The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index)
WSC Q49. Which is the second commandment?
“When in doubt, read the instructions.” It seems that in this hurry-up society we live in, such suggestions, well…we just don’t have time for them. In this culture of Smart Phones, ATM machines, fast food outlets, instant credit and gratification, Nikes’ motto “Just Do It” seems more realistic. Yet what we do and how we do it is critically important. Moms tell their children, “It’s not what you said that was the offence, but how you said it,” because how a thing is said demonstrates the heart attitude of the speaker; the meaning and impact of a simple phrase like “good morning” can vary depending on the speaker’s body language and intonation.
It turns out that God is interested not only in what we say, do, and think, but also in how we do them (Mark 7:6, 15-20). The questions in this section of the catechism deal with how we are to worship the holy God who created all things. As human beings, we are easily confused about what constitutes proper worship. So remember, “When in doubt, read the instructions!”
May the Lord grant us both understanding and humility to approach and serve him in ways most pleasing to him.
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Westminster Shorter Catechism Q49 & 50
Illustrations by John Whitecross – #5 of 6: Mr Aird, originally a mason, became an eminent minister in the reign of James VI of Scotland. The king, knowing he was in straits, sent him a purse of gold, in expectation of procuring his vote in one of those packed assemblies in which he endeavoured to bring in bishops. This good man, though he had at that time neither bread, meal, nor money in his house, had the virtue to refuse it as the case stood. Next morning, while he and his family were at prayer, some person in his parish, who knew his straits, sent him several sacks of meal, and set them down at his door and went away, leaving him to admire that Providence and grace which enabled him to preserve the integrity of his conscience, though at the risk of the displeasure of the king.
John Whitecross – 1828
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WSC Q49. Which is the second commandment?
Answer: The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.[a]
[a] Ex. 20:4-6; Deut. 5:8-10
Question 49 asks what the second commandment is, and answers that the second commandment is: You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Comments and considerations:
The first and second commandments are similar; but the distinction is important. The first tells us that we are to know and acknowledge the only true God as our own, and worship and glorify him accordingly. The second tells us how we are to do that, especially as it relates to worship. (There are other confessions, such as the Roman Catholic and Lutheran, that combine these two commandments as one, requiring a division of the tenth into two parts to come up with a total of ten commandments. This difference proceeds from a misunderstanding of the second commandment as well as the tenth, which forbids coveting and gives examples of it.) To repeat, the first commandment sets forth who we are to love with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength; the second stipulates how we are to do so.
The second commandment basically requires us to worship God as he himself commands; we may not worship him any way we choose. In the next questions, we’ll discuss what is required and forbidden in this commandment, and the reasons annexed to it. But for now, let us look at the commandment itself.
First, God has a primary concern for his own image, that we neither make nor imagine an earthly likeness of him. As Matthew Henry puts it, our “worship must be governed by the power of faith, not by the power of imagination, we…must not make such images or pictures as the heathen worshipped, lest [we] also should be tempted to worship them.” Second, we must not bow down to images or serve them. Third, our God is a jealous God, jealous for all that is his due, and particularly for his worship. Fourth, there is a covenant stipulation, cursing and blessing to those who refuse or keep this commandment.
Let’s study more closely two key words, jealous and graven. The root of jealous is the word “zeal” or “zealous.” Webster’s dictionary defines it as: 1) Zealous; vigilant; anxiously watchful; 2) Apprehensive; anxious; suspiciously watchful; 3) Exacting, exclusive devotion; intolerance of rivalry; 4) Disposed to suspect rivalry in matters of interest and affection. We often see jealousy in a negative light, primarily due to the imperfect nature of our human condition. Our holy God possesses no imperfection in being jealous for the worship and glory which is due to him alone (WSC Q#47).
Graven, taken in context as describing image, is another important word. Before we get there, notice the prohibition against making any images of God, and notice the link to covenant children. Why? The first logical answer is God’s deep displeasure with the breakers of this commandment, and his rejoicing over the keepers of this commandment. Notice, too, that the blessing far outweighs the cursing. But there is a second answer. In God’s created order, where does his image reside? What was made in the image of God, fell from holiness, but is being redeemed to its original intent? (Hint: Gen. 1:26; cf. Rom 8:29). Now, consider the word graven; it is linked to the word character. The root word for character is “to engrave” which means to cut into furrows, to make sharp, or mark. Webster’s defines it as 1) A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol. From this base definition we derive our understanding of character to be the peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed [engraved] by nature, education, or habit which a person or thing really is; his nature and/or disposition.
Man was made in the image of God, singularly engraved with the imprint and character of God, to alone and above all creation (Ps. 8:6) give witness to, worship, and glorify God. How displeased must God be when man relinquishes his exalted position as the image bearer of God, turning over such a lofty calling to trifling deaf and dumb earthly imaginations! Is this not exactly what Paul is railing against is Rom. 1? Manmade images intended to represent God turn the created order on its head. The violation of the second commandment requires the greater to bow down to and worship the lesser rather then the lesser acknowledging and worshipping the greater, thus demeaning the very character God! Truly Paul was right when he wrote, “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things” (Rom. 1:22-23).
This is no trifling matter. The second commandment tells us to worship and serve God the Creator as he commands: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” To do so is to demean not only your very self, but your God in whose image you were made (see Matt 5:16). If we do not obey, nor instruct our children to understand and obey, there are covenant ramifications of immense proportions. Man was made in—engraved with—the image of God and commanded to worship him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63). Lord, sanctify us in the truth; thy word is truth (John 17:17).
Training Hearts and Teaching Minds Questions:
- What is the difference between the first and second commandments? (1)
- Read Ex. 32:4-6. In verse 5, who did Aaron say the next day’s festival and worship would be for? How does this relate to the first and second commandments?
- Read 1Tim. 4:12-14, especially noting verse 13. Now read and compare verses 6 & 11. To what does Paul instruct this young minister of the Lord to give priority?
- Read 1Tim. 2:1. Here, what instruction is Paul providing? What further instruction does Paul give in Col. 3:16?
- What other elements of worship does the NT discuss? See Matt. 28:19 and I Cor. 11:23-26.
- How careful should we be of our attitude as we approach God in worship? See I Kings 21, 25, and 29 and Ps. 103, especially verses 17-18.
(1) In the first commandment, God tells us what to worship, but in the second commandment he tells us how to worship. In the Bible, God tells us how he wants us to worship him; we may not worship him any way we choose.
Harmony of the Standards: WSC Q49, WLC Q107, and WCF XXI
WSC Q49. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments[a].
[a] Ex. 20:4-6; Deut. 5:8-10
WLC Q107. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments[a].
[a] Exod. 20:4-6
CHAPTER. XXI.
Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day.
I. The light of nature sheweth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might.[a] But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture.[b]
[a] Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:1-4a; Ps. 50:6; Ps. 97:6; Ps. 145:9- 12; Acts 14:17; Ps. 104:1-35; Ps. 86:8-10; Pa. 95:1-6; Ps. 89:5-7; Deut. 6:4-5
[b] Deut. 12:32; Matt. 15:9; Acts 17:23-25; Matt. 4:9-10; Deut. 4:15-20; Exod. 20:4-6; John 4:23-24; Col. 2:18-23
II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and to him alone;[c] not to angels, saints, or any other creature:[d] and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone.[e]
[c] John 5:23; Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 3:14; Rev. 5:11-14; Acts 10:25-26
[d] Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; Rom. 1:25
[e] John 14:6; I Tim. 2:5; Eph. 2:18; Col 3:17
III. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship,[f] is by God required of all men:[g] and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,[h] by the help of his Spirit,[i] according to his will,[k] with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance;[l] and, if vocal, in a known tongue.[m]
[f] Phil. 4:6; I Tim. 2:1; Col. 4:2
[g] Ps. 65:2; Ps. 67:3; Ps. 96:7-8; Ps. 148:11-13; Isa. 55:6-7
[h] John 14:13-14; I Pet. 2:5
[i] Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18
[k] I John 5:14
[l] Ps. 47:7; Ecc. 5:1-2; Heb. 12:28; Gen. 18:27; James 5:16; James 1:6-7; Mark 11:24; Matt. 6:12, 14-15; Col. 4:2; Eph. 6:18
[m] I Cor. 14:14
IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful;[n] and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter:[o] but not for the dead,[p] nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.[q]
[n] I John 5:14, 16; John 15:7
[o] I Tim. 2:1-2; John 17:20; II Sam. 7:29; II Chron. 6:14-42
[p] Luke 16:25-26; Isa. 57:1-2; Ps. 73:24; II Cor. 5:8, 10; Phil. 1:21-24; Rev. 14:13
[q] I John 5:16
V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear,[r] the sound preaching[s] and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith and reverence,[t] singing of psalms with grace in the heart;[u] as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ, are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God:[w] beside religious oaths,[x] vows,[y] solemn fastings,[z] and thanksgivings upon special occasions,[a] which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner.[b]
[r] Luke 4:16-17; Acts 15:21; Col. 4:16; I Thess. 5:27; Rev. 1:3
[s]. II Tim. 4:2; Acts 5:42
[t]. James 1:22; Acts 10:33; Matt. 13:19; Heb. 4:2; Isa. 66:2
[u] Col. 3:16: Eph. 5:19; James 5:13; I Cor. 14:15
[w] Matt. 28:19; I Cor. 11:23-29; Acts 2:42
[x] Deut. 6:13; Neh. 10:29; II Cor. 1:23
[y] Ps. 116:14; Isa. 19:21; Ecc. 5:4-5
[z] Joel 2:12; Esth. 4:16; Matt. 9:15; Acts 14:23
[a] Exod. 15:1-21; Ps. 107:1-43; Neh. 12:27-43; Est. 9:20- 22
[b] Heb. 12:28
VI. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed:[c] but God is to be worshipped everywhere,[d] in spirit and truth;[e] as, in private families[f] daily,[g] and in secret, each one by himself;[h] so, more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by his Word or providence, calleth thereunto.[i]
[c] John 4:21
[d] Mal. 1:11; I Tim. 2:8
[e] John 4:23-24
[f] Jer. 10:25; Deut. 6:6-7; Job 1:5; II Sam. 6:18, 20
[g] Matt. 6:11; see Job 1:5
[h] Matt. 6:6, 16-18; Neh. 1:4-11; Dan. 9:3-4a
[i] Isa. 56:6-7; Heb. 10:25; Ps. 100:4; Ps. 122:1; Ps. 84:1-12; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:42, 44; Acts 2:42
VII. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him:[k] which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week,[l] which, in Scripture, is called the Lord’s day,
[m] and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.[n]
[k] Exod. 20:8-11; Isa. 56:2-7
[l] Gen. 2:2-3; I Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7
[m] Rev. 1:10
[n] Matt. 5:17-18; Mark 2:27-28; Rom. 13:8-10; James 2:8-12
VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations,[o] but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.[p]
[o] Exod. 20:8; Exod. 16:23-30; Exod. 31:15-17; Isa. 58:13-14; Neh. 13:15-22
[p] Isa. 58:13-14; Luke 4:16; Matt. 12:1-13; Mark 3:1-5
Question(s) for further study:
WSC Q49 and WLC Q107 are identical in Q&A. WCF XXI – Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day is brought into this harmony for what significant reason? (See the opening paragraph above under “comments and considerations”).
