destiny—provided we surrender our lives to Him in obedience to His commandments.