Catholic Idolatry

As mentioned under Catholics and Reprobate works is the Catholic usage of John 3:14 to authorize the use of statues and relics.

Joh 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

The Catholic usage is that Moses made a relic of a snake and that is the usage here, then to make a relic of Christ and put it on a pole. But the word lifted up is more of exalting vs physically lifting. Moses did not just lift the snake physically but did so in a way that the people were drawn to look to the snake for salvation.

Also making the image occurred before the serpent was lifted up. Exalted doesn't mean made. Since Christ was made flesh and then resurrected already, we have no need to remake him. He was exalted on the cross by the Father.

The word lifted up is translated exalted 10 times in the New Testament. It is obviously a direct reference to the Cross in 3 specific instances.

John 3:14

John 8:28

John 12:32

Joh 12:32

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

Joh 12:33

He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

In these passages Jesus uses the term for being lifted on the cross. It was not used of us building relics of him, but Jesus physically being lifted himself, and through the public spectacle being exalted for all to look upon in faith.

It is the height of blasphemy to turn the actual physical death of Christ into idolatry. There is no power in a relic whereas the actual death on the Cross is effectual and powerful.

There is also a parallel thought between John 3:14-15 and John 12:32,

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

will draw all people to myself."

Of course Jesus used preaching along with miracles through the early church to effectually draw people to himself. It is a reference to Christ being raised and his subsequent work, how can he draw people unless he came to life again. A reference to his on going work after his death.

The idea isn't us using idols to produce faith in others, for in this group of passages it is the Jews that will be physically lifting, and Jesus will be the one drawing the people. Such as John 8:28, the Jews then present will be those lifting up Christ not later generations of Christians.

Joh 8:28

So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught

It makes no sense that the Jewish group crucifying Christ are going to, in the same act, be referred to as making relics to exalt him.

Also, the same word for lifted up when translated "exalt", is used of God exalting us, I doubt it means God at that time will make a relic of us. See

Jas 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

If tieing these passages to relics is seductive idolatry, it is clear Catholics actually look at their relics in faith seeing power in them and believing departed spirits inhabit them, what motive would keep Catholics using the passage as they do? You can look at Demetrius the Silversmith who made his living from relics, there is a lot of money to be made through relics.

Act 19:25

These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.

 Plus, admitting they were wrong would cast doubt upon Catholic authenticity.

It is true that relics and crosses identify us with Christ, but such passages have no mention of us making such to wear. Plus as mentioned they are offensive to many religions who keep the commandments of Moses.

Plus we must realize that Paul taught God does not dwell in temples made with hands, and we are (The Church) the temple of God through the indwelling Spirit.

Act 17:24

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,

Though Jesus instituted emblems in the Lord Supper to remember his death, there is no mention of mans own creative relics in Christian worship.