The issue of whether it is wrong for Christians to have images or statues of Jesus is a complex one that has been debated for centuries. There are reasonable arguments on both sides. Ultimately, each Christian must examine the Bible and their conscience on this matter.
Some of the key considerations around this issue include:
1. The second commandment prohibition on images
The second of the Ten Commandments states:
“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. 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, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6)
This commandment prohibits the making of images or idols for worship. Historically, some Christians such as the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran traditions have understood this as only forbidding the worship of images, not their manufacture or possession. Other Christians, especially from the Reformed tradition, have seen this as more broadly prohibiting any images that attempt to represent God.
2. The Incarnation makes images theologically possible
A key theological concept is that Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). By taking on human nature and form, He makes it possible to represent God incarnate in image. The early church father John of Damascus wrote “When He who is bodiless and without form…existing in the form of God, empties Himself and takes the form of a servant in substance and in stature and is found in a body of flesh, then you draw His image…”
So in the view of some, images of Jesus are permissible and appropriate as He is the visible image of God. Images of God the Father or the Holy Spirit would remain prohibited.
3. Potential for idolatry and abuse
Historically, there have been concerns that image of Jesus could become idols and objects of worship. The 1530 Lutheran Augsburg Confession expressed concern that “images of Christ…are in danger of becoming idols.” Even non-worshipful use of images could become problematic if the image is viewed as having some divine power or protection.
There have certainly been times in church history where images slipped into idolatry, with people essentially worshipping the image. Clear guidance must be given that artwork is art and not an object of prayer or worship itself.
4. Value of art to educate and inspire
Religious art has played an important role in the history of the church to visually depict stories and concepts from Scripture. Images of biblical events and personalities can help make the stories come alive. Depictions of Jesus can reinforce that God became man and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
Reformer John Calvin acknowledged that images could have an educational function: “For I am not bound to adopt any other God than Him who has revealed Himself in His Word; and lest I should adopt any strange God, I here attend to that very Word, which can neither lie nor deceive. But since the manifestation of Him by which He has distinguished Himself by certain symbols, partakes of those types and figures whereby He promised to reveal Himself, and has now fulfilled what was promised, it is certain that the essence of the true God is there portrayed.”
5. Differences between denominations
Views on whether pictorial representations of Jesus are appropriate differ between Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church affirms the value of sacred art and images to help direct one’s devotion to Christ. Eastern Orthodox churches are filled with iconography that plays an important role in worship and prayer. Lutheran and Anglican churches also allow images and crucifixes. On the other hand, traditions like Anabaptists and Calvinists have been wary of religious imagery for fear of idolatry.
6. Matters of conscience and Christian freedom
Since there are reasonable perspectives on both sides of this issue, many conclude that it is a matter of individual conscience. Christians have freedom in Christ on issues not directly addressed by Scripture. Whatever one’s views on religious artwork, all Christians should affirm that God alone deserves our worship.
Romans 14 speaks of Christians disagreeing on various matters like holy days or food laws: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions…Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.” Respectful dialogue rather than judgment is often the best path forward on matters not central to the faith.
7. Purpose and attitude are key
More important than whether one has a picture of Jesus is one’s purpose and attitude toward it. If used intentionally for Christ-focused reflection and inspiration, artwork depicting Jesus can be beneficial for spiritual growth. But it should never become an object of obsession or unhelpful distraction.
Philippians 4:8 offers guidance: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This can help determine if a particular image reflects what is pure, lovely, and commendable about Jesus.
8. Liberty and limits
Romans 14:20-21 also provides wisdom: “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
While one may have freedom in Christ to use a religious image, care should be taken not to cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble. Liberty in questionable matters may need to be limited out of concern for others’ conscience.
9. Honor Christ above all
As Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In all matters of potential dispute between Christians, our highest goal is to honor Christ.
Rather than judge each other over debatable issues, we do well to extend grace while also wisely considering if our practices could wrongly impact others. Focusing on Jesus Christ and His life, death, and resurrection for our salvation should always remain central, whether or not one has religious artwork.
So in summary, there are good-faith reasons both for and against having pictures of Jesus. It is an issue over which believers can disagree, while still affirming core truths about Christ and the authority of Scripture.
