Expert: Brian Thompson - 12/16/2004

Question
My questions are about in the Bible it says "You shall not make yourselves any Idols:any images resembling animals, birds, or fish." Exodus 20:4 Why then is it I see the fish sign on the backs of cars? And, also, does this mean no crosses, statues of Jesus? Is all of this an Idol?
Also, I am not sure where right now, but, it does say Not to bring a tree into your home, hammer it with nails, and decorate with silver and gold, and have it as an Idol. Well, for century's now it has been an idol of Christmas. I know we don't worship the tree, but, it has been explained to me that on Christmas morning we get presents out from under the tree, and it looks like we are worshiping the tree. Is this wrong? And, when I ask people why we do these things they say, well, we don't live by the Old Testament.  Isn't the 10 comaments in the OT?

Answer
Hi Amy

Let's see if we can work through some of this. The Old Testament helps us to place the New Testament in context. From the Old Testament we learn of the existance of God, his relationship with the human race and the Israelites. The New testament teaches us about Jesus and God's message of love to us. Most of the early Christians had little or no access to Scripture but they were led by the Holy Spirit. The Ten Commandments is the command of God to the Jews and formed the basis of their Law and covenant with God. When the Church was formed, we have a new and different covenant, as a result the Apostles, led by the Holy Spirit, required a different standard for the gentiles.
Acts 15:19  "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
20  Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
21  For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."
22  Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.
23  With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.
24  We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.
25  So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul--
26  men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27  Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.
28  It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:
29  You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.


When Jesus died, He freed us who believe from the reproach of the Law. If you want to be bound up in legalism, just try to carry out all of the many Laws of the Jews contained in the Bible. Only Jesus was able to fulfill the Law, that is why He freed us from it. He didn't tell us to throw away our traditions, but He warned us about the danger of them. In other words, test everything but those who are led by the Spirit do not sin. They will not knowingly contravene the Ten Commandments, but if they do, they can be forgiven.

There is a big difference between a graven Image and a picture.  You can turn an image into an Idol and so you must be careful when using images for religious purposes. It should be no more than a reminder to you. Signs of recognition such as the fish symbol are not a graven image. If you carry this images thing to the extreme you will not watch television, or see another movie, or use a camera, and since images are everywhere in our society, you will be continually offended. I have had no need of "Sacred" Pictures or Statues since giving my life to Christ. When you have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you don't need these things. However, you should not be condemnatary about those who do.  We are told not to look down on those whose Faith is weak.  There is also a big difference between a Christmas Tree and an Idol, We do not bow down to the tree and worship it. If you are concerned don't place the gifts under the tree. It isn't the tree that gives the gifts. I'd be more concerned about the images of Santa Claus for young Children, they are certainly open to idolatory. God judges by the intent of the heart, not just by the outward appearance. Those who make an elaborate display of lights and so on are probally guilty of the sin of pride.

Remember that what we do at Chrismas is to celebrate the gift which God gave to us.