WLC 107

Q107. Which is the second commandment?

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 shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Proof texts

• Ex. 20:4-6 — [4] “You shall not make for yourself a carved 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. [5] You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ex. 20:4-6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
3. HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. The Assembly divided over this: Justification and the Antinomian Crisis. How do you secure sola fide without letting the law fall away? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

WSC Q45 · HC Q92