Proper Christian Dress

June 19, 2018 by John J. Grosboll

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Not all the topics in the Bible are of equal importance. The cross of Jesus is the
central attraction of the Christian religion. It is the topic of paramount importance.
If you do not understand the cross, then you do not understand the basis of the
Christian religion. The law of God is also very important. It was because the law
was broken that Jesus had to go to the cross. That makes the law of extreme
consequence. The subject of this article, dress and adornment, is not as
important as the cross, or the law or the Sabbath, and the apostles and the
prophets did not dwell on it at length. Ellen White also distinctly said that is
should not be made a test question. You are probably wondering, then, why I am
writing this article. Here are the reasons I choose to write on this topic:

1. Many people will lose their souls over this issue.

2. Jesus, the apostles and the prophets did preach and write about it,
although they did not make it a major issue.
3. Many Christians, including many attending Adventist Churches, have
never heard this subject preached about. Some have concluded that since
they have never heard it preached about, it does not really matter. That is
not true.
4. Some have concluded that historic Adventists do not believe or teach what
inspiration says about dress, because it is preached about so seldom.
I have been thinking about this subject for years and saying to myself, “I have to
say something about it.” In order to have a clear conscience, I want to share with
you what the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy have to say about dress and
adornment. Because so many ministers have been afraid to speak on this
subject, God’s professed people are in a backslidden condition on the issue of
dress. Ministers then, are partly to blame for this sad state. The apostle Paul said
to the elders of the church at Ephesus, “I have not failed to declare to you all the
counsel of God.” If I am going to declare to you all the counsel of God, I have to
write something about dress and adornment.

First of all, let us begin by looking at some verses that contain the basic
principles of how Christians should dress. Ephesians 5:25 says: “Husbands, love
your wives, just as Christ also loves the church and gave Himself for her, that He
might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He
might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any
such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
What is it referring to when it says it should be without spots or wrinkles? It is
talking about our clothes. Clothing in the Bible is a symbol of a person’s
character, but this applies to our physical clothes as well. We should do our best
to keep our clothes without spots and wrinkles, just as we want our character’s to
be. This leads us to principle number one.

Cleanliness

Just before God came and gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, He
gave them instructions about their clothes. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to
the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their
clothes.’ ” Exodus 19:10. [Emphasis supplied.]
This is the first principle about dress and adornment in the Bible. No matter what
our economic level is, we can be clean. If you are a Christian, you are a son or a
daughter of the King, and the King whose you are said, “I want you to be clean. I
want your clothes to be clean and without spots or wrinkles.”

Neatness & Order

The second principle is found in John 20, and shows us an example from the life
of Christ. “He [John], stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths laying
there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into
the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had
been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a
place by itself.” John 20:5–7.

When Jesus arose on Sunday morning, He had a great deal to accomplish. All of
His disciples were discouraged and depressed, and He needed to comfort them
and show them that He was alive. He also had to go back to His Father in
heaven to see that His sacrifice was accepted. Yet, the Creator and the Majesty
of heaven took time before He walked out of that tomb to fold His grave clothes.
Do you think that if you and I are Christians we should learn anything from that?
Notice what it says in the next verse. “Then the other disciple who came to the
tomb went in also and he saw and believed.” John 20:8. When John looked into
the tomb and saw the clothes neatly folded he knew Jesus had been there. How
did he know? Because he had been with Him for three years and he knew how
orderly Jesus was.

Order is a basic Christian principle in regard to dress. If I am striving to follow

Christ, I will not throw my things about, and I will not leave them in a disheveled
array. I will bring order even into the way I deal with my clothes, just as Jesus
did.

As a parent, does that give me insights about how I should teach my children?
Our children can learn about order, even when they are small. They may not be
able to fold clothes as neatly as an adult, or clean their rooms as perfectly, but
they can learn neatness and order in everything they do.

Modesty

After Adam and Eve sinned, they made themselves clothing by sewing together
fig leaves. When God came down to talk with them He was not impressed with
their fig-leaf garments. In fact, He would not accept them. “Also for Adam and his
wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21. Why did
He need to clothe them? Were they not clothed before? They had on fig-leaf
garments, but God said, “You are not clothed. I am going to make you some
clothes that will really clothe you.” So, the Lord made clothing of sheepskins for
them.

Today, when we use the word “naked,” we mean not having a stitch of clothing
on. In the Bible, the word “naked” simply means that you are not adequately
clothed. Let me illustrate. God gave Moses special instructions about the priests
clothing. He said, “And you shall make for them [the priests] linen trousers to
cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs. They shall
be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or
when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, that they do not
incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants
after him.” Exodus 28:42, 43.
Aaron and his sons were not “naked,” as we would use the word, they had robes
on already. But the Lord said, “That is not enough.” He instructed them to wear
clothes that completely covered their bodies. If they came before Him without
being fully clothed, they would die.

Another illustration of this point is in John 21:7: “Therefore that disciple whom
Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ Now when Simon Peter heard that it
was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), [the Greek
word used here says he was naked] and plunged into the sea.” Now, Peter had
not taken off all of his clothes to go fishing that night, he had just taken off his
outer garment. But he did not want to be in the presence of the Lord without his
outer garment on. There are a lot of Christians today who come into the
presence of the Lord, like Adam and Eve, with only fig-leaf garments on. The
Lord says to them, “You are naked.”

Paul counseled women especially about modesty: “In like manner also, that the
women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not
with broided hair or gold pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women
professing godliness, with good works.” 1Timothy 2:9, 10.

In simple terms, what does modesty mean? It means that your body (torso) is
covered. According to Bible standards, we must have our body covered so
people cannot see it. Suppose I put on clothing that you can see through. Am I
clothed? No. If I put on clothing that is so tight that you can study my anatomy,
even though it has cloth over the top of it, am I clothed? No, I am the same as
Adam and Eve with those fig leaves on.

If my clothing in any way allows people to have a peek at my body, it is not

modest. If a dress allows you, in any position, to see a person’s body, it is
immodest. That means that a dress should be below the knees, or in some body
positions the body will be visible, and that is forbidden in Exodus 28.

Do you think I am being too specific? Friend, the Christian religion is very
specific, because God wants the very best for us in all the details of life. That is
why God’s counsel is so specific on the dress issue. I do not have to tell you that
we are living in a very wicked age and time. Our daughters are especially in
danger. I pray every time my daughter goes to Wichita. But we have something
to do besides pray. Ellen White told us that a woman who was dressed in modest
apparel would be protected from a thousand evils. Isn’t our God merciful to give
us specific rules to save us from such heartache?
Men and Women Should Look Different

“A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on
a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 22:5. That is specific. Why were we given that instruction? Ellen
White said that if there is confusion between the sexes, it results in a great
increase in crime. We can certainly see that today.

In brief then, this principle says that when people see you they should be able to
tell immediately if you are a man or a woman. The way you wear your clothes,
the way you wear your hair, and your total appearance should leave them with no
doubts.

Good Quality but Not Costly

Jesus had clothing that was of high quality and was durable. That is why the
soldiers at His crucifixion cast lots for His garments. (See John 19:23.) But Jesus
did not dress with the adornments of Babylon, and His children will not dress that
way either. So many people today have cast aside God’s counsel on this issue,
but there will be some who have their garments ready when Jesus comes,
according to Revelation 16:15. “Behold, I am coming as a thief.

Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked [have a
fig-leaf garment on] and they see his shame.”

Throughout the Bible, garments are a symbol of character. “Let us be glad and
rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife
has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation
19:7, 8. If I am modest in character, I will wear modest clothing. If I am meek and
humble, I will not dress to make a display. My clothing will be durable and neat,
but plain and not gaudy.
The Bible tells us not to wear expensive clothing. If I love my neighbor as myself,
I will not spend money for expensive clothing when there are other people who
do not have enough. Part of the commendation that Jesus will give to His
followers who are saved is recorded in Matthew 25. It says: “Come, you blessed
of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me
drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me.”
Matthew 25:34–36.

Do Not Dress For Display

Principle number six is one of the biggest problems in the area of dress. There
will be people who lose their souls over the dress issue. How could people lose
their soul over what they wear? Let us just see what the Bible says about this
issue. This principle is the underlying problem with these people. ” ‘For behold,
the day is coming, Burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do
wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says
the Lord of Hosts, That will leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1.

One of the ways that pride manifests itself is in how we dress. Do we dress to
show how good we can look? That is pride and the Lord has a solution for people
with that problem. “Moreover the Lord says: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are
haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, walking and
mincing as they go, Making a jingling with their feet. Therefore the Lord will strike
with a scab The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will
uncover their secret parts.’ In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The
jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, the
veils; The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands, The perfume
boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, the
mantles; The outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; The fine linen, the
turbans, and the robes. And so it shall be: Instead of a sweet smell there will be a
stench; Instead of a sash, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, baldness; Instead of a
rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. Your men shall
fall by the sword, And your mighty in the war. Her gates shall lament and mourn,
And she being desolate, shall sit on the ground.” Isaiah 3:16–26.

Gaudy dress, make-up, and adornment have always been associated with
idolaters: “And when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put
 paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked though a window.” 2 Kings
9:30. “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and
precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations
and the filthiness of her fornication.” Revelation 17:4.

The dress issue, according to Isaiah 3, is going to take many people to hell. We
need to ask ourselves when we go shopping, “Am I buying these clothes to
glorify the name of the Lord Jesus? Will what I buy correctly represent Him by
being durable, well fitting and becoming? Or do I just want to display how
handsome (or beautiful) I am?” If we are dressing for display, we should ask the
Lord to take the pride out of our hearts and fit us for heaven.

My friend, we are in the closing days of earth’s history. God wants to prepare us
to live eternally with Him. He counsels us, “buy of Me . . . white raiment that thou
mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.”
Revelation 3:18. Do you want to have the fine linen on when Jesus comes? He
wants to put that garment on you so that you will be able to appear in His
presence and not be ashamed because you do not have enough clothes on. Will
you accept His gift and comply with the conditions?

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Lesson 26 – The Christian’s Dress and

Adornment
June 1, 2017 by Jana Wagner

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Introduction: “Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for

us, that He might . . .purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:13,14).
When we really love Jesus we will be zealous to glorify Him in the way we live. This involves such
practical matters as eating, dressing, giving, spending our time, relating to family members, and
witnessing. These things will not save us, but if Jesus is abiding in our hearts we will be growing more
and more like Him every day. These last six lessons discuss these issues. Our topic today is on how to
dress to the glory of Christ.
1. What did Jesus say about the way men look at women? Matt. 5:27-29 [Note: God made the home
for perfect compatibility. He made the man to notice his wife, and the woman to be noticed by her
husband. But when men lust, or women dress to invite lust, outside of marriage, it is adultery. Thus the
Bible deals with men’s eyes and women’s dress. [The Further-study verses are Prov. 4:25; Heb. 4:12;
Mark 7:21; Isa. 55:7; Ps. 139:23, 24]
2. How are wives to be submissive to their husbands? 1 Peter 3:1-5 [Ans: By modesty in conduct,
conversation, and dress. God made men and women equal, but in the home He made the wife to be
submissive to her husband’s godly affections (not the world’s). Women are not to seek the world’s
attraction by wearing outward ornamentation. Submission was to help create peace and happiness for
wives, but in sin men have often exploited their wives rather than loving them and encouraging them to
reach their potential. Eph. 5:22, 25-28]
3. How should Christian women dress, and what should they not wear? 1 Tim. 2:9 [Note: This text
sets forth perfect guidelines for dress: modest, appropriate, and moderate dress; but not extreme hairdos,
gold, pearls, or costly clothing. Deut. 22:5]
 4. When the Lord judges His people, what fault does He find with the “daughters of Zion”? Isa.
3:13, 16, 18-24 [Note: Many of these items of jewelry came from the idol-worshipping countries around
Israel. People in many heathen countries still adorn themselves heavily with jewelry. Num. 31:50; 1 Kings
16:31; 2 Kings 9:30]
5. Today, since 1844, we are living in the “hour of God’s judgment.” When coming down to judge
ancient Israel, what did God tell them to do with the ornaments that they had adopted from the
surrounding countries? Ex. 33:5, 6 [Mal. 3:2, 3; 1 Peter 2:9]
6. Along with the household idols, what else did Jacob bury before meeting with God? Gen. 35:1-
4 [Hosea 2:13]
7. What trait of character was at the root of Lucifer’s downfall? Eze. 28:13, 15, 16 [Note: Pride led
Lucifer to become self-centered. No doubt, his appearance when adorned with jewels encouraged him to
exalt himself. God is training us for heaven, therefore He forbids us to wear jewelry lest we encourage
pride. Rev. 21:19-21; Isa. 14:12-14]
8. In what kind of dress does God picture the woman that represents Satan’s kingdom? Rev. 17:4,
5 [Rev. 18:5-7, 16; Rev. 12:1]
9. What kind of garment is to clothe God’s people? Rev. 19:8 [Note: Our outer garments of simplicity
and modesty should reveal that we are wearing the inner garment of Christ’s character. The “fine linen”
garment of Revelation, which all the saved must wear, is “the righteousness of Christ, His own
unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him.”– Christ’s Object Lessons, p.
310. Matt. 22:11-13; Job. 29:14; Isa. 52:1]
10. Who gives us this garment of Christ’s righteousness? Zech. 3:2-5 [Isa. 64:6; Rev. 3:18]
11. As with the symbolic clothing that represents our characters, in what condition should our real
clothing be when we meet with the Lord? Ex. 19:10 [Num. 8:21]
12. What will eventually become of the world’s vain adornments? 1 John 2:15-17 [James 4:4]
13. How can we glorify God in our bodies? Rom. 12:1, 2 [John 17:15]
Commitment: God uses clothing to represent our characters; and in reality the outer covering often
reveals what is inside. God calls for every Christian to be renewed, both within and without. He wants us
to dress tastefully and becomingly, in a manner that will attract attention to Jesus instead of to ourselves.
External adornments that encourage pride God forbids–His perfect character is the only adornment the
true Christian needs. And that adornment will be more attractive to the regenerate heart than external
glitter! Is it your desire to reflect Jesus’ character in your manner of dress?

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Does God Care About the

Way We Dress?
1. Bible Series
2. Christian Adornment
3. Does God Care About the Way We Dress?
LESSON 1
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT THE WAY WE DRESS?
You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is
committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

In this edition, we continue with our series on Christian Adornment. The topic for this study is: Does God care
about the way we dress? Do the attire we put on have a connection with our spiritual life? Friends, before
Adam and Eve sinned; they wore a divine garment which was fashioned by their Maker. In the splendour of
this garment, uniquely designed by their Creator, they were 'naked', yet felt not ashamed (Genesis 2:25).

In the third chapter of Genesis, we read the sad story of the fall of man. After Adam and Eve had transgressed
against the express command of God, we read the following about their situation: "And the eyes of them
both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made
themselves aprons" (Genesis 3:7). Of this new attire which man had made from fig leaves, God saw defects
and decided to provide for them a better form of clothing. We read this account in Genesis 3 as follows:
"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). In
this text, we see how God takes interest in every area of our lives, including even the clothes we wear.

Friends, the Bible makes it clear that there are types of clothing that the Lord is pleased with, and there are
some that He abhors (see 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-5). In fact, there are types of clothing that Scripture
refers to as "the attire of an harlot". We read about this from the book of Proverbs as follows: "And, behold,
there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart" (Proverbs 7:10). Beloved, I want you
to pause here for a moment and do some serious reflection on this point! Is it possible that some of the
clothes in your closet can be regarded as "the attire of harlots"?

Today, indecent dressing has become the order of the day. Several women and young ladies consider it
normal to wear forms of clothing that expose their shoulders, stomachs, waists, backs and other vital parts of
their bodies that only their husbands should behold. A lot of women and young ladies are no more shy to put
on low necklines that expose their breasts, miniskirts that expose their thighs, and tight clothing that expose
their buttocks and other female curves. Such women and ladies do not realise the temptation that they place
on the path of several young men. Recently, I received this desperate prayer request from a man in Kenya.
This is the chat we had through WhatsApp:

Man From Kenya: Hi

WTM: Hello

Man From Kenya: Please put me into prayers I am a victim of masturbation

Man From Kenya: Whenever I see a lady dressed in a mini skirt I lust after her and also whenever I see the
breast of a lady especially the brown ladies

Man From Kenya: Pray for me

Friends, this is what our boys and men are going through because many women and young ladies decide to
wear the attire of harlots. Today, many young ladies use the occasions of dinner parties and weddings to put
on the loose clothes they have piled in their closets. But such people must know that God's command for His
people in relation to clothing is not limited by any occasion, place or time. Our women and young ladies must
know that God will not consider them guiltless when they cause young men to sin through the influence of
their adornment.

It is unfortunate to say that the dressing of many women and young ladies in the church today is so rotten
that those who decide to dress modestly quickly stand out as wheat among many tares. Here is a compliment
that a Godly lady, Staci Osterman received on the Campus of Andrews University for deciding to dress to
please her Lord: "Not long ago I met a friend of mine in the Andrews University library. After our usual
greeting, he asked if he could pay me a compliment. I blushed a little and said, OK. He said, Staci, I just
wanted to thank you for the way you dress. It is so refreshing to see a young lady dressed modestly. This
afternoon in the cafeteria I had to avoid looking at several young ladies seated at my table because their
clothing was so revealing. I don't have to do that when I am around you, and I want you to know how much I
appreciate it" (Dress: An Issue of Heart by Staci Osterman; Published in Adventist Affirm). Beloved, it is sad to
behold in our churches now how the devil has led many astray from the pure religion of Christ to worship the
goddess of fashion. It is very sad to hear a young lady proclaim ignorantly that: "It is the state of my heart
that matters, not the attire I put on". Beloved, the truth is that there is always a connection between the way
we dress, and the measure of our spirituality. From the pen of inspiration, we read the following in relation to
this point: "Dress is an index of the mind and heart. That which is hung upon the outside is the sign of what is
within" (1MCP 289.2). "... when the heart is converted, everything that is out of harmony with the Word of
God will drop off" (Ev 272.1). Friends, it is clear that one cannot serve God and the mammon of loose fashion
(Matthew 6:24). One cannot be a daughter of Jehovah and appear as the worldling in her way of dressing.
The Spirit of Prophecy provides the following counsel for God's people who want to reach out to the
world: "Many dress like the world in order to have an influence over unbelievers, but here they make a sad
mistake. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them live out their profession, show their faith by
their righteous works, and make the distinction plain between the Christian and the worldling. The words, the
dress, the actions, should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all around them, and even
unbelievers will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus. If any wish to have their influence
tell in favor of truth, let them live out their profession and thus imitate the humble Pattern." -- 1TT 594.3 At
this point in our study, I want to make it clear that it is not only our women and young ladies that have
deviated from the Word of God in relation to the point of Christian dressing. Some men, and especially the
young men of today find it gratifying to trim their trousers so tightly that godly women cannot behold them
face to face. Some pull down their trousers so low to show even their underpants. The haircut of many men
is a detestable spectacle to behold. This is the current state of affairs with respect to dressing in our world
today. We have reached the point where people, both men and women, are no more shy to put on "the
attire of an harlot". We have reached the point where tattoos and body piercings which are explicitly
condemned in the Word of God (see Leviticus 19:28) are gaining roots even among the followers of Christ.
We have reached the point where parents who should have known better are the very ones who introduce
their children to loose fashion, and thus set them up for its associated dangers of rape and other abuse.

Beloved, even as Christ gave our first parents better clothing after their fall, so does He expect that we clothe
ourselves in a dignified manner in our generation. In fact, the Lord is willing to offer unto us today His own
clothe of righteousness (see Matthew 22:11-13; Revelation 3:17-19). Are you willing to accept Christ's
garment of righteousness today? Are you willing to let go off "the attires of harlots" in your closet so you can
embrace Christ all in all? Are you willing to stand alone for Christ in the way you dress? If this is your wish,
why don't you whisper a prayer to God for strength right now?

Exhortation: From the pen of inspiration, we read the following counsels in relation to the worldly
adornment of our day:

i) "Do not, my sisters, trifle longer with your own souls and with God. I have been shown that the main cause
of your backsliding is your love of dress." -- {4T 647.2}

ii) "One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is the subject of dress.
Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with." -- {2TT 393.2}

iii) "Our words, our actions, and our dress are daily, living preachers, gathering with Christ or scattering
abroad. This is no trivial matter to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress demands serious reflection
and much prayer. Many unbelievers have felt that they were not doing right in permitting themselves to be
slaves of fashion; but when they see some, who make a high profession of godliness dressing as worldlings
dress, enjoying frivolous society, they decide that there can be no wrong in such a course." -- {1TT 596.1}
iv) "We are, said the inspired apostle, made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1
Corinthians 4:9. All heaven is marking the daily influence which the professed followers of Christ exert upon
the world. My sisters, your dress is telling either in favor of Christ and the sacred truth or in favor of the
world. Which is it? Remember we must all answer to God for the influence we exert." -- {1TT 596.2}

v) "There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a
manner inconsistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of
fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized." -- {1TT 600.2}

In our next study, we will consider the topic: What Does the Bible Teach Concerning Earrings, Makeup and
other Ornaments? The Bible Study references for this study are Genesis 35:1-4, Exodus 33:5-6, Hosea
2:13, Isaiah 3:17-21, Exodus 21:1-6, 2 Kings 9:30, Jeremiah 4:30, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:1-5. Please
do well to go through these passages before the next study is released.

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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7 Biblical Principles for how to dress as a

Christian woman

biblicalgenderroles
Does God care about how you as a Christian women dress? Does the Bible
provide guidelines for how a Christian woman should dress?

If you are looking for an exact dress code, down to lengths of clothing and
what parts of your body must be covered when and where you will find no
such thing in the Bible. However, if you are looking for Biblical principles
that can guide you as Christian a woman in how to dress the Bible does
give these principles.

Here are some Biblical principles for women’s dress that should guide you
as you select your clothing, whether it is when you purchase it, or when
you are choosing when to wear it.
Principle #1 – Your physical beauty is symbolic of the spiritual
beauty of the Church

Your beauty is symbolic of the beauty of the church.

Psalm 45 which is a messianic prophecy of Christ and the Church says

this:

“So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and
worship thou him…The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing
is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of
needlework…” -Psalm 45:13-14(KJV)

In Ephesians 5, where Paul talks about marriage being symbolic of the

relationship of Christ to his Church he writes:

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it
should be holy and without blemish.” – Ephesians 5:25-27(KJV)

Just as God wants his Church to be glorious, without spot or wrinkle, and
without blemish, so too a woman should keep up her appearance, not
only for her husband if she is married, but also out of respect for the
symbolism for which God designed her.

So when you as a woman dress, you should accentuate your beauty

knowing that your physical beauty, is symbolic of the spiritual beauty of
Christ’s Bride, the Church. You dress first and foremost to please God and
to show the beauty of his creation – which is you!

Principle #2 – You should dress appropriately for the occasion

Contrary to the modern meaning of modesty, the Biblical meaning of a

woman dressing modestly means that women are to dress
“appropriately”. Modesty is such a huge subject, and especially the
interpretation of passages such as I Timothy 2:9 that I needed to write an
entire separate post on the topic. You can find it here at What does
Modesty mean in I Timothy 2:9.

In summary though, dressing modestly Biblically speaking does not

specifically mean “not dressing in a sexual way”. It means to dress
appropriately for the occasion. So while it may be perfectly acceptable for
you to wear a bikini to the beach, it would not be appropriate for you to
wear a bikini to a job (unless you are a life guard or a model) or to a
church service.

Principle #3 – You should dress in feminine clothing

Someone should be able to look at your clothes wherever you go, and just
by your clothing they should be able to tell you are a woman. Yes clothing
styles change, but a woman should always look like a woman in her
culture (whatever women wear) and a man should look like a man
(whatever men wear).

“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither
shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination
unto the Lord thy God.” -Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV)

This passage from Deuteronomy does not forbid a woman from wearing
pants (yes there are some Christians who still teach this). There was a
time in our culture and history where pants were strictly the purview of
men, and at those times it may have been wrong for a woman to wear
pants, especially when there were no pants designed especially for
women. But fashions and styles do change, and women have pants now
that are made and cut especially for them, and these pants are pants a
man would not be caught dead in.

In Roman society, before 200 BC, men and women both wore togas. After
200 BC women began to wear stolas and only prostitutes still wore togas
like men. Before 200 BC, when men and women both wore togas, the only
difference may have been a colorful belt or the color of the material that
would have separated a man from a woman. Even after 200 BC, peasant
men and women still both wore tunics for their daily work. Only color
variations or belts may have separated them.

This would be exactly the same as men and women both wearing pants
today – there is no issue with this as long as the woman’s pants
communicate a feminine style as we understand it in our culture.
Principle #4 – You should dress to please your husband

“Therefore
as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing.” – Ephesians 5:24 (KJV)

God wants women to submit to their husbands in everything. Everything

includes how you dress and how you manage your appearance as well
as many other things.

When you are married, you should dress to please your husband. Find out
what colors he likes on you, find out what styles he likes and try to wear
those types of clothes.
This also means you should dress sexy for your husband in the
appropriate circumstances. If you know your husband will be taking you
out for a night on the town, why not go pick up some sexy dress to wear
for him? If you doubt whether this is right or wrong, I invite you read my
post I referred to earlier What does Modesty mean in I Timothy 2:9.

There is nothing wrong with you looking sexy for your husband in the
appropriate circumstances, whether that is wearing lingerie for him at
home, or wearing a sexy dress for a night on the town, or wearing a sexy
bathing suit for a trip to beach. Your body is work of art that God has
graciously gifted to your husband, and you should not be hiding your
beauty.

Principle #5 – Don’t be lazy with your appearance

Yes big tee shirts and sweats are more comfortable than wearing
attractive clothing. But as a Christian woman your appearance is
important to God (see principle #1). If you are married, God has given
you to your husband and your appearance should be (and most likely will
be) important to him (see principle #4).

As believers, and specifically as a Christian woman, God wants you to do

everything you can to the best of your ability. It is one thing if you are
sick, or if you are doing some work around the house then your clothing
might not be as attractive. But besides those limited times, a woman has
duty to keep up her appearance, not only for God but also for her
husband.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord”

Colossians 3:23(NIV)

Modern Christian women today mock the women of the 1950’s who
prided themselves in making themselves pretty before their husbands
came home from work – what was wrong with that? This is what God
wants from Godly Christian women.

Does this mean you have to have a dress and nylons on each day and go
to the beauty salon before your husband gets home? Of course not. But
what it means is making sure you have showered, that you have done
your hair and maybe you have an attractive pair of jeans on with a nice
shirt when you husband gets home.
You should not view this as some dreary task, but it should be looked at
as a privilege and honor that is given you by God, your ability to make
yourself beautiful!

Principle #6 – What others think does and does not matter

This is a very important principle for you as a Christian woman to

understand.

In some cases it does matter what others think of how you are dressed. If
you as a Christian woman wear the wrong clothing for the wrong
occasion, it might offend others and also bring shame on Christ if they
know you are a Christian.

You can wear a bikini to the beach, but if you wore it to Church others
would be offended, and they would be right in being offended, because
that is inappropriate attire for Church (see I Timothy 2:9).

But let’s turn the bikini situation around when you go to the beach. If you
and your husband are going to the beach and you happen to be wearing a
bikini, and there happens to be a family there from church they need to
leave that between you and the Lord. The only exception I would say to
this is if you were specifically going to the beach with a family whom you
knew were opposed to bikinis, then temporarily out of respect you might
not wear one in that instance.

You should not be picking dresses out for a night on the town with your
husband, with the thought in your mind of “what would this person think
or that person from church think if they saw me wearing this with him” –
your thoughts should only be of two people, God and your husband.

God is not ashamed of your beauty, your husband is not ashamed of your
beauty, and neither should you be ashamed of your beauty.

Principle #7 – Do not hide your beauty from other men for fear of
causing lust

Many Christian women have since the early days of the church dressed
with this idea in mind – that they cannot wear nice things for their
husband or show their figure as they may cause other men to lust in
doing so. If you believe that Church tradition trumps Biblical theology,
then I can’t help you. But if you understand that well-meaning men and
women (even some Church fathers who came after the Apostles) added a
lot of tradition to God’s Word then I can help you.
 I invite you to read my post on What does the Bible say about Lust to
fully understand the issue of lust from a Biblical perspective. A summary
of what I said in that post is that Lust is not the same as sexual
arousal.

There is no shame in a woman displaying her beauty, and there is no

shame in men appreciating that beauty or even being sexually aroused
by that beauty. Before you reject that premise, please read the post I just
mentioned. Sin comes with how men handle their sexual arousal, or
appreciation of the female form.

If he begins to think of how he can actually get you to go to bed with him
(and you are not married) then those have become lustful thoughts,
sexually covetous thoughts. But as a Christian woman you don’t have to
go around at all time with a sheet over your entire body from head to toe
as to not cause men to lust after you.

No scripture ever teaches this concept, it is completely added by the

traditions of men.

Conclusion

I hope as a Christian woman you will search the Scriptures. Then discuss
this respectfully with your husband. If you need to make changes, then
make them. Know that God wants your best in all areas of your life, and
dressing in beautiful ways appropriate to the occasion is what God has
called you to. Do not hide the beautiful work of art that God has made,
but display it in ways that please both God and your husband


Search
Search for:

Is a Woman’s Long Hair Her

Covering?
The Objection: The Scriptures tell us that women must pray & prophesy covered. This should not be understood as an
artificial covering on top of her hair since 1 Corinthians 11:15 states that a womans covering is her long hair. The fact that
men should have short hair and women have long hair was Paul’s point.
While we affirm that a woman’s long hair is her natural covering, we see two different coverings being talked about in this
chapter. One of them is a woman’s long hair which is natural, permanent and a glory to her (1 Cor 11:14-15). The other
would be a fabric covering which is artificial, removable (1 Cor 11: 5) and a symbol of authority (1 Cor 11:10).

Instead of a Covering?
Support for long hair as the only covering comes from verse 15, “For her hair is given to her for a covering.” Those
advocating this position argue that the Greek word “anti” (translated “for”) means “in place of”. They would understand
this passage as saying: “her hair is given to her [in place of / instead of] a covering”.
On this point Dr. Thomas Schreiner (Professor of New Testament Interpretation, SBTS) notes,
“The preposition anti in 11:15 need not refer to substitution. It can also
indicate equivalence. The latter makes better sense in the context”. 1)
A.T. Robertson (Former Professor of New Testament Interpretation, SBTS) further points out,

“It is not in the place of a veil, but answering to [anti], in the sense of
[anti] in John 1:16, as a permanent endowment [dedotai], perfect
passive indicative. 2)
The example that A.T. mentions is John 1:16 which says “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon
grace.” (NASB). The section he’s referencing is at the end where it says, “charis anti charis” (translated: “grace upon
grace” NASB or “grace for grace” KJV). This example shows that “anti” doesn’t only mean substitution as we haven’t
received “grace instead of grace”.

Short Hair being Cut Short

The fact that Paul only commands covering for certain times (1 Cor 11:4-5) hints that he has a removable covering in
mind. Additionally, if long hair were the only covering mentioned in this chapter then there’s a major problem with verse
6.
Let me show you what I mean.
If long hair were the same as being covered according to Paul, what would be being uncovered? It would mean having
short hair, right? The opposite of covered is uncovered and the opposite of long hair is short hair. So if that’s what Paul
had in mind, let’s do some word replacement in verse 6. Where we see the word “cover her head”, let’s replace that with
“have long hair”.

For if a woman does not [have long hair], let her also have her hair cut
off (1 Cor 11:6a NASB)
For if a wife will not [have long hair], then she should cut her hair short
(1 Cor 11:6a ESV)
If you refuse to have long hair, you should cut your hair short? You’d already have short hair! This argument wouldn’t
make sense.
Some then object to the ESV rendering of “cut short”. They would understand “cut off” (NASB) as a synonym for shaved
making this argument less nonsensical. Paul’s argument would then be transformed into “if a woman has short hair, she
should shave it all off”. The problem with this argument is “cut off” cannot mean shaved in this context.
The Greek word translated “cut off” is keirō. This word is used again later in this very same passage and it’s differentiated
from “shaved” which is the Greek word xuraō.
Here’s what it says: “…disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off (keirō) or her head shaved (xuraō)…”. Did you
catch it? He said “or” shaved. So while “cut off” (keirō) can be used to describe a shaved head, Paul couldn’t have had this
in mind here. 3) If we were to understand it that way his argument becomes “…disgraceful for a woman to have her hair
[shaved] or her head shaved…”. Shaved or shaved? Once again this just wouldn’t make sense.

Glory or Submission?
When Paul references a womans long hair as her covering he says this not to define what he had commanded in verses 4-
13, but to support his argument as a reason for the wearing of an artificial covering (see: Nature). We know it’s an
argument because it’s phrased as a rhetorical question, “Does not even nature itself teach you…”. Furthermore he calls a
woman’s long hair her glory, this further shows Paul has two coverings in mind as earlier he said it’s a symbol that she’s
under authority (1 Cor 11:10).
Greek scholar Dr. Daniel Wallace says about this point:

Verses 10 and 15 would have to be saying the same thing if long hair is
the same as a head covering. But this can hardly be the case. In v 10,
a woman is required to wear a ‘symbol of authority.’ Such a symbol
represents her submission, not her glory…A literal translation would
be: ‘it is a glory to her’ or ‘a glory accruing to her,’ or ‘to her
advantage.’ Surely this is not the point of v 10! 4)

History’s Witness
Finally, the fact that the church unanimously understood Paul to mean an artificial covering until recent times is worthy of
mention. Tertullian (160 – 215 AD), writing only 150 years after Paul wrote 1 Corinthians said that the church in Corinth
was still practicing veiling in his day. He said, “So, too, did the Corinthians themselves understand him. In fact, at this day
the Corinthians do veil their virgins. What the apostles taught, their disciples approve.” 5) Hippolytus (170 – 236 AD)
writing around the same time said “…let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth…”. 6)
So a woman’s natural covering is her long hair which is her glory. However, when she is “praying and prophesying” she is
also to wear an artificial covering to cover that glory, as a symbol that she’s under authority (1 Cor 11:10).
References
1.

↑ Thomas R. Schreiner ‘Head Coverings, Prophecies and the Trinity’ – Footnote #7. Dr. Schreiner does not believe a head
covering is necessary today.
2.

↑ A.T. Robertson – Word Pictures in the New Testament – 1 Corinthians, Volume 1 – 11:15 ‘for a covering’. He does not
believe in the ongoing practice of head covering.
3.

↑ Thayer’s definitions for G2751 lists ‘cutting short the hair of the head’ as one of the acceptable definitions. This is the
only definition that fits the context. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G2751
4.

↑ From http://bible.org/article/what-head-covering-1-cor-112-16-and-does-it-apply-us-today. Dr. Wallace does not believe

a head covering is necessary today.
5.

↑ Tertullian – On The Veiling Of Virgins – Chapter VIII.

6.

↑ From ‘The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus – Part II – Number 18

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Do Adventists Wear
Jewelry? – An
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“Yes”, Adventists can wear jewelry, but it is usually discouraged.

Seventh-day Adventists refrain from putting on jewelry for various

reasons, even though wearing jewelry is allowed. The question of

whether Adventists should wear jewelry is up to debate, because

of different cultures and different ideas.

Who Said “No Jewlery”

and why do Adventists
follow this?
According to Ellen G. White, an American Christian pioneer, the motivation

of not wearing jewelry is not justifiable for a couple reasons. First, natural
beauty, which is the kind of beauty without ornaments or make-up, is

more valuable and more reflective of human nature.

[cta]

This is an approach for an authentic and ascetic lifestyle where morality

should be focused on, while ornaments do not offer to enhance the moral

values that each Christian should uphold. Thus, in defense of her

practices and arguments, she encouraged Christians to often focus on the

lessons that Jesus has bestowed upon them to live a better life with love

and compassion instead. Another reason is that Mrs.

White was in favor of the perpetual moral values that live on forever,

while ornaments like jewelry are only temporary. She stated that, “time is

too short to adorn the body with gold and silver or costly apparel”.

Seventh Day Adventists also do not wear jewelry. One reason that stands

out is the belief that they are “saved by Jesus’ blood, not by anything

they do”or not do.

Read About All Adventist Beliefs Here

They don’t consider wearing jewelry a sin in itself, but they actively avoid

engaging with ornaments. Conclusively, while some Adventists do not

wear jewelry and do not support that lifestyle, certain Adventists do

otherwise.

Why Do Some Adventists

Wear Jewelry?
Some Adventists do wear jewelry for specifically different reasons. For the

most part, more traditional, conservative-type Adventists admonish

against wearing jewelry, while more liberal-type Adventists claim that

traditional Adventists’ viewpoint is too extreme and that certain type of

jewelry has been worn for a very long time in history.

These Adventists do not fully believe that Jesus instructed Christians to

hate jewelry as if Jesus were opposing all ornaments. Even a seemingly

very traditional Adventist like Mrs.

White had to admit that a ring can be worn in marriages if it fits into the

custom and traditions in other countries or regions. The ring is one of the

many types of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, even amulets, etc.

If a regional tradition regards wearing certain jewelry as the norm and

there is nothing that suggests that the religious members would betray or

go against the preaching of Jesus, then human nature cannot be tainted

by the rigid prohibition of jewelry. Adventists who believe that a very

moderate amount of jewelry can be worn look at the Bible teachings with

a different yet still careful approach.

Excessive jewelry is still deemed unnecessary and should be avoided, but

traditions and customs should not completely destroy the values of

beautification, especially if the highest-ranked leader in the community or

region wears jewelry to reflect social hierarchy between the revered and

the poor. In the end, this is an acceptable perspective.

What is Jewelry?
Because specific jewelry is targeted for either condemnation or approval,

it is now quite an essential topic to determine what defines jewelry.

Jewelry has been used throughout the length of history until the present
day. In ancient times, jewelry was much more primitive and not as

sophisticated as the materials we see today.

Such simple materials include leather, bones, pebbles, rings, diamonds,

pendants, necklace, all of which were predominantly a result of hunting

animals. Because of the diverse forms and shapes, jewelry is materials

that are worn for beautification, leadership, wealth and blessing purposes.

It was suggested that these multi-purpose jewelry is reserved to make

community members stand out and that there should be some social

hierarchy. The purpose of adornment is what differentiates jewelry from

normal clothing like pants, socks, etc.

The jewelry materials can be very expensive and complex the more

advanced and prosperous a society is. For example, during the Roman

world, gemstones and gold coins were decently lavish jewelry. Amulets

were also known to bring more fortune. Generally speaking, jewelry is

classified as items that give special meanings depending on religion and

community viewpoints.

What do Adventists
Believe Today?
Nowadays, the use of jewelry for royal and beautification purposes seems

to be a standard. This is commonly seen in women of different classes,

ethnicity and culture. However, such norms are not applicable to

Adventist Schools. Even though certain jewelry is allowed, it is highly

discouraged, and as such, learners and devout Christians in such

environments do not typically wear jewelry.

A representative Adventist school is Loma Linda University , which is

considered a Seventh-Day Adventist society. The maintenance of

traditional values regarding jewelry is therefore rather strict. Primary

reasons include abstinence from hedonism, a deeper focus on morality

and intrinsic values of human life and leading a healthy lifestyle in

moderation. These notions somewhat demonstrate that asceticism is a

common approach to earthly pleasures, which helps members connect to

the spiritual world and open their mindset.

The temperament of using jewelry is not considered a sin, as stated in the

opening paragraph, but adhering to strict Christian principles is highly

valued and preferred.

Adventists Jewelry and

The Bible
Regarding the Bible, there have been many interesting interpretations

from the use of jewelry. One Seventh-Day Adventist, Angel Manuel

Rodriguez, dissected the lines that analyzed the use of jewelry.

As a dedicated Adventist, Rodriguez believed that there are good

arguments as to why jewelry is discouraged and arguments as to why it is

not clear enough to conclude that all jewelry is bad. Consequently,

banning all jewelry is a far-fetched principle. A lot of the lines from Jesus

himself and his disciples convey a multi-faceted summary about whether

jewelry is truly a detriment in Christian beliefs. For example, lines that

support jewelry include payment as reciprocation for services, adornment

of leaders as a beautification tool, loyalty, authority and even offerings.

From these descriptions, it is understandable that jewelry is not useless

and does show some utility in Christian culture. It is an important part of

Christianity to be discussed but the matter is not simple and cannot be

reduced to a simple yes-or-no question.

On the other hand, there are also a few lines that suggest that moral

character is to be placed above jewelry. The Seventh-Day Adventist Bible

Commentary stated that a woman should not be dressed with luxurious

jewelry to draw attention to herself, but that her wholesome persona as a

human being should reveal that she is a moral disciple of Christianity with

respectful demeanor.

This is a very strong argument that could be used to show that jewelry

should be restricted as much as possible; at the same time, the central

idea of the message is akin to acting with love and compassion based on

Christianity’s core values rather than directly claiming that no jewelry is

allowed. There is still some distance between the two spectra, and as a
result, the most ideal way of life is to be moderate on jewelry, and

avoiding using any if possible.

What does Christianity

Say About Jewelry?
Christianity is not the only religion that discusses the roles of jewelry as

well as portraying a very conservative message toward jewelry as a luxury

type of item.

Buddhism for example resembles Christianity in a lot of ways. The most

striking principle is the emphasis on asceticism as a lifestyle. The most

common motto is, life is misery or something along that line. The

concepts “karma” and reincarnation are results of behavior from this

current lifetime is transferred to the next life and life never ceases to

exist.

Answer: What is the difference between Adventism and Christianity

This shows that Buddhism is very strict on judging human behavior.

Because of a rigorously set moral principles, Buddhism favors simple

lifestyles and also teaches its disciples to be mindful of others, treat

others the way they expect themselves to be treated as such, learn to

forgive even the gravest mistakes someone ever does to them, so on and

so forth.
The curious case of jewelry would seem very compelling to say that a

Buddhist should not pamper themselves with luxury items and become

spoiled. However, similar to Christianity, there is certain leeway that a

disciple could use jewelry, and this could be seen in monks, even though

the amount of jewelry is very limited and not eye-catching. Such typical

jewelry items are Buddha pendants, earrings or rings.

These items represent faith, loyalty, divinity and various other religious

beliefs such as good health and fortune. They are usually homogeneous in

color and very different from certain jewelry such as nail polish these

days that would definitely catch others’ attention.

Another religion that deserves a mention is Judaism. Similar to the

aforementioned two religions, Judaism shows modesty in how one should

wear jewelry. Piercing certain areas of the body with jewelry that would

pose health risks is heavily discouraged, even if those areas are not

exposed to the naked eyes.

Conclusion
All in all, there seems to be a general consensus between at least certain

religions that mental health, physical well-being and moral values of how

to become a better person inside and outside are what should be

prioritized, and other displays and showings on the body should be

moderate, if not restricted entirely.

Reference For More Reading
https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/OladosuOT05.pdf

https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/physical-therapy/admissions-

physical-therapy/professional-image

https://perspectives.adventist.org/en/questions-answers/questions/go/

2017-05-27/why-are-adventists-encouraged-not-to-wear-jewelry/

https://www.scottseverance.us/ministry/jewelry.html

https://www.adventistreview.org/archives/2001-1538/story2-1.html

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/myth-magic-and-the-sorcerers-stone/

https://www.karmaandluck.com/blogs/news/buddha-a-spiritual-meaning-

and-why-we-should-wear-this-symbol

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/buddhism

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