The Artistry and Beauty of God's Creation

 "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" _ Romans 1:19-20

 {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge." _ Psalm 19:1-2 ,  See also: _ 2 Chronicles 3:1-2  and _ 1 Kings 6:1-4 

 "The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 3 His work is honourable and glorious:and his righteousness endureth for ever 4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered:"_ Psalm 111:2-4

   { Bezaleel and Oholiab the Craftsmen: } "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. 6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;" _Exodus 31:1-6 ,  See also: _ Exodus 25:1-40,  _Exodus 40:1-33  and _Hebrews 9:1-10

  { Materials for the Tabernacle: } "And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, 5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, 6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, 7 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, 8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense, 9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate." _ Exodus 35:4-9

 "Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work." _Exodus 35:35

   ART was used as the Bible Account for the uneducated community in both the Old Testament and New Testament Times. It continues Today around the World. By Looking at Drawings, Paintings, Sculptures, Carvings, Stained Glass, and other forms of Art, the People who could Not read learned about Creation, God, the Saints, and about the life of Christ, the Gospel, and the basic information of Christianity.

   IN the Ancient Times, God instructed the intricate Building, Carvings, and Design of the Temples, Artifacts, and Garments. This is because Beauty, one of the transcendent Qualities of God, cannot be put into Words; it must be Seen.

   VISUAL help by Signs and Symbols, like the Fish, Anchor, and Cross, were used Through most of Christian history to establish Christian identity. Stories from the Old and New Testaments were brought to life in narrative Illustrations filled with enlightening Shapes and Beautiful colors.

   EVEN the Architectural Design of the Church Building was used to Instruct the Faithful who Couldn't Read. The Crucifix was a Reminder of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. Everywhere one looked there was a Visible, Material Art as a reminder of the fundamental Christian truth communicated Without words.

   ALSO this page contains Commentary and Different Viewpoints- Pro and Con - from Artists and Other Sources of the use of Bible Art.

      Commentary Message About
             Pictures of Jesus
                           by
 Artist/Writer: Danny Hahlbohm

                  Jan 2010
              Inspired Art

"You know, 40 years ago when I was on tour with my Christian artwork, led by the Lord for His glory and honor, I use to get similar questions frequently.

 "How do you know what Jesus looks like?"

"Jesus does not have long hair."

  "Jesus was black."

  "Jesus had curly hair." 

 The list goes on but it seems everyone has their own personal take on what Jesus looks like.

 I even had some tell me exactly what you described, that using pictures of Jesus is Idolatry!

 All I can tell you is, when I was in my 20's one day after work (I worked selling fruits and vegetables then), I came home and fell on my knees in my basement being over whelmed by the Holy Spirit and God's love.  It was so wonderful I wept like a baby. When I finally got my composure I looked up toward Heaven and I asked Him, "Lord you are so good to me, your love is so wonderful. Let me do something for you Lord."

 God's answer (loud and quite clear)...  use the talent I gave you.  From then on (over 40 years ago) as they say, is history.

 Have I personally ever seen Jesus? No

 Had I been given direct specifications on what he looks like to paint Him? No.

 Does it matter if my portrait of Christ is technically accurate to create Him in a painting so it will bless others? ... No.

 In all the conversations I had with others (mentioned here above) once they expressed their point of view I asked them, "Well, what do you see Jesus looking like?"   To which a multitude of answers and descriptions emerged each time. Once they had explained their point of view I would usually say. "You're probably right."

  Of course they would be shocked at my answer and add: "Well why don't you paint him that way then?"   My final reply would be, "We each see Jesus as we want Him to be in our mind. Tall, short, muscular, thin, dark hair, wavy hair, white, black..... it all doesn't matter how we see Him... the important thing is, that we see Him!" 

 Christ is everything to everyone, it would not surprise me in the least if we all saw Him looking differently in heaven yet in truth He would be as He always has... King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

  I have painted Christ hundreds of times over my 40+ year career and each time He is a little different.  To me it is more about recognizing and feeling Christ in a painting then simply being accurate in a facial description. I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and direct my hand, and not just in painting alone.  I pray over my paintings that they will bless a home when hung up. It is a visual reminder of Christ in our lives. 

 If we were to say "any picture of Christ is wrong and only represents idolatry" then we had better not have any pictures of our family or loved ones either.  We carry our family photos because our loved ones are dear to our heart, special to us, cherished.  And so it is with our pictures of our most blessed loved one Christ himself.

   None the less, the Bible states that we should do all things as unto the Lord and if a brother or sister is offended by pictures of the Lord then so be it.  If it is a stumbling block for them then I will respect their point of view without forcing the issue or mocking them for what they feel in their heart.  

   Even though God specifically told Peter it was ok to eat all things given from God not just some as the Jews believed, still God said to respect their view point if it is a stumbling block to them and not push the issue. Same holds true here.

   Final point if I may...

   I love being surrounded by the presence of God;  Being reminded of Christ in various places I go into or in shops where I buy. Actually it would deeply sadden my heart to think I would have to be in a world where pictures of Christ were outlawed and forbidden.

   If we can praise him in song, then we can praise Him visually as well.

   Let all things praise and give honor unto the Lord!  Amen."

   WE recently corresponded with a wonderful Bible artist, Bill Stephens of  Bill Stephens Digital Art, who told us why he stopped painting pictures of the face of Jesus.  Now he feels very strongly about this.   In one email to us, he shared his strong viewpoint. It's good to show different opinions - even though we don't always agree.

   HE said he previously painted pictures of Jesus until he spoke with the late well-know pastor, Vernon Magee, who told him that he was guilty of making graven images with his early art.  At first he thought that it was just his opinion, but a few years later, he said the Lord let him know  that he was indeed guilty.   Now perhaps He Misunderstood, but it Made a Difference.   Since then, he said he has Never put a Face to the Lord again in his Art."

   SEE his below Commentary that he Wrote for us to show the Other Viewpoint on"Using Pictures of Jesus in Art."

  In general, Art is made to portray the images and colors of the world around us. There is Art made to explore creativity, and who knows what is next or even what it may represent. Then there is Art which tries to communicate something to all who see it. Biblical Art is the most serious attempt at artistic communication. Generally, biblical Art has consisted of pictures of ?Jesus?, or maybe Noah?s ark. But then there is the most difficult, ?picturing? theology (that which is true about the Lord).

   An artist may be likened onto a song writer. Rare is the songwriter who is also a teacher of the Bible. And rare is indeed an artist who is a serious teacher of the Bible. Because of this, biblical Art is often not correct. When we look at all the pictures of the face of Christ, one must wonder which one is correct. The truth is.... none of them, because you can?t make a picture of anyone?s face that you have never seen. When an artist does that,  they actually are ?misrepresenting? the Lord, for the Lord is very serious about being represented correctly.  

   Perhaps the most famous biblical painting was done by Michelangelo where the creator reaches down to touch the finger of Adam. Is that a  ?biblical painting?? Adam looks good, but when the artist took the liberty to show the Creator as an old bearded man, he lost all biblical reasoning. It all makes you wonder what biblical paintings the Lord really approved of.

   That is why I painted my favorite biblical art piece called "Amazing Grace". I've been told it's my most powerful art.In the painting it shows the hand of the Lord on the cross as the blood drips down from the nail in His wrist.  There is a violent storm raging in the background, and there is a little human fetus nestled in His mighty hand. Such a painting tells the viewer Who it is, What He is doing, and Whom He is doing it for. This is true biblical painting in which theology is not only correct, but it speaks in the most powerful way possible. 

   Art can communicate to anyone, and it can be the most powerful communicator. It can also be just another  ?pretty picture?. What an artist produces reveals who they are and what they see as being important to them. It?s up to the artist what they are willing to be remembered for . This is true for us all in whatever we may ?produce? with our lives. 

-  Blessings.

   IN the Scriptures, God says for us Not to Worship Graven Images, Statues, Leaders, anything or anyone other than God Himself.  This was because throughout the Ancient Times, and even Still in our own Modern Times, people of various Religions and Beliefs have worshiped many Gods or Idols instead of the One True God.

   IT is Important to Note that it Doesn't have to be a Statue for us to worship or idolize something over God.  It can be Money, another Person, a Pet, our Hobby, a Sport, a Goal, or even Self.  It can be Anything that we put before God. 

   THE text of the Ten Commandments according to the Book of Exodus begins: "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 3 You must not have any other god but me. 4 You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." _ Exodus 20:2-5

   JESUS came to Earth as the Incarnation of God, The Lord in Human Form, for Many important Reasons. He came to experience all of the Joys, Temptations, Pains, and Sorrows of mankind and to Show that He was able to Overcome sin and that He truly Understands our Challenges as Humans. He was an Example for us to Strive to Match and showed us what it meant to be a Servant of Others.

   HE also came to Us as a real Human Person so that We Might Relate to Him and Touch Him and See Him and Talk to Him. He Spoke in different Languages so people could Understand Him. Jesus was Unassuming and Average looking so All races could feel Close to Him. He taught the Scriptures and gave Sermons about what God expects of us. He sent forth the Apostles and Disciples to carry on His Word throughout the Land.

   THE Lord, Christ Jesus, wanted Us to See Him.   As the Only Sinless Human, He gave His Blood for Us as a Sacrifice and Atonement to Pay Our Penalty to Cover our Sins so All might have Salvation.  He Died, was Buried and, after three days, was Resurrected into a New Eternal Body that was Different but eventually Recognizable. He kept the Scars of His Crucifixion - Nail Holes in His hands and feet  and the Cut into his side from the Roman Sword - so that People could see and Believe.

   HE was able to Appear in and leave a room Without using a door and people were able to See these events. The Disciple Thomas even had to touch the wounds of Jesus to Believe - hense the term 'Doubting Thomas'.

"Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, 'We have seen the Lord.' So he said to them, 'Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' " _ John 20:24-25

"And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, 'Peace to you!' 27 Then He said to Thomas, 'Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.' 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!' " _ John 20:26-28

   PEOPLE by nature Desire to See before they have Faith. This is why We feel an Art based Bible Website will be Helpful to Get People started. 

   GOD asks us to have Faith even though we cannot See. We Teach The Scriptures and Guide People to The Bible and many Great learning Resources so they will gradually Understand - which should Lead them to Research and Learn on their Own. The Point is to Encourage getting into the Word in the First Place. Visual Art is Important.

Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." _  John 20:29

   ALSO,  Jesus visited with and Appeared to over 500 People after His Resurrection to Show that We may be able to be Given a new Resurrected Body like His also. He was Raptured into the Clouds in View of Many. People Painted and Wrote and Spoke about what they had Seen, and passed it on to future Generations. Visual Proof was Important in God's plan. 

   WE sincerely feel we are Honoring and Remembering and Sharing Jesus through Art. So we have included select works of many Christian and Biblical Artists that portray good non-ethnic depictions of Jesus. It is also valuable Visual Biblical History and a way to share His Messages.

   HUMANS learn in Different ways, and Pictures are important too as well as Writing and Word-of-Mouth teaching.

   IN this day, there are fewer and fewer People studying the Bible, or they are attending Churches that have Watered Down the Holy Scriptures. Many other Lands have People that do not have a Personal Relationship with Jesus, Do Not Believe, or can't even Read.

   WE see a need to Encourage all People to get back into the Word of God while there is still time. Visual Art is an Optional way of reaching People to help Lead them to Learn the Truth. The Internet Age can help those in Countries with access to Technology and Cellphones.

  THERE was a sermon on the radio by a Pastor who feels Bible Art is good, say that Jesus likely never told His Disciples not to tell anyone what He looked like. That is a good point. (See other Reference Links on this Subject below.)

   WE feel that Looking at Beautiful Fine Art depictions of Jesus only Reminds us of God and our Love for Him and of His Love for us. It can snap us back from the Challenges of Daily Life. We don't know of anyone who "worships" a Picture of Jesus. And, we do not think this is what God meant as he was talking to those worshiping other Idols and gods before Him.

   EVEN though we don't feel it's Important for us to know what Jesus looked like, it's understandable interest and brings us closer.

   PEOPLE by nature Desire to See before they have Faith. This is why We feel an Art based Bible Website will be Helpful to Get People started. 

   GOD asks us to have Faith even though we cannot See. We Teach The Scriptures and Guide People to The Bible and many Great learning Resources so they will gradually Understand - which should Lead them to Research and Learn on their Own. The Point is to Encourage getting into the Word in the First Place. Visual Art is Important.

Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." _  John 20:29

   ALSO,  Jesus visited with and Appeared to over 500 People after His Resurrection to Show that We may be able to be Given a new Resurrected Body like His also. He was Raptured into the Clouds in View of Many. People Painted and Wrote and Spoke about what they had Seen, and passed it on to future Generations. Visual Proof was Important in God's plan. 

  JESUS walked amongs the people in His new Resurrected Body so they could See. His Beaten Body was replaced by His new Eternal body. This gives us Hope for those of us who are Beaten, Aged, and Imperfect. Jesus Promised that, someday, we we have New Eternal bodies also like His. The most Important factor is Where we will spend this Eternity.

   THE rituals of our Catholic brothers and sisters of bowing to the Cross or Statue of Jesus may not be worshiping Idols, but we feel this practice may be close to Pushing the Limit as many seem to think of the statue as alive. As long as a person is aware that this is just Reverance and in Reminder - and it is just a statue - it may be acceptable to God because it's not another god.

   SO perhaps the Worship of Mary, Prayers to Saints, Worship of the Pope, and even Confession to Priests is surely unacceptable to God.  He wants us to have a Personal Relationship with Him alone.  For More Information and Resources on this Subject: Visit Tab Page:  World Faiths, Religions, & Beliefs.

   ALSO, one Pastor's Sermon mentioned that Jesus was Resurrected to Heaven to be with His Father and is No Longer on the Cross.  He was Victorious Over the Cross.    Although it is good through Art to show History, a statue of Jesus still on the Cross is not recognizing the fact that he is No Longer There.  Again, it could be acceptable to God as long as it's just in Rememberance - we can't say. 

   IF you are of the Catholic Religion, we hope that you are Willing to Learn more so you can Understand the Viewpoint of non-Catholics and Perhaps be Regenerated in the Right Direction.

  WHILE we Should Never Condemn Others - especially other Christian Believers, we must Minister to all other Faiths when we can.  So it's important to be solidly Educated in their Beliefs and Practices so we can Share and Teach with Love.

"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" _ Matthew 17:5

Here are 4 key points:

   From late antiquity to the Counter-Reformation, Western art was essentially the art of the church 1.

   Christian art could be found in private homes, churches, and public spaces1.
Church art serves as an educational tool to teach biblical stories and concepts to the faithful 2.

   Artists were highly valued by the Church and employed to create religious works of art and architecture 3.

   The emergence of Christian art in the early church was influenced by the importance of images in Greco-Roman culture 4.