Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sunshine State Jesus

The historic Reformed position prohibiting visual representations of Christ strikes some as too extreme. But at least it would protect us from bad ideas like this.


IMAGES OF CHRIST. Although Christ assumed human nature, yet he did not on that account assume it in order to provide a model for carvers and painters. He denied that he had come "to abolish the law and the prophets" (Matt. 5:17). But images are forbidden by the law and the prophets" (Deut. 4:15; Isa. 44:9). He denied that his bodily presence would be profitable for the Church, and promised that he would be near us by his Spirit forever (John 16:7). Who, therefore, would believe that a shadow or likeness of his body would contribute any benefit to the pious? (II Cor. 5:5). Since he abides in us by his Spirit, we are therefore the temple of God (I Cor. 3:16). But "what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (II Cor. 6:16).

The Second Helvetic Confession (Chapter IV "Of Idols or Images of God, Christ and The Saints")

1 comment:

Kimberly said...

That's a really bad idea!!!