The Heidelberg Catechism in Questions and Answers (24)

Lord's Day 35

96. What doth God require in the second commandment?

That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

1. What distinct difference is there between the first and the second commandments?

The first commandment tells us that God alone desires to be worshipped, and the second commandment teaches us how God desires to be served.

2. What threat is added to this commandment?

That the Lord is a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Him.

3. What promise does the Lord give for the keeping of His law?

That He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments.

4. How many things are pointed out here in the catechism?

There are two things: We must not represent God in any way; and we must not worship God in any way other than He has commanded in His Word.

5. What is then the conclusion?

That the Lord desires to be served in accordance with His Word.

97. Are images then not at all to he made?

God neither can nor 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 or to serve God by them.

1. Does God's Word entirely forbid the making of images?

No, but it does forbid making or having images in order to worship them or to serve God by them.

2. Why cannot God be represented?

God is an infinite and most perfect Spirit and has no natural image.

3. Why may God not be represented?

Because He has forbidden it.

4. Who do worship images?

Rome worships images, as this was decreed by the Council of Trent (1545-1563).

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

No, for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have His people taught, not by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of His Word.

1. How has the use of images in the church been defended?

By maintaining that it was necessary for the laity, who needed instruction by means of visible objects.

2. Why do we reject these “books to the laity”?

Because we must not be wiser than God, who will not have His people taught by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of His Word.

3. Is the lively preaching of His Word sufficient?

Yes, for the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12a).

Lord's Day 36

99. What is required in the third commandment?

That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence, so that He may be rightly confessed and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

1. What is considered in this Lord's Day portion?

The third commandment, the misuse of the name of the Lord.

2. What is the difference between using and misusing?

Using God's name takes place at God's command, with respect and reverence; misuse of God's name is when His name is used rashly.

3. What is cursing?

It is desecrating God and our neighbor and calling down God's judgment upon ourselves.

4. What does God forbid in this commandment?

Perjury and rash swearing.

5. May one remain silent when observing the misuse of God's name?

No, for by doing so we ourselves are also guilty of profaning God's name.

6. Why must we use God's name no otherwise than with fear and reverence?

Because He must be rightly confessed and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

100. Is then profaning of God's Name by swearing and cursing so heinous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?

It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His Name; and therefore He commanded this sin to be punished with death.

1. What does this question teach us?

That there is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His Name.

2. Why is this such a great sin?

Because it is an assault upon the glorious majesty of God. 3. What evidence is there that it is such a great sin?

By the fact that God has commanded that it be punished with death.

— to be continued —

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