Icon – a
Greek word which means “image”. The apostle Paul says that Jesus was made the
“icon of God”. In the Old Testament God commands Moses to make “icons” of
Cherubim for the temple. Also, God informed them to make golden angels to cover
the “mercy seat” of the Ark of the Covenant.
So we understand that God Himself instructed His Old
Testament people to make and honor these icons in that they had His blessing
and gave a deeper meaning and presence of God to His people.
In the book of acts we see the apostle using a “blessed
scarf” to help heal people (Acts 19:12). We see the use of oil and water (physical
things) in blessing and for healing purposes.
The fact is there are examples both in the old and new
testaments of the use of physical symbols or “icons”.
In the first century we have the documented facts that
early Christians made and used icons. Icons
present a visible reflection of what is invisible. It is the physical experience
of God and the saints in our lives. They visually present the Living Gospel to
us. They are not worshiped; they are respected and help us show visible respect
to our Lord.
In Christian communion services we use a drink and bread,
physical objects to represent the presence of Jesus Christ…something that we
can physically touch and even taste to remind us of His presence in our lives
as Christians.
Since the first century of the church icons were used and
are used still today in the Greek Orthodox Church. So are icons idols? God tells us not to make “images”
that we might “worship them”. Here is the technical difference - even found in
the ancient wording. An icon is an “image” of a saint or the “visible image” of
even God’s presence. This makes icons different from “idols”. Idols are worshiped
as if “gods” themselves.
The Lord wants us to worship only Him. God’s issue, it
seems, is not the use of imagery, He is concerned that you only worship Him.
Today all churches use “icons”. Many denominations use a symbol or image to
mark their denomination. Many women use icons as jewelry in their ears and
on their fingers. All fashion (for men
and women) in this sense is the use of imagery. It helps to show identification
and respect as when a police officer wears a badge.
So what is condemned by God? The worship of idols and nature (such as pagans who show worship towards physical creation -
trees, plants, etc.) is clearly wrong. Today many Protestants wear crosses or
some other sort of “Christian imagery”. Christian books contain many pictures
or icons which are used to help teach, especially children.
All this being said, as a Christian I do not accept the 7th
Ecumenical council regarding the use of icons. Why? Because it contains things
against the Christian Scriptures (Sola Scriptura). This council made up a whole
theology over the use of icons. This council really incorporated the worship of
icons...not idols but icons. Well, to begin to worship anything in its physical
sense becomes idolatry.
To use icons to help comfort a child in learning or to
even comfort an adult, to remind him or her of the presence of God and or “the
communion of saints” is okay. The key is they are not necessary. To some it may
be beneficial in their experience with God but not with everyone. God is not
against art...especially art that reminds us of Him, that we keep our minds on
Him.
Here at “The Shepherds
Way” we use icons as reminders of God and the saints, that they are
alive and well. We do not worship icons. I personally have a “home altar” which
has pictures of Christ and some of my favorite saints. It is a sacred place to
meditate and pray to the Lord. It may help set the mood and help silence the
thoughts to begin to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and all the saints who
have gone before. In this sense, and in this sense only, some of the early
saints in the Christian Church did use icons and some still use them today.
Again, they are not necessary especially if not beneficial to your style of
worship.
I hope this helps you understand the use of icons here at
“The Shepherds Way” and may God continue to richly bless you as you keep in
fellowship with Him and Him alone.
Eric W. King Dec. 1st 2017 (3.28.2020)
All rights reserved. Permission has been given to share this article.
Also watch.....
Christian worship...Then & Now
Here Eric W. King (Founder of TSW & Nugget of Truth)
talks about Christian worship and how it has changed
throughout the centuries.
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With all respect, Sir, you are in error. Images of Christ are purely blasphemous and true Christians shouldn‘t have any altar at all as the pagans do!
ReplyDeleteWhen Solomon was instructed to build the sanctuary God had him make images of cherubim on the curtains and two golden angel statues over the ark. Images are used by God Himself...Idolatry is when you bow down and worship an image. Christ is called by the Apostle Paul in the Greek New Testament ..."Christ, the ICON (IMAGE) of God."
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