Although Christ assumed human nature, yet he did not on that account assume it in order to provide a model for carvers and painters. He denied that he had come “to abolish the law and the prophets” (Matthew 5:17). But images are forbidden by the law and the prophets” (Deuteronomy 4:15; Isaiah 44:9). He denied that his bodily presence would be profitable for the Church, and promised that he would be near us by his Spirit forever (John 16:7). Who, therefore, would believe that a shadow or likeness of his body would contribute any benefit to the pious? (2 Corinthians 5:5). Since he abides in us by his Spirit, we are therefore the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). But “what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:16).
Copied from The Second Helvetic Confession, Chapter four.
