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Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concern over graven images arises from a misunderstanding of the second commandment, as expressed in Exodus 20. A sincere individual argued that God forbids all two and three-dimensional images or likenesses of anything, asserting that no one should draw, paint, sculpt, or carve any image, regardless of whether it is worshipped. She emphasized that God is a jealous God who will not tolerate any rival, citing Deuteronomy 4 and 5, where God repeatedly condemns carving images or bowing to them. However, this view overlooks the context of God's commands and examples in Scripture. Contrary to this extreme interpretation, God Himself commanded the creation of images for the Tabernacle and the Temple, including woven and carved cherubim, bells, pomegranates, and oxen for the brazen sea, as seen in various accounts. The Shekinah glory's presence in these places demonstrated God's approval of such artistry. Additionally, in Numbers, God ordered the making of a bronze serpent, an image of a living creature, which was not forbidden by the second commandment when understood correctly. Solomon's throne, adorned with carved lions, received no condemnation, further indicating that God did not oppose artistic representations outside of worship contexts. In the life of Jesus Christ, He handled coins with images of Caesar without objection, as recorded in the Gospels, showing that non-religious images for identification are acceptable in God's sight. Paul, in Acts 17, walked among artworks in Athens without condemning them, only criticizing images linked to idolatry or pagan worship. The condemnation in Romans 1:23 focuses on worshipping created things, not on creating art itself. God endowed individuals with creative talents, as seen in Exodus 31 and 35, enhancing their skills for work on the Tabernacle and even enabling them to teach others. It is unreasonable to suggest that God would grant such abilities only to forbid their use outside specific religious contexts. The second commandment, when read fully from Exodus 20:4-5, clearly links the prohibition of graven images to the act of bowing down and worshipping them. God's intent is to prevent using human skill to depict Him or to create objects for worship, not to ban all artistic expression. Images and likenesses, when not used for worship, are perfectly fine in God's eyes. He desires to be worshipped in spirit and truth, not through man-made objects or representations. Taking the commandment to an extreme, banning all images, distorts God's purpose and transforms the commandment itself into a form of idolatry, focusing on a human interpretation rather than divine intent.

Does God Forbid All Images?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Made in God's image, human beings have the same drive to imagine, create, innovate, and express their designs in the works of their hands.

Words Versus Images

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Spiritually, relying on images leads to shallowness of thought at best and idolatry at its worst. Virtually everything we know about God comes through words.

Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Part One): 'Head of Gold'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Nebuchadnezzar's image has always held a fascination with students of Bible prophecy. What do the various parts mean? How does it relate to the end time?

Image and Likeness of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Errant teachers have spiritualized God away into a shapeless, formless, ethereal blob. They dismiss hundreds of scriptural references as figures of speech.

God of the Pigeonhole

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To see God as accurately as possible, we must refrain from drawing a too-simple mental picture of His nature. We must be continually expanding our conception of Him.

The Second Commandment

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Human nature tries to limit God to the confines of physical objects. Men fabricate images, called idols, to aid them in worshiping a god they have concocted.

Identifying Our Idols

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We tend to ignore the possibility of idolatry in our lives. But we need to do the hard thing and examine ourselves to identify any hidden idols.

The Commandments (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Idolatry derives from worshiping the work of our hands or thoughts rather than the true God. Whatever consumes our thoughts and behavior has become our idol.

The Second Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most people consider the second commandment to deal with making or falling down before a pagan idol, but it covers all aspects of the way we worship.

The Second Commandment: Idolatry

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The natural mind craves something physical to remind us of God, but the Second Commandment prohibits this. Any representation will fall short of the reality.

Israel, Selfies, and Idolatry

Sermonette by Mike Ford

The religious hobbyist Micah practiced his own self-devised hybrid of religion, amalgamating some orthodox truth with abundant noxious, pagan admixtures.

The Second Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many fail to perceive the difference between the first and second commandments. The second commandment defines the way we are to worship the true God.

Do You Have a Golden Calf?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike Ford

Abijah had three good years but was suddenly cut off because he didn't remove the idols. One act of faith is only something to build on, not a cause to rest.

Idolatrous Suppressors of the Truth

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When John talks about idols, he is going far beyond things like statues, icons, and crucifixes, but instead anything people focus on first.

The Commandments (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Sabbath is a period of time God purposefully sanctified and set apart for the benefit of mankind, a time dedicated to God's spiritual creation.

Flee From Idolatry (Part Two): Faithfulness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Like a boxer, we must exert ourselves with a broad spectrum of skills to subdue our carnal bodies, mortifying the flesh with maximum self-discipline.

Is Mary Worthy of Worship?

Article by David C. Grabbe

The Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!

The Third Commandment: Idolatry

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.