2 commandment violation...?

[NaphtaliPress]

I am pretty sure the Westminster assembly in Larger Catechsim 109, did not have in mind addressing "how" we think, but of creating unlawful images in our minds. We have to control such imaginings per the seventh commandment, so with the second. Before an artisan makes an idol, he no doubt has imagined it in his mind first. I expect we have a harder time of it now because our minds have been so flooded with detailed images from books, TV, movies, etc.

If you're reading the gospels and think of a man walking on water, is that a violation of the 2nd commandment? Or is it more if you are thinking of Jesus in specific detail?

If it is the former, how can you read the gospels and think about what is happening? Thanks.

 

[Tirian]

If you're reading the gospels and think of a man walking on water, is that a violation of the 2nd commandment? Or is it more if you are thinking of Jesus in specific detail?

If it is the former, how can you read the gospels and think about what is happening? Thanks.

Greetings! In relation to your last question, I dont understand why dwelling on the physical attributes of Christ is important to be able to think about and grasp an understanding of what is happening. When Christ turned the water to wine we dont ponder what he looked like, but rather dwell on what He was doing. The miracle declared He was the Messiah and becomes the focal point, not His stature/appearance. Even if you attempt visualise what it might have been like at a wedding feast at that time in history I think it can and must stay abstracted from the physical attributes of Christ in that setting (other than He was there, and did all of what is recorded in scripture).

Matt

 

[DonP]

If you're reading the gospels and think of a man walking on water, is that a violation of the 2nd commandment? Or is it more if you are thinking of Jesus in specific detail?

If it is the former, how can you read the gospels and think about what is happening? Thanks.

Greetings! In relation to your last question, I dont understand why dwelling on the physical attributes of Christ is important to be able to think about and grasp an understanding of what is happening. When Christ turned the water to wine we dont ponder what he looked like, but rather dwell on what He was doing. The miracle declared He was the Messiah and becomes the focal point, not His stature/appearance. Even if you attempt visualise what it might have been like at a wedding feast at that time in history I think it can and must stay abstracted from the physical attributes of Christ in that setting (other than He was there, and did all of what is recorded in scripture).

Matt

I agree, I think He is Christ the Lord now and no longer should we seek to hold onto Him as the man Jesus in that casual sense so many today do.
Sure He is eternally man and God, but don't you think we should be praying to Christ the Lord who understands our flesh, more than our friend and brother Jesus seeking to relate to Him as if He is still a man?


John 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them,'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"
NKJV

 

[Tirian]

...don't you think we should be praying to Christ the Lord who understands our flesh, more than our friend and brother Jesus seeking to relate to Him as if He is still a man?

Indeed, we pray to the Majestic King of Kings, Lord of Lords -our great High Priest and Saviour.

Heb 4:13-16 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (14) Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Matt