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Begin wherever your curiosity leads. The studies will be here when you’re ready. When I shared my first Matthew study on Facebook today, I mentioned that I planned to post daily, though I might not share every post on Facebook. As I continue setting up this blog, I’ve realized that what matters most to me is making my past studies available for anyone who wants to explore them. For now, I’ll be adding posts to my heart’s content as I work through those studies. Some days that may mean one post; other days it may mean several. I’ll continue reading through and preparing each one before sharing it. There is no need to keep up with everything as it appears. This blog is becoming a place you can browse at your own pace—begin with a book, a question, or a study that interests you, and follow from there. The Bible Books page gathers studies by book, while Study Threads helps connect topics that travel through more than one book. The labels on individual posts also bring related material to...
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11. False Christs: Whose Image Are We Following?

God’s Image Study — Inside the Mind — Where the Word Leads

We began this study with a warning about false christs.

We return now to the second commandment with a question:

Are we receiving the image YHWH (יהוה) reveals—or following a representation people have made?

What is being claimed?

Jesus warns:

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

— Matthew 24:5

They come in His name.

That detail matters. A claim carrying His name must still be examined.

Throughout this study, we have followed anointing, indwelling, the body of Christ, and the conduct that expresses that relationship. Paul connects belonging to Christ with having the Spirit of Christ. He calls people to examine whether Christ is within them. Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 13:5

The comparison developed here identifies a false christ as a counterfeit presentation of Christ: claiming His anointing, presence, and representation where that claimed relationship is absent.

Someone says Christ is within.

A congregation says it is His body.

Those words present a relationship to others. If the relationship is falsely claimed, the representation is false.

Being taught to repeat the claim does not make it true. We must understand what we are saying—and examine it.

What are people being shown?

Paul describes Christ’s body as many members joined through one Spirit. Those considered weaker are necessary. Those receiving less honor deserve care. The members share suffering and rejoicing. 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

The relationship has an expression.

Our earlier questions about clothing, fruit, partiality, correction, and love belong here. What does our conduct reveal about the presence we claim?

In Matthew 15, Jesus confronts tradition that sets aside God’s commandment. His warning about blind guides follows that confrontation. Recognized religious standing does not establish clear sight—and those following a blind guide share the consequences. Matthew 15:1–14

We therefore examine both the representation offered to us and the representation we offer others.

Returning to the second commandment

The commandment begins:

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…”

It continues:

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them…”

— Exodus 20:4–6

Notice the movement:

Making an image → bowing to it → serving it.

The explicit command concerns making images and giving them worship. Our study brings that warning alongside the question of counterfeit spiritual representation.

Can we also construct an understanding of Christ around our preferences, protect it from examination, and give it the allegiance that belongs to Him?

Paul’s warning about someone preaching another Jesus shows why the question matters. Familiar religious language can accompany a distorted presentation. 2 Corinthians 11:3–4

Exodus supplies a striking comparison. After making the calf, Aaron announces a feast to YHWH (יהוה). The use of His name did not make the manufactured image faithful to Him. Exodus 32:4–5

A sacred name does not make a false representation true.

Receiving the image

Colossians identifies Christ as the image of the invisible God. That directs our attention to the one through whom God is revealed. Colossians 1:15

The question becomes personal:

Am I allowing Scripture to correct the image I hold?

Does my treatment of others reflect the Christ I profess?

When something challenges my understanding, do I examine it—or defend what I have made?

These questions apply to the writer as well as the reader. This study, too, must remain open to examination through Scripture.

The second commandment brings us back to allegiance. Its closing words connect love for YHWH (יהוה) with keeping His commandments. Exodus 20:6

As this study closes, the question remains:

Whose image are we following—and whose image are we presenting to others?

Threads to Follow

  • No form seen → no likeness manufactured: Read Deuteronomy 4:12–19. How does the surrounding account explain the warning against making an image?

  • Idols within → a stumbling block before us: Follow Ezekiel 14:1–8. What does the language of idols in the heart invite us to examine?

  • Beholding → being changed: Compare 2 Corinthians 3:16–18. How does receiving revelation differ from constructing a representation?

  • The true one → guarding against idols: Read 1 John 5:20–21 together. How does the closing warning connect with the understanding described immediately before it?

The books were opened…

🌿 By Maria Emilia

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