Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 35
Heidelberg's exposition of the Ten Commandments is incredibly clear and helpful, not just because it shows how they should be applied in our lives today, but because it demonstrates how what Jesus and the apostles said is true: "love God and love your neighbour" really does sum up the whole Law. The first, the Catechism says, is given "that I rightly know the only true God, trust him alone, and look to God for every good thing," and a call to "give up anything rather than go against God's will in any way." The second rules out images of God, partly because "God can not and may not be visibly portrayed in any way" (a negative reason), but partly also for a positive reason: "God wants the Christian community instructed by the living preaching of his Word." And in between these comments is a definition of idolatry that helps with apologetics and evangelism as much as with pastoral ministry: "Idolatry is having or inventing something in which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God." Gold dust.]
Q94. What does the Lord require
in the first commandment?
A94. That I, not wanting to endanger my own salvation,
avoid and shun
all idolatry, sorcery, superstitious rites,
and prayer to saints or to other creatures.
That I rightly know the only true God,
trust him alone,
and look to God for every good thing
humbly and patiently,
and love, fear, and honour God
with all my heart.
In short,
that I give up anything
rather than go against God’s will in any way.
Q95. What is idolatry?
A95. Idolatry is
having or inventing something in which one trusts
in place of or alongside of the only true God,
who has revealed himself in the Word.
Q96. What is God’s will for us
in the second commandment?
A96. That we in no way make any image of God
nor worship him in any other way
than has been commanded in God’s Word.
Q97. May we then not make
any image at all?
A97. 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.
Q98. But may not images be permitted in churches
in place of books for the unlearned?
A98. No, we should not try to be wiser than God.
God wants the Christian community instructed
by the living preaching of his Word—
not by idols that cannot even talk.