Q. 96
What does God require in the second commandment?
A.
That we in no way make any image of God, nor worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his Word.
Scripture Deuteronomy 4:15-19 · Isaiah 40:18-25 · John 4:23-24
Q. 97
May we then not make any image at all?
A.
God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Creatures may indeed be portrayed, but God forbids us to make or have any images of them in order to worship them, or to serve God through them.
Scripture Exodus 34:13-14 · 2 Kings 18:4-5
Q. 98
But may images not be tolerated in the churches as 'books for the laity'?
A.
No, for we should not be wiser than God. He wants his people to be taught not by means of dumb images but by the living preaching of his Word.
Scripture Jeremiah 10:8 · Habakkuk 2:18-19 · 2 Peter 1:19 · 2 Timothy 3:16-17