Symbols: Representations of Spiritual Truth

A symbol represents something real. The Bible is rich in metaphors and word pictures, using familiar, everyday objects and figurative language to make invisible spiritual truth visible and memorable.

What Symbols Are

A symbol represents or refers to something else by customary association, while a sign is informative and relates directly to objects or ideas; yet both are indicators and a vital means of communication. Prophecy, as in Revelation, also often contains figurative imagery. All imagery in the Old Testament is a visible representation of a New Testament principle.

Because God is Spirit, He communicates unseen realities through visible things. A symbol is never the reality itself — it is an aid that points beyond itself, helping finite minds grasp eternal truth.

Symbolism is an aid to understanding truth

Symbols Throughout Scripture

The rainbow is a symbolic, visible reminder that God will never again destroy the earth with water (Gen 9:12-17). The Old Testament altar symbolised the meeting place of God with humanity, while the ark symbolised the presence of God. A common Old Testament term for a prophet was a “man of God” who symbolically stood in the place of God and His presence.

The sacraments (bread and wine of communion) symbolise Christ’s body and blood given to redeem us; we are to take them in remembrance of His sacrifice for us (Lk 22:19). Water baptism symbolises our death to the old nature, and rising to new life in Christ (Rom 6:4).

When a person ‘walks with God’ they are living according to His holy character and obeying Him, living in harmony with His standards (Gen 6:9; Deut 10:12-13; Micah 6:8).

Symbols in Christian Life and Worship

Jesus used symbolism throughout His teaching, presenting Himself amongst others as a Shepherd and Door (Jn 10:7-14). The church has historically used the cross as a visual reminder of the Christian faith, with the Holy Spirit often represented as oil or a dove. Much of the form and procedures within any religion is based on symbolism; however, even in Christianity, what started as a vibrant practice can lose its significance and just become a lifeless ritual or custom devoid of life and meaning.

Parables can also be classed as symbolism. A parable is an extended word picture in which familiar, everyday elements — a sower, seed and soil, a shepherd and his sheep — symbolically represent spiritual realities (Mk 4:2,13,30-34). Like a symbol, the story points beyond itself to the truth it carries; Jesus taught the crowds in parables so that only those with hearts open to God would perceive what was hidden within them (Mt 13:10-13,34-35).

At the same time, take care not to read too much into symbols. Like a parable, a symbol carries a central truth, but not every detail in the picture is meant to be pressed for hidden meaning (Mt 13:18-23; 2 Tim 2:15). The task is to discern the main point the image conveys, rather than to force symbolic significance onto each of its parts.

Symbols can be valuable reminders of important events in our lives. Such objects are only aids or indicators and should not become idols, but point to the real thing of significance of which they are but a token. The Bible is clear that we are not to make any idols or images, which could become objects of worship (Ex 20:4-6). Lucky charms are superstitious objects worn by some non-believers; these symbols have no power in themselves, they only point to what they represent.

Reflection and Application

Let familiar symbols remind you of the spiritual realities they represent.
Keep practices of faith vibrant worship rather than lifeless ritual.
Refuse to let any symbol, image or charm take the place of God Himself.
Walk with God daily so that your life visibly represents His holy character.