Why Don’t We Use Religious Symbols?
Scripture: Exodus 20:4-5; 2 Kings 18:4; Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 31:33-34; 1 Peter 3:15
Introduction:
Brothers and sisters, in our walk with Christ, we must seek guidance from God’s Word rather than human traditions. One question often asked is: Why don’t we use religious symbols in our worship? The answer is simple—we have no command, example, or necessary inference from the New Testament church to do so.
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I. No Command, Example, or Inference in the New Testament
Throughout the New Testament, we see no record of the early church using religious symbols in their worship. While the Law of Moses commanded elaborate furnishings for the tabernacle, there is no such instruction for the church under the new covenant.
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image—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; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them..." (Exodus 20:4-5)
God commanded Israel to avoid idolatry, making it clear that worship should not be centered around physical representations but on Him alone.
II. The Danger of Idolatry and Human-Made Symbols
When religious symbols are used, they can become objects of reverence themselves, distracting from true worship. Even something originally ordained by God can become an idol if misused.
"He removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan." (2 Kings 18:4)
The bronze serpent, originally given by God for healing, became an idol to the people. In the same way, religious symbols can lead people away from the true focus of worship—God Himself.
III. God Desires a Spiritual Relationship, Not Physical Representations
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
"I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:33-34)
God’s desire is for His Word to be written on our hearts, not displayed in symbols or objects. Worship is about a spiritual connection with God, not physical representations.
IV. Christ Must Be Lord in Our HeartsTrue worship is about honoring Christ as Lord in our hearts, not through external symbols.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15)
Our faith is not displayed through objects but through our obedience, love, and devotion to Christ.
- Sermon on Overcoming Obstacles with Christ
- Sermon on The Power of Saving Faith Luke 7:50; Ephesians 2:8
- Sermon on Colossians 1:1-8 Rooted in the Gospel: Growing in Maturity
Conclusion:
We do not need religious symbols because God calls us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He desires our hearts, not physical representations. Let us focus on His Word, live in obedience, and sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. May we always remain faithful to His command and worship Him as He has instructed. Amen.
