Abounding Grace: The Grace of the Law - Pure Worship

Sunday, we will consider the Second Commandment which focuses on the worship of God. This is a continuation of the first commandment where we respond to God’s self-giving devotion by our own self-giving commitment to him alone. In this commandment, God certainly warns against polytheistic idolatry. God’s people shouldn’t have other gods, and certainly shouldn’t carve images of other gods to worship or serve. This commandment also warns against carving or making images that represent the living God. Israel violates this commandment almost immediately in Exodus 32.

Moses has lingered long on Mount Sinai and the people grow discontent. They donate their golden earrings to make a golden calf and they gather to worship it as “Jehovah.” (Ex. 32:5) While that might seem unthinkable, we’re probably more like Israel than we realize. This commandment sets the paradigm of worshipping God in a manner that is acceptable to him, rather than one preferred by us. The catechism refers to violating this as “corrupting the worship of God.” (Larger Catechism, Q/A 109)

As we respond to God, we need to hear what he is saying about himself (inform), consider where we fall short (convince), and allow him to lead us to Christ (humble). Join us for worship Sunday as we consider the Second Commandment!