| The Scriptures Decree Modesty in Dress |
In ancient times, as throughout many countries today, a person's social rank could be
determined by his dress. Similarly, dress is a significant measurement of Christian
conduct and practice. Christians can often by identified as such by their outward
appearance.
Our people predicate their practices and beliefs upon the Bible. In baptism, we practice
immersion in the name of Jesus as the apostles did. We teach and preach the baptism
of the Holy Spirit as a definite experience evidenced by speaking with other tongues as
the Spirit gives utterance.
Since we adhere as carefully and closely to the Scriptures as possible in matters
pertaining to salvation, we also measure the standards of Christian practicalities such as
clothing, by the same rule.
The New Testament makes several specific statements pertaining to women's dress in
the epistles of Paul and Peter.
"I will that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. In like
manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness
and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which
becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:8-10).
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the
word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they
behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after
this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned
themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands" (I Peter 3:1-5).
Paul admonished women to dress according to certain standards and listed them in this
order: modesty, inexpensive and non ornamental attire, and clothing that becomes
godliness. To be modest means to be decent and respectful. The apostolic Christian
woman seeks to emulate all the fine virtues of Christian womanhood, so she carefully
and prayerfully selects her attire in order not to unduly expose her body to the stares of
the public. She is not so old-fashioned as to look like a monstrosity, but she is
deliberately methodical in choosing clothing that will dignify her womanhood without
provoking the stares of the opposite sex.
She has dedicated herself to the cause of Christianity. This manner of dedication avoids
expensive, extravagant clothing and superfluous, ornamental jewelry, permitting only the
functional use of a wristwatch and a wedding band to designate her wedlock. The great
needs of Christian evangelism and charitable assistance to the poor demand that she
deny herself the exorbitant tastes of expensive fads so that she might practice the
Christian art of concern for others. In this manner, she professes a godliness that stems
from a heartfelt desire for virtuous, holy living.
Her hair style is again predicated upon the Word of God, which teaches her to let her
hair grow uncut: "Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even
nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a
woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (I
Corinthians 11:13-15).
Against this picture of scriptural womanhood, we have the worldly female of today who
tries by every conceivable means, it seems, to flirt with the hazards of indecency.
Costumes and apparel that are inclined toward nudity are sought after intensely. The
results are demonstrated in a wanton display of semi nude parades on our public
streets. Many authorities agree that this concentration on exposure of the body has
contributed greatly to the serious problems of immorality that threaten the basic
foundations of our homes and families. It has also been a cause in inviting serious
sexual atrocities.
The worldly woman also makes a hobby of fashion crazes and style shows. She sets up
a contest with her neighbors as to who owns the most expensive jewelry, who wears the
latest clothes, and who has traveled the farthest to buy the latest creation. It makes for
an interesting discussion over a cocktail, but it does not alleviate the serious problems
and needs of a reeling world, which Christians are called upon to address with a
Christ-like zeal to help desperate souls, both by their means and their consecration.
Moreover, the Scriptures teach a great difference between femininity and masculinity as
to dress. "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).
The desire to emulate men in dress has seriously affected the fine and noble
characteristics of womanhood. Often it takes a second glance to determine the sex of a
woman today, due to the distorted and strange garb she wears and the close proximity
of her attire to that of a man. The Scriptures call this practice an abomination unto God,
or something God hates.
Perhaps some will say this standard has changed due to the inception of the age of
grace introduced by Jesus Christ. But this verse deals with moral law and with the nature
of God, which never change, not with a ceremonial ritual fulfilled by Christ. Moreover,
when the Apostle Peter wished to instruct Christian women about proper conduct, he
used Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as his example (I Peter 3:5). Thus, we are not out of
order in this instance to use a verse of Scripture from the law. We rightfully go back over
the years and learn a spiritual lesson that sharply rebukes the customs and practices of
our day.
Holy women of old concentrated on adorning their spiritual life by developing the
character of the heart. This is the major concentration and beautification of the Christian
woman. Thus, the Apostle Peter used the great dedication of women of another age to
impress the women of the first century with the need for the ornament or adornment of a
meek and quiet spirit.
By the same token, we are within reasonable and scriptural rights to insist that Christian
women today heed the influential, sensible, and divinely inspired advice of the apostles.
Here are the biblical guidelines concerning Christian example in dress for women.
1. Modesty
2. Moderation in cost.
3. Inclination toward godliness (decency).
4. Avoidance of outward adornment.
5. Shamefacedness and sobriety.
6. Distinction between male and female.
The New Testament does not provide instructions expressly for men's clothing.
Apparently immodest dress was not as much of a problem for men in those days, even
though it often is today. However, in many instances it may well be said, "What is sauce
for the goose is sauce for the gander."
The trend to indecent exposure is even having an impression on the male sex today.
Comfort seems to be the overall objective instead of a cautious, considerate thought for
decorum and dignity. But comfort can be achieved without some of the ridiculous,
outlandish costumes now being displayed on our busy avenues.
We can honestly proclaim that the basic principles of godly appearance that apply to
Christian women should also apply to men; namely, modesty, moderation, decency,
elimination of ornamentation and costly finery, and distinction between male and female
in hair and dress.
Taken from the Word Aflame Press tract "The Scriptures Decree Modesty in Dress" - #1567220908
| Introduction |
| New Testament Teaching for Women |
| Distinction Between Male and Female |
| Scriptural Guidelines Summarized |
| Guidelines for Men |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Princeton Apostolic Church
