Lord's Day 35

Question 96.

What doth God require in the second commandment?

Answer. That we in no wise [a] represent God by images, nor worship [b] him in any other way than he has commanded in his word.

Question 97.

Are images then not at all to be made?

Answer. God neither can, nor [c] may be represented by any means: but as to creatures; though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make, or have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them [d] or to serve God by them.

Question 98.

But may not images be tolerated in the churches, as books to the laity?

Answer. No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have his people [e] taught, not by dumb images, [f] but by the lively preaching of his word.

[a]: Deut. 4:15; Isa. 40:18; Rom. 1:23ff; Acts 17:29
[b]: 1Sam. 15:23; Deut. 12:30
[c]: Deut. 4:15,16; Isa. 46:5; Rom. 1:23
[d]: Ex. 23:24; Ex. 34:13,14; Numb. 33:52; Deut. 7:5
[e]: 2Tim. 3:16; 2Pet. 1:19
[f]: Jer. 10:1ff; Hab. 2:18,19

Lord's Day 37

Question 101.

May we then swear religiously by the name of God?

Answer. Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm [a] fidelity and truth to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbor: for such an oath is [b] founded on God's word, and therefore was justly [c] used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.

Question 102.

May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?

Answer. No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if I swear [d] falsely; which honor is [e] due to no creature.

[a]: Ex. 22:11; Neh. 13:25
[b]: Deut. 6:13; Heb. 6:16
[c]: Gen. 21:24; Jos. 9:15,19; 1Sam. 24:22; 2Cor. 1:23; Rom. 1:9
[d]: 2Cor. 1:23
[e]: Mat. 5:34,35