The Bible also shows that certain types of clothing can be particularly associated with adulterous behavior. They gave all their jewelry to God, to be melted down and used in construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:22). Apparently gaudy and showy adornment is viewed as contrary to the spirit of self-effacement and modesty toward husbands. They usually don't allow women to wear jewelry, though most make exceptions for simple wedding bands and wrist watches. * Our culture now accepts the use of makeup; the negative connotations of makeup no longer exist. Perhaps society does not associate makeup with harlotry as it used to, but does this mean God no longer thinks of those associations? Uncut Hair Is A Covering It goes on to say that a woman's hair is given to her for a covering. In the Corinthian society, women showed submission to their husbands by wearing a veil. We find only one clear exception to these categories: ornaments on clothing as a sign of luxury in Sauls reign (II Samuel 1:24-27). We emphasize simplicity and functional use for things which have a valid purpose other than ornamentation, such as hairstyles and clothes. So did Elizabeth Rice Handford in Your Clothes Say It For You, teaching that women should have long, uncut hair while men should have short hair. It could only be due to the larger principle of sex distinction in dress. (3) The verse itself says those who do the prohibited acts are abomination to the LORD thy God, which means something God detests or hates. (1847; rpt. Everything God creates is good, and we should not try to alter our natural, God-given appearance by using false colors for the face, false hair dyes, false eyelashes, or false hair. Are the illustrations of the prophets no longer relevant? Rings are undoubtedly a form of jewelry. (4) It is a shame for a man to pray with long hair or for a woman to pray with short hair. . From that time forward, immodest exposure of the body has often resulted in sin. .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of According to the holy magic hair doctrine, if a woman cuts her hair, she loses her identity as an "apostolic woman," loses authority in the spiritual realm, and puts herself and her family at risk. (6). One possible exception might be wedding rings, particularly simple wedding bands. Hey, ladies! And every woman who prays or prophesies with no covering of hair on her head dishonors her headshe is just like one of the shorn women. If a woman has no covering, let her be for now with short hair, but since it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair shorn or shaved, she should grow it again. We desire to make a consecration to God in this area, after Old Testament examples. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel (I Peter 3:3). Again, in Hosea 2:13, God likened His unfaithful people to an adulterous woman who wore jewelry: She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.. Why is God concerned with the way we dress? The basic reason for modesty of dress is to subdue the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. This is another reason why we do not wear jewelry. When Jacob went back to Bethel to renew his relationship with God, he disposed of all the idols and earrings belonging to his family (Genesis 35:1-7). The Bible describes the eye as the light of the body, but does not give a prominent role to the nose. Soon, however, the humor, behavior of the women, and comments of the men became bold and suggestive. No Jewelry4.) The Bible contains a number of examples that illustrate the problems we have discussed. Thanks for watching!READ MY NEW BLOG P. In the minds of self and others, she defines her identity in terms of appeal to sinful lusts. (6) Long hair is a shame for a man but is a womans glory. Likewise, swimming in mixed company is immodest. Note that there may be other secondary reasons why women . .was unnatural, and therefore an abomination in the sight of God.5 The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, The distinction between man and woman should not be blurred by the ones appropriating the characteristic articles of the other (Deuteronomy 22:5). You have entered an incorrect email address! If women find themselves in an activity so masculine that they are forced to wear pants, they should reevalute their own sex role in life. The New Testament affirms that effeminate men will not inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9-10). In this light Elizabeth Rice Handford, wife of an independent Baptist pastor, has asked, Why does a woman insist on wearing short skirts, tight knits, low necklines, and seem oblivious to the stress she puts on others? Men should not wear attire that is distinctively female, which for Western clothing means dresses and skirts. As Chapter 8 will note, many women of the time tucked in their tunics above the knee for convenience in certain activities, and the early church fathers considered this immodest. For example, Davis and Hartzell both have straight hair while the Zeigler women all have curly hair. She becomes aware of her sexual power and often delights to influence men by it. The ACCA requires all male members to shave all facial hair off. (See NKJV, NIV.) . *How do others view it? Her many lovers gave her bracelets and crowns, but God warned that all her jewels would be stripped away in judgment (Ezekiel 23:26, 42). In today's doctrinal video we're covering Apostolic women's standards and Apostolic standards for women!Read more below. Elizabeth Handford has elaborated on this subject: Clothing a woman puts on can affect how she feels. In cold weather, women can dress as warmly as men by using hose, stockings, leotards, long skirts, or leg warmers. But if she has long (uncut) hair, it is a glory to her. If for herself, it is a dangerous, unjustifiable expression of pride. INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, To Download the Entire Article, Outline, or PowerPoint, Click Here. Other people perceive her as pro-vocative and treat her as such, which reinforces her behavior. (7) This is one of Gods methods for maintaining a clear distinction between male and female. While Apostolic Pentecostals' standards regarding women's attire and hair are more noticeable, they do have standards to which men must adhere as well. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. * Deuteronomy 22:5 was only given to oppose cultic transvestitism (transvestite behavior associated with pagan worship). If so, that hardly commends the practice to us today. Apostolic Pentecostals generally discourage women from wearing any form of cosmetics, especially colored makeup. This suggests that clothes should cover the torso and upper limbs. When heathen Queen Jezebel tried to seduce Jehu so that he would not execute her, she used makeup and ornamentation. There is no reference . In our day, a new generation has grown up not knowing anything else, and this has distorted their value system. Applying principles of Christian liberty, a Christian woman of that day should not have worn a knee-length dress, for this would have brought reproach upon her and her Lord. Gods character never changes, and neither does His love for righteousness or hatred of sin. Would He wear it? * The Christian is to be a good steward of the blessings God has bestowed, including financial blessings (Luke 16:10-13). . Temperance or self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. To some degree modesty is culturally relative. Among the Hebrews neither sex was permitted by Mosaic law to wear the same form of clothing as was used by the other (Deuteronomy 22:5). * The Old Testament descriptions of wicked women who wore makeup also describe those women doing accept able things such as washing with water and wearing colored clothing. Many acceptable things can be done by an evil person or can become evil only because of an evil motive. Women are not permitted to wear pants to Kingdom Halls or services as part of the Jehovah's Witnesses. . In this case, it comes from Apostolic Pentecostals' beliefs about baptism. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. If Christians follow worldly fashions, they will often identify themselves with ungodliness. Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. It is the neuter form of aischros which is translated filthy. In W.E. Ke. Using a pleasant smell is the same as using a pleasant color in makeup. This objection ignores the evidence of Scripture itself. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. The Bible addresses areas of lifestyle such as immodesty of dress, facial makeup, ornamental jewelry, women cutting their hair, and men having long hair (I Timothy 2:9-10; I Peter 3:1-5; I Corinthians 11:1-16). Many modern Christians ignore Paul's teaching on . Anyone who "really gets saved" is expected to shave, while growing facial hair out signifies backsliding. Women should not cut their hair. An Apostolic Pentecostal woman of African descent will learn to do her hair differently from a white, Hispanic, or Asian Apostolic Pentecostal woman. They make a woman proud of her own appearance. Other people know us by our fruit (Matthew 7:16-20), which means our entire lifestyle, including actions and appearance. * Our dress reflects what we truly are inside. Transvestite dress is an 'abomination' to the Lord (Deuteronomy 22:5); it is a sterile and perverse hostility to God's created order."4 He cited Keil and Delitzsch with approval: "The immediate design of this prohibition was not to prevent licentiousness, or to oppose idolatrous practices. He has asked us through His word to present our bodies, yes that includes our hair, as a sign of our separation from the world to show that we are true believers and followers of His word. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11). Perfect for both guys and girls! Official Yapa238 Merch T-Shirts: http://bit.ly/YapaTees Hats: http://bit.ly/YapaHats Watches: http://bit.ly/YapaWatches Sunglasses: http://bit.ly/YapaSunglasses Ties: http://bit.ly/YapaTies Connect with Yapa238 Here! What clothing did Paul have in mind when he warned against immodesty of dress? Cutting the hair off symbolized disgrace, mourning, and glory departed. 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. They give honor to the flesh, which actually contains no good thing (Romans 7:18), instead of giving honor to things of true value, such as good works and beauty of spirit, which can only come by Gods grace. In that day the Lord will take away the finery: the jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; the headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the head-bands; the perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; the nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; the outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; the fine linen, the turbans, and the robes (Isaiah 3:16-23, NKJV). : By the author, 1976), p. 27. Hair. My hope for those of you reading this article who question why Apostolic women dont cut their hair is that it helps you understand we are doing as a sign of obedience to our miraculous God. If these do not apply, why should the prohibition of verse 5? We have seen many Old Testament passages that associate jewelry and especially makeup with evil. Jesus taught that people could not alter the color of their hair (Matthew 5:36), yet many people today try to prove Him wrong. Sproul (1939-2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God's Word. "Kome" is the Greek noun translated "hair" in the phrase "for her hair is given her for a covering" (v. 15). Women should not wear attire that is distinctively male, which for Western clothing means trousers, slacks, or pants. God created them male and female, with distinctive natures and functions.6 Other passages support this teaching. The woman who wears these things emphasizes physical sex appeal towards men to whom she is not married. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broiled hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array (I Timothy 2:9). The perfume boxes, purses, and mirrors were usually worn on the body as ornamentation. Like that verse, it is an absolute prohibition on elaborate hair arrangement, gold jewelry, and extravagant clothing. There was no need for false modes-ty between husband and wife, for they were one flesh. This included jewelry and cosmetics, which ancient royal courts used. Long dress, lower than knee length (no slacks). (5) Nature itself teaches these principles. *Is this wise stewardship on my part? When they do wear dresses, they often do not know how to act with modesty, grace, and femininity. This article was excerpted from chapter seven in Bernards book Practical Holiness. God was concerned about modesty of dress in a day when even exposing the upper leg was considered immodest. The Bible only records that she used oil of myrrh, perfume, and other preparations to purify (beautify) the skin (Esther 2:12). In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. (3) It is a sign to angels of the Christian womans obedience to God. Arguably, they could have a functional use far more significant than any ornamental use. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. They base this teaching on a literal interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, which includes admonitions such as "every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head" and "if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? * The Bible speaks favorably of perfume in the Song of Solomon. It still teaches a distorted value system as much as always. * Godly people in the Old Testament used jewelry. To a limited extent this is true; however, we must keep in mind these points: (1) From Old Testament to New Testament God has progressively revealed more and more of His perfect will for His people. The feminist movement is certainly aware of this; they promote the wearing of pants as part of their liberation. Feminist Susan Brownmillers recent book Femininity holds that femininity is a nostalgic tradition of imposed limitations and that women who adopt a feminine style are trapped.12 As part of her revolt against the God-given distinction between male and female, she stopped wearing dresses and skirts altogether. We are to store up treasure in heaven, not hoard it on earth (Luke 12:33-34). Today, R.C. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. The KJV says putting on of apparel, but the NKJV corroborates the NIV by saying putting on fine apparel. Interpreted this way, the passage parallels I Timothy 2:9 exactly. (The name of one of Jobs daughters in Job 42:14 means horn of eye paint, but this no more endorses the wearing of makeup than the names Ruby and Jewel endorse the wearing of jewelry or the name Jade endorses the contents of a jade box.). In all these injunctions the dominating idea is the avoidance of anything designed merely to promote ostentation, with all its accompanying dangers.1. The Israelites melted down earrings and made a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:2-4). Without them people can still be clean, neat, attractive, and beautiful. (1 Timothy 3:1 f.; 12 / Titus 1:6 f.) "The overseer must be above reproach." The final passages to be considered are found in the pastoral Epistles, in three sections dealing with the qualifications of church leaders (1 Tim. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), p. 1448. (Matthew 5:16). (2) It demonstrates the churchs submission to Christ. It teaches against such sins as pride, selfishness, lust, and malice. Should we take the teachings of Jesus more seriously than those of Paul? In most cases, women must wear full length skirts or dresses at all times. Just because a woman wears slacks certainly does not mean she personally has usurped her husbands role or condoned lesbianism. A man ought not to have long hair. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. So if I am living a life that speaks of opposing Gods standards for His people, what kind of Christian am I truly being? Interestingly, priests in the Old Testament wore breeches or trousers (Leviticus 6:10; 16:4), indicating that this has been distinctively masculine attire in Judeo-Christian culture from the earliest times. If they cause someone to sin, God will not hold them blameless. Can it be she subconsciously invites a proposition to sin? My study on the subject started in late 1993 and began as a personal . Dont let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold (Phillips). It also tells us that to be shaven (to have cut hair) is a shame unto her. ////////////////////* Don't forget to pick up some AWESOME Yapa Apparel! As stated in The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Paul was shrewd enough to know that a womans dress is a mirror of her mind. Nature itself teaches a distinction between male and female in behavior and appearance (Romans 1:26-27; I Corinthians 11:13-15), yet society today tries to destroy that God-ordained separation. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shone unto him? Would He spend His time and money in this fashion? How does it compare with the time and money I spend for necessities, for others, for Gods church? Are these laws void? In light of all these problems, why would a Christian woman want to use makeup and jewelry? My former church showed all but the last part over a series of Thursday evening services. Like the signet, they conveyed legal authority. Skirts may be required by employers as part of their dress code policies. They generally don't watch TV or movies . The other things mentioned all have valid purposes other than ornamentation or seduction, but makeup does not. Jewelry, makeup, and very expensive clothing are poor investments. A six part video on this subject was produced featuring Janet Trout of the United Pentecostal Church and was based on Daniel L. Segrave's book, Women's Hair: The Long and Short of It. No Make Up3.) These differences were significant enough for one to ascertain a persons gender from far away, as the story of Rebekah and Isaac indicates (Genesis 24:64-65). After all, women covering their heads during worship is an ancient practice in the Christian Church, one that has fallen into disuse, especially in the West. Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, aischros is defined as that which is opposed to modesty or purity.. And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. Submit a Prayer Request! Must women wear head Do they see it as inconsistent with the Bibles stand and my own stand against ornamentation in general? When Adam and Eve sinned they became aware of their nakedness and sought to cover themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). Apparently Christian faith implies a different standard of dress and adornment from the world s. 2, Paul and Peter did not oppose the simple braiding or arranging of the hair. Satan delights to cause immodest exposure of the body. . The skirts of the KJV are robes, as both NKJV and NIV translate. The Bible does mention per-fumes favorably, but it always mentions makeup unfavorably. Judahs signet and bracelet was actually a seal with its cord (Genesis 38:18, NKJV and NIV). According to Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, aidos means a sense of shame, modesty, and reverence. 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. They will affect how she feels, and she wont want to resist temptation.. There seems to be no clear way to distinguish a finger ring from an earring, a nose ring, or a bracelet. At least part of our daily attire must be exclusively associated with our gender, providing an unmistakable visual identification at first impression. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now I know that some of you think I am taking my liberty here with the meaning of shorn. The atmosphere became charged with sensuality. If their primary purpose is functional use, not ornamentation, nothing is wrong with using them in moderation. (3) God moved on His people to dedicate to His service the jewelry they acquired (Exodus 35:22; Numbers 31:50-54). God compared His unfaithful people to an adulteress who adorns herself for her lovers. Why will they be part of the New Jerusalem? This objection misses the whole point of our refusal to wear gold and jewelry. 3Fred Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands (Chicago: Moody Press, 1953), p. 100. If we take I Timothy 2:9 seriously, we must agree that some clothing is immodest. Who says a woman is dull and drab unless she wears makeup and jewelry? This statement actually insults both God and women. * There was little difference between male and female clothing in the Old Testament. It is as though she has shaven (cut) her hair. I know that some of you are like well this is one passage and whats it matter if my cut hair brings me to shame. Actually this was the signet ring or seal, and served as the personal signature of its owner, and so was not usually worn as an ornament.19 According to The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, finger rings were used to signify rank and seal rings worn on a cord or on the hand were used to seal documents.20 It says the ring worn by the prodigal son had this same general meaning. Care should be taken to dress appropriately for the culture and occasion. . Many times what we wear helps to mold their expectations as well as our own. .to the practice of priests at heathen festivals of wearing masks of their gods. . 5/bid., p. 435, quoting C. F. Keil and Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1949), III, 409. Apostolic Pentecostal denominations include the United Pentecostal Church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and several smaller denominations. This is precisely the development God sought to pre-vent when He instituted Deuteronomy 22:5. . Do not let your beauty be that out-ward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. We can give many examples: dress and hairstyle of hippies in the 1960s, Mao suits of the Communist Chinese, use of uniforms by many organizations, business clothes, clothing of ethnic groups, similarity of dress among teenagers, dress of rock stars and fans, styles worn by homosexuals, clothing worn by prostitutes, and fads and fashions in general. Conduct, gestures, gait, body language, and speech must be modest. Yep. As Fred Wight stated, Peter and Paul condemned an elaborate braiding of womens hair. (2) It enunciates the principle. INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. However, when all women in society wear slacks, the distinction between male and female blurs. The answer may vary somewhat depending on culture, society, station in life, and occasion. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967), p. 225. The Christian Post: More Than 1 in 4 Christians are Pentecostal, Charismatic. In fact, to uncover nakedness is an Old Testament idiomatic expression for sex acts (Leviticus 18:6-19). Many women do not fully realize how visually oriented the male is. Today I want to take a little time and explain to you just why it is that I do not cut my hair. One author tried to justify jewelry and makeup by saying, God does not require a drab and dull appearance. This post is about something vital to Pentecostal girls across the world. In short, appearance both reflects and to a large degree determines what we are in the eyes of self and others. If you are looking for even more research into this belief, I highly recommend checking out Capital Community Church Pastor Raymond Woodwards article Because We Are His. 14 of The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (1957), pp. The high priests use of precious stones had a similar function, with the added dimension of worship (Exodus 28:17-38). It means she arranged her hair elaborately and apparently put ornaments on her head or in her hair. Standard. When they captured it in war, he fashioned it into a gold ephod (sacred garment) to which they offered idolatrous worship. Different cultures have different types of clothing. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1980), p. 241. Do they see it as flaunting wealth, showy, a manifestation of pride, or an object of envy? 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. And you washed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments (Ezekiel 23:40, NKJV). Finally, the heart must be modest and motives pure. Modesty of womans dress is associated with becoming modesty of deportment. Men and women wore different types of robes and headgear, and women wore veils. Furthermore, the ways in which womens pants are distinguished from mens pants are very minor. 11:15, that "hurdle" does not leave the meaning ambiguous. In any case, God meant for them to take the Egyptian gold and silver for use in His service, not for personal ornamentation. Some minor aspects of ornamentation are allowable since they do not highlight sexuality (as makeup does) or extravagance (as jewelry does), are not condemned by Scripture (as both makeup and jewelry are), and are considered standard attire. (2) We do not wish to appear inconsistent in our stand against jewelry. This argument is not valid because chapter 22 contains laws against adultery (verse 22), rape (verses 23-27), and incest (verse 30). .Certain men wore a ring on their right hand, or suspended by a cord or chain around the neck. The spirit of Esther stands in contrast to this. If we act out a part long enough it affects the way we think about ourselves. . When we take Peters advice and look at the holy women of the Old Testament, we find that women should not wear clothing pertaining to men, and vice versa (Deuteronomy 22:5). You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.". Here are two of my super quick go-to/easy top buns for everyday wear or when I'm running late for church. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall. They sit, recline, and prop their legs up in masculine ways. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. We are called to Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Many men prefer for their wives or girlfriends to wear dresses, particularly on special occasions, because they look and act more feminine this way. . ), The Pulpit Commentary clearly states the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:5 and dispels the foregoing objections: That which pertaineth to a man; literally, the apparatus of a man, (including, not dress merely, but implements, tools, weapons, and utensils). The Christian must discipline the flesh, subdue its desires, and turn the spotlight away from it.