Angel Statues in Church: Idolatry or Decoration?

Exodus 20:4

4 You shall not make to you any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

It is indeed not in harmony with divine counsel to have angel statues, even as Christmas decorations, in your church 🕊️. God's word and inspired writings offer clear guidance on the proper worship of Him and caution against practices that can lead to idolatry or distract from true spiritual devotion.

The Second Commandment and Image Worship

The commandment given in ** Exodus 20:4**, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth," is a fundamental principle of God's law. This command is not only against bowing down to or praying to images, but also against making any image that humanity might try to liken to the Creator or any creature to represent God, or be associated in any way with His worship2SAT 182.4+3. Historically, this commandment was omitted from the law by the Roman Catholic Church, and the adoration of images and relics was gradually introduced into Christian worship as a substitute for idol worship, which completed a system of "popish idolatry"2SAT 182.4+2.

Understanding Idolatry Beyond Bowing

While you are confident that your church staff does not bow down or pray to these statues, it is important to understand that idolatry encompasses a broader scope. An idol is anything that human beings love and trust in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their Maker. Whatever earthly thing people desire and trust in as having power to help them and do them good, can lead them away from God and become an idol. Anything that divides the affections or takes away from the soul the supreme love of God, or intervenes to prevent unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the character and form of an idol in the soul temple8MR 78.2. Satan aims to plant his own throne through idolatry, intercepting every ray of light from God and appropriating the worship due to HimRH October 22, 1895, par. 2+1.

Even well-intentioned representations of heavenly things, such as angels or Christ, can be problematic. Many pictures made to represent heavenly things are considered "grossly false as far as truth is concerned," and it is suggested that the mind would have "clearer, more perfect ideas of angels, of Christ, of all spiritual things, if no pictures were made to represent heavenly things"15MR 114.3. Spending money on such visual representations is even described as a "species of idolatry" and making "picture-idols," which can help Satan "eclipse heaven from our view"15MR 115.3+1. Instead, it is Christ's likeness that should be kept before the mindMYP 316.3.

Counsel on Church Decoration and Outward Appearance

Divine counsel also warns against relying on outward display and ornamentation in the church. When a church depends on "parade, ceremonies, and display," it often indicates that "inward holiness is wanting" and is used "to conceal spiritual poverty and apostasy." This practice is likened to "following in the footsteps of Rome," depending on ornaments and shrines rather than Christ, the divine Teacher12MR 220.3. The use of church ornamentation is even referred to as an "old trick of Satan," a pitfall that the Jewish church and the Romish church experiencedGC88 386.3.

For Christians, the emphasis is on inner spiritual adornment. We are encouraged to be neat and trim in our outward appearance, but "without adornment"6T 355.2. The "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" is considered of "inestimable value" and "great price" in God's sight, far surpassing gold, pearls, or costly attireDG 154.2+9. Extravagance and needless ornamentation, whether in personal dress or in church buildings, divert means that should be used for God's cause and missionary work6MR 138.1+14.

Christmas and Honoring God

While Christmas is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, it should be an occasion to honor and glorify God, not for worldly festivities, gluttony, extravagance, or self-indulgenceAH 480.3+13. The custom of spending thousands of dollars on gifts for friends often gratifies vanity, encourages pride, and can lead to dissatisfaction, diverting funds from God's cause21MR 223.3+10.

Instead, Christmas can be made a "precious season" by bringing gifts and offerings to God's treasury to advance His cause, especially missionsMMM 364.38+21. The purpose of celebrating Christ's birth should be to adore Jesus as the Son of the infinite God, rather than allowing any practices that could lead to idolatryEGWSROCHG 1.3.

Conclusion

Therefore, placing angel statues, even for decoration, in a place of worship for Christmas would not align with the clear principles of God's word and inspired counsel. It risks introducing elements that are cautioned against as unnecessary ornamentation, potential distractions, and even "picture-idols" that draw attention away from the true spiritual worship of God. It is a time for "undivided affections" for God and "separation from all idols, large or small"1888 778.2+1. Let us focus our efforts on cultivating inward holiness and directing our resources to the advancement of God's kingdom, keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Him alone 🙏.