GOD IS CALLING HIS PEOPLE BACK TO —

Modest and Healthful Clothing: Part 2

WM 1607: DATE OF PUBLICATION: JUNE 2010
Vance Ferrell

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God is pleading with His people to return to the Christian standards given them in earlier years. Please, let us obey Him! —vf

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THE REFORM DRESS

“God would now have His people adopt the reform dress, not only to distinguish them from the world as His ‘peculiar people,’ but because a reform in dress is essential to physical and mental health. God’s people have, to a great extent, lost their peculiarity, and have been gradually patterning after the world, and mingling with them, until they have in many respects become like them. This is displeasing to God. He directs them, as He directed the children of Israel anciently, to come out from the world and forsake their idolatrous practices, not following their own hearts (for their hearts are unsanctified) or their own eyes, which have led them to depart from God and to unite with the world.”—1 Testimonies, 525.

“To those who consistently adopted the reform dress, appreciating its advantages and cheerfully taking their position in opposition to pride and fashion, it proved a blessing.”—4 Testimonies, 635.

“God designed the reform dress as a barrier to prevent the hearts of our sisters from becoming alienated from Him by following the fashions of the world.”—4 Testimonies, 639.

“The question may be asked: ‘Why has this dress been laid aside, and for what reason has dress reform ceased to be advocated?’ The reason for this change I will here briefly state. While many of our sisters accepted this reform from principle, others opposed the simple healthful style of dress which it advocated. It required much labor to introduce this reform among our people. It was not enough to present before our sisters the advantages of such a dress and to convince them that it would meet the approval of God. Fashion had so strong a hold upon them that they were slow to break away from its control, even to obey the dictates of reason and conscience. And many who professed to accept the reform made no change in their wrong habits of dress, except in shortening the skirts and clothing the limbs.”—4 Testimonies, 635-636.

“Nor was this all. Some who adopted the reform were not content to show by example the advantages of the dress, giving, when asked, their reasons for adopting it, and letting the matter rest there. They sought to control others’ conscience by their own. If they wore it, others must put it on. They forgot that none were to be compelled to wear the reform dress.”—4 Testimonies, 636.

“It was not my duty to urge the subject upon my sisters. After presenting it before them as it had been shown me, I left them to their own conscience. Reformatory action is always attended with sacrifice. It demands that love of ease, selfish interest, and the lust of ambition be held in subjection to the principles of right. Whoever has the courage to reform must encounter obstacles. He will be opposed by the conservatism of those whose business or pleasure brings them in contact with the votaries of fashion, and who will lose caste by the change.”—4 Testimonies, 636.

“Perhaps no question has ever come up among us which has caused such development of character as has the dress reform.”—4 Testimonies, 636.

“To those who put it on reluctantly, from a sense of duty, it became a grievous yoke.”—4 Testimonies, 636.

“Some who wore the dress sighed over it as a heavy burden. The language of their hearts was: ‘Anything but this. If we felt free to lay off this peculiar style, we would willingly adopt a plain, untrimmed dress of ordinary length.’ ”—4 Testimonies, 637.

“There is no style of dress more appropriate to be worn at the sanitarium than the reform dress.”—4 Testimonies, 638.

“We regret that any influence should have been brought to bear against this neat, modest, healthful dress.”—4 Testimonies, 638.

“While none were compelled to adopt the reform dress, our people could and should have appreciated its advantages and accepted it as a blessing. The evil results of an opposite course may now be seen.”—4 Testimonies, 639.

“Since I commenced to write number 11, in January 1867, I have worn no other than the reformed dress.”—Review, October 8, 1867.

“We do not wear the style of dress here represented to be odd, that we may attract notice.”—Review, April 14, 1868.

“In bearing the cross of adopting the reform dress we are led by a sense of duty. And, although it may appear objectionable to those who are governed by fashion, we claim that it is the most convenient, the most truly modest, and the most healthful style of dress worn by woman. . .
“We recommend the reform dress to all. We urge it upon none. When Christian women see the wrongs of the fashionable style, and the benefits of ours, and put it on from a sense of duty, and have the moral courage to wear it anywhere and everywhere, they will feel at home in it, and enjoy a satisfaction and blessing in trying to do right.”—Review, April 14, 1868.

“As our sisters would not generally accept the reform dress as it should be worn, another, less objectionable style is now presented.”—4 Testimonies, 640.

“But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection.”—Ministry of Healing, 288.

“ ‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ 2 Timothy 2:9. This forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation.”—Ministry of Healing, 287.

“Taste should be manifested as to colors. Uniformity in this respect, with those who adopt this style of dress, is desirable so far as convenient. Complexion, however, may be taken into the account. Modest colors should be sought for.”—Review, April 14, 1868.

MEN AND WOMEN
ARE NOT TO DRESS ALIKE

“God designated that there should be a plain distinction between the dress of men and women.”—1 Testimonies, 460.

“There is an increased tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination. ‘In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ . ,
“The foregoing was given me as a reproof to those who are inclined to adopt a style of dress resembling that worn by men. . .
“In this style of dress God’s order has been reversed and His special distinctions disregarded. Deuteronomy 22:5: ‘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.’ God would not have this people adopt this style of dress. It is not modest apparel and is not at all fitting for modest, humble females who profess to be Christ’s followers. God’s prohibitions are lightly regarded by all who would advocate the doing away with the distinction of dress between males and females. . .
“God designed there should be a plain distinction between men and women, and has considered the matter of sufficient importance to give explicit directions in regard to it; for the same dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion and great increase of crime. Were the apostle Paul alive and should he behold females professing godliness with this style of dress, he would utter a rebuke.”—1 Testimonies, 457-460.

THE FASHIONS OF THIS WORLD

“I saw that the axe must be laid at the root of the tree. Such pride should not be suffered in the church. It is these things that separate God from His people. . .
“Israel have been asleep to the pride, and fashion, and conformity to the world in the very midst of them. They advance every month in pride, covetousness, selfishness, and love of the world.
“God will have a people separate and distinct from the world. And as soon as they have a desire to imitate the fashions of the world, that they do not immediately subdue, just so soon God ceases to acknowledge them as His children.”—1 Testimonies, 136, 137.

“Those who do not have moral courage . . to leave the fashions of the world, and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed of Him and do not love His example.”—1 Testimonies, 287.

“We must not yield one inch to the customs and fashions of this degenerate age, but stand in moral independence, making no compromise.”—5 Testimonies, 78.

“As I saw the dreadful fact that God’s people were conformed to the world, with no distinction, except in name . . my soul felt deep anguish. . . Said the angel, as with sorrow he saw the professed people of God loving the world, partaking of its spirit, and following its fashions; ‘Cut loose! cut loose! lest He appoint you your portion with hypocrites and unbelievers outside the city.
“While you make yourself appear like the world, and as beautiful as you can, remember that the same body may in a few days be food for worms. And while you adorn it to your taste, to please the eye, you are dying spiritually. God hates your vain, wicked pride. . .
“Oh, the pride that was shown me of God’s professed people! It has increased every year, until it is now impossible to designate professed Advent Sabbathkeepers from all the world around them.”—1 Testimonies, 133-135.

“If God’s people had not greatly departed from Him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. . . The line of distinction between them and the Israel of God must be more plain or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on God’s professed people.
“Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you.”—1 Testimonies, 189-190.

“There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.”—Christ Object Lessons, 154.

“The dress reform is treated by some with great indifference and by others with contempt, because there is a cross attached to it. For this cross I thank God. It is just what we need to distinguish and separate God’s commandment-keeping people from the world. The dress reform answers to us as did the ribbon of blue to ancient Israel.”—3 Testimonies, 171.

“How, thought I, can Jesus regard that company, with their display of ornaments and extravagant dress? . . And should He visit such churches, would He not drive our those desecrators of His Father’s house? . . A modest, godly woman will dress modestly.”—4 Testimonies, 643,

“I have worn a light corded skirt since I was fourteen years of age, not for show but for comfort and decency.”—1 Testimonies 425.

“As we see our sisters departing from simplicity of dress, and cultivating a love for the fashions of the world, we feel troubled. By taking steps in this direction they are separating themselves from God and neglecting the inward adorning. . . Satan invented the fashions in order to keep the minds of women so engrossed with the subject of dress that they could think of but little else. . . They are conforming to the world in the matter of dress; and while they are doing so, souls whom they might have helped by letting their light shine in good works are strengthened in their unbelief by the inconsistent course of these professed Christians. . . Fashion is constantly changing, and our sisters follow in its wake. . . The Lord is displeased with the pride manifested among His professed people. He is dishonored by their conformity to the unhealthful and immodest and expensive fashions of this degenerate age. . . Thus has been developed the pride of heart indulged by a people that profess to have come out from the world and to be separate. . . I have been shown that the main cause of your backsliding is your love of dress. . . Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. . . All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the Word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline. . . 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.”—4 Testimonies, 628-648.

“Will not those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus clothe themselves in modest apparel, adorning themselves with good works, as becometh women professing godliness? . . Great neglect has been shown in the matter of bringing our church members up to the standard of the Bible in this matter. After admonition, after time for Bible study and reflection, those who are walking contrary to the Scriptures, and will not reform, should be suspended from the church. The church is weakened, her power is enfeebled, her influence is limited because church members fail to live in accordance with the directions of the Bible. The example of those who follow the fashions of the world has a disastrous effect upon other members of the church.”—Review, June 2, 1891.

“The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear? . . Let all examine their own practices.”—6 Testimonies, 371.

“The church is in a great degree responsible for the sins of her members. She gives countenance to evil if she fails to lift her voice against it.”—Prophets and Kings, 651.

“Satan is constantly devising some new style of dress. . . And he exults when he sees professed Christians eagerly accepting the fashions that he has invented.”—4 Testimonies, 634.

TIME TO RETURN

“Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain and thus be fitted for translation.”—1 Testimonies, 187.

“If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: ‘God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people.’ . . Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: ‘They are joined to their idols, let them alone,’ and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels.”—1 Testimonies, 187.

“Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after we are dead. . . They have a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as possible and yet go to heaven.”—1 Testimonies, 131.

“I saw that the words, the dress, and actions should tell for God.”—1 Testimonies, 132.

“God hates your vain, wicked pride; and He looks upon you as a whited sepulcher, full of corruption and uncleanness within.”—1 Testimonies, 134.

“They should let their dress be modest, different from the world around them.”—1 Testimonies, 135.
“I saw that the outside appearance is an index to the heart. . . Such pride should not be suffered in the church.”—1 Testimonies, 136.

“The time that you spend, standing before the glass preparing the hair to please the eye, should be devoted to prayer and searching of heart.”—1 Testimonies, 162.

“Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings. . . The volumes of the Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies, should be introduced into every Sabbath-keeping family . . and be read again and again.”—5 Testimonies, 681.

“It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition.”—4 Testimonies, 211.

“Those who turn away from the light which God has given or who neglect to seek it, when it is within their reach, are left in darkness.”—Great Controversy, 312.

“Many a soul who was convinced of the truth has been led to decide against it by the pride and love of the world displayed by our sisters. . . All heaven is marking the daily influence which the professed followers of Christ exert upon the world. . . Remember we must all answer to God for the influence we exert.”—4 Testimonies, 641.

“Repentance is genuine when reformation takes place.”—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 22.

“If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your acts will all be right. True godliness is lacking.”—1 Testimonies, 158.
“I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded as conscientiously today as they were then.”—9 Testimonies, 158.

“I would that all our people might see the inconsistency of our being God’s commandment-keeping people, a peculiar people, zealous of good works, and yet feeling that we must copy after the world in order to make our work successful.”—Loma Linda Messages, 14.

“But the sins that control the world have come into the churches, and into the hearts of those who claim to be God’s peculiar people. . . They find pleasure in dress and the indulgence of appetite. The things of the world are their idols.”—5 Testimonies, 456.

“Oh, what a day is before us! What sifting there will be among those who claim to be the children of God.”—Testimonies to Ministers, 163.

“All who leave the common track of custom, and advocate reform, will be opposed, accounted mad, insane, radical; let them pursue ever so consistent a course.”—2 Testimonies, 377.

“I asked the angel why simplicity had been shut out from the church, and pride and exaltation had come in. I saw that this was the reason why we have almost been delivered into the hand of the enemy.”—1 Testimonies, 114.

“I do not speak unadvisedly when I say that the way in which women clothe themselves, together with their indulgence of appetite, is the greatest cause of their present feeble diseased condition.”—1 Testimonies, 461.
“This is no trivial matter to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress reform demands serious reflection and much prayer.”—4 Testimonies, 641.

“He is dishonored by their conformity to the unhealthful, immodest, and expensive fashions of this degenerate age.”—4 Testimonies, 634.

“The eyes of God’s people seem to be blinded, while the church is fast drifting into the channel of worldliness.”—4 Testimonies, 513.

“He made the infinite sacrifice, not only that sin might be removed, but that human nature might be restored, rebeautified, reconstructed from its ruins, and made fit for the presence of God.”—5 Testimonies, 537.

“Her members have so far departed from Him that He cannot accomplish His will through them. . . The means employed must be in harmony with His character.”—5 Testimonies, 189.

“I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction.”—3 Testimonies, 255.

“The church has received warning after warning. The duties and dangers of God’s people have been plainly revealed. But the worldly element has proved too strong for them. Customs, practices, and fashions which lead the soul away from God have been for years gaining ground, in defiance of the warnings and entreaties of the Holy Spirit, until at last their ways have become right in their own eyes and the Spirit’s voice is scarcely heard. . . Those who are not wholly consecrated to God may be led to do the work of Satan, while yet they flatter themselves that they are in the service of Christ.”—5 Testimonies, 103.

“No matter how zealous men may be in their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of His commands.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 634.

“Those who worship at fashion’s altar have but little force of character . . and their lives accomplish no worthy end.”—4 Testimonies, 644.

“God will have a people separate and distinct from the world.”—1 Testimonies, 137.

“From what was shown me, but a small number of those now professing to believe the truth would eventually be saved—not because they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in God’s own appointed way.”—2 Testimonies, 445.

“Jesus Himself never purchased peace by compromise.”—Desire of Ages, 356.
“No man can be true to principle without exciting opposition.”—Desire of Ages, 356.

“Let the ministers awake, let them take in the situation.”—Testimonies to Ministers, 431.

“As we near the judgment, all will manifest their true character, and it will be made plain to what company they belong,”—1 Testimonies, 100.

“Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people.”—1 Testimonies, 181.

“Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name?”—1 Testimonies, 287.

“Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast.”—5 Testimonies, 216.

“Obedience is the test of discipleship.”—Mount of Blessing, 146.

“We may deny Him . . by conformity to the world . . or costly apparel.”—1 Testimonies, 304.

“Love of dress is an idolatrous shrine at which the women of this age are worshiping.”—Signs, May 26, 1881.
“The character is considered of less importance than the dress.”—4 Testimonies, 642.

“The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel.”—6 Testimonies, 96.

“Fashion and display absorb the means that might comfort the poor and suffering. They rob the world of the gospel of the Saviour’s love. Missions languish. Multitudes perish for want of Christian teaching.”—Ministry of Healing, 287-288.

“My sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into conformity with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an abundance with which to help your poorer sisters. You would have not only means, but time.”—Ministry of Healing, 207.

“Satan is constantly devising some new style of dress that shall prove an injury to physical and moral health; and he exults when he sees professed Christians eagerly accepting the fashions that he has invented.”—4 Testimonies, 634.

“Many have become life-long invalids through their compliance with the demands of fashion.”—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 87.

“Will men and women professing the most solemn truths ever borne to mortals be true to principle? If they would have an influence to lead the world to serious reflection, they must be; their dress and conversation must be in strict accordance with their peculiar faith.”—5 Testimonies, 128-129.

“Because of the irreverence in attitude, dress, and deportment, and lack of a worshipful frame of mind, God has often turned His face away from those assembled for His worship.
“All should be taught to be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but not to indulge in that external adorning which is wholly inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no display of the apparel; for this encourages irreverence.”—5 Testimonies, 499.

“The idolatry of dress is a moral disease.”—6 Testimonies, 96.

“Love of dress and pleasure is wrecking the happiness of thousands.”—3 Testimonies, 366.

“For Christ’s sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance.”—6 Testimonies, 96.

“Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God’s Word. They should shun extremes.”—1 Testimonies, 459.

“Oddity and carelessness in dress have been considered a special virtue by some. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers.”—1 Testimonies, 275.

“We as a people do not believe it our duty to go out of the world to be out of fashion. If we have a neat, plain, modest, and comfortable plan of dress, and worldlings choose to dress as we do, shall we change this mode of dress in order to be different from the world? No, we should not be odd or singular in our dress for the sake of differing from the world, lest they should despise us for so doing. Christians are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Their dress should be neat and modest, their conversation chaste and heavenly, and their deportment blameless.”—1 Testimonies, 424-425.

“Those to whom God has entrusted time and means that they might be a blessing to humanity, but who have squandered these gifts needlessly upon themselves and their children, will have a fearful account to meet at the bar of God.”—4 Testimonies, 633.

“In dress, as in all things else, it is our privilege to honor our Creator.”—Education, 248.

“Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.”—Acts of the Apostles, 523.

“Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman appear to the best advantage. We judge of a person’s character by the style of dress worn. Gaudy apparel betrays vanity and weakness. A modest, godly woman will dress modestly. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire.”—4 Testimonies, 643.

“In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron’s robes; for his dress was symbolic.”—6 Testimonies, 96.

“The teachers should set a right example before the youth, in spirit, in deportment, and in dress. They should be attired in plain, simple garments.”—Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, 42.

“One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is in the subject of dress.”—6 Testimonies, 96.

“I have seen an angel standing with scales in his hands, weighing the thoughts and interest of the people of God, especially the young. In one scale were the thoughts and interest tending Heavenward; in the other were the thoughts and interest tending to earth. And in this scale were thrown all the reading of story books, thoughts of dress and show, vanity and pride, etc. Oh, what a solemn moment! The angels of God standing with scales, weighing the thoughts of His professed children—those who claim to be dead to the world and alive to God. The scale filled with thoughts of earth, vanity, and pride quickly went down, notwithstanding weight after weight rolled from the scale. The one with the thoughts and interest tending to Heaven went quickly up as the other went down; and, oh, how light it was.”—1 Testimonies, 124-125.

“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.”—4 Testimonies, 641.

“It [the clothing] should have the grace, the beauty, the appropriateness of natural simplicity.”—Ministry of Healing, 289.

“Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God.”—4 Testimonies, 647.

“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.”—4 Testimonies, 648.

“Some receive the idea that, in order to carry out that separation from the world that the Word of God requires, they must be neglectful of their apparel. There is a class of sisters who think they are carrying out the principle of nonconformity to the world by wearing an ordinary sunbonnet and the same dress worn by them through the week, upon the Sabbath when appearing in the assembly of the saints to engage in the worship of God. And some men who profess to be Christians view the matter of dress in the same light. These persons assemble with God’s people upon the Sabbath with their clothing dusty and soiled, and even with gaping rents in their garments, which are placed upon their persons in a slovenly manner.
“This class, if they had an engagement to meet a friend honored by the world, by whom they wished to be especially favored, would exert themselves to appear in his presence with the best apparel that could be obtained; for this friend would feel insulted were they to come into his presence with their hair uncombed and garments uncleanly and in disorder. Yet these persons think that it is no matter in what dress they appear or what is the condition of their persons when they meet upon the Sabbath to worship the great God.”—Child Guidance, 428.

“Bind your children to your heart by affection. Give them proper care and attention in all things. Furnish them with becoming garments, that they be not mortified by their appearance; for this would be injurious to their self-respect. You have seen that the world is devoted to fashion and dress, neglecting the mind and morals to decorate their person; but, in avoiding this evil, you verge upon the opposite extreme and do not pay sufficient attention to your own dress and that of your children. It is always right to be neat and clad appropriately in a manner becoming to your age and station in life.”—4 Testimonies, 142.

“When you are buying and making your own and your children’s clothing . . it is right to buy good material and have it carefully made. This is economy. But rich trimmings are not needed.”—Counsels on Stewardship, 301.

“The material should be free from large plaids and figures, and plain in color.”—4 Testimonies, 640.

“There is no use in telling you that you must wear this or that; for, if the love of these vain things is in your heart, your laying off your adornments will only be like cutting the foliage off the tree. The inclinations of the natural heart would again assert themselves. You must have a conscience of your own.”—Sons and Daughters of God, 292.

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BIBLE PRINCIPLES:
CLOTHED WITH HEAVENLY WISDOM

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”—Proverbs 1:7-9.

“Let thine heart retain My words: Keep My Commandments and live. Get wisdom, get understanding. Forget it not, neither decline from the words of My mouth. Forsake her not and she shall preserve thee. . . She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.”—Proverbs 4:4-6, 9.

THE TRANSFIGURED CHRIST

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart. And [He] was transfigured before them. And His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.”—Matthew 17:1-2.

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. And in the midst of the seven candlesticks, One like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire. And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.”—Revelation 1:12-15.

ROBES OF CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

“We are all as an unclean thing, and all our rightousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee.”—Isaiah 64:6-7.

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My judgment was as a robe and a diadem.”—Job 29:14.

“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion. Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city. For henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.”—Isaiah 52:1.

“I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”—Psalm 132:16.

“And He answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”—Zechariah 3:4.

“But the father said to his servants: ‘Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him.’ ” Luke 15:22.
“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.”—Matthew 22:11-12.

FINE LINEN AND WHITE RAIMENT

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”—Revelation 3:5.

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”—Revelation 3:17-18.

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”—Revelation 4:4.

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands.”—Revelation 7:9.

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”—Revelation 19:7-8.

“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. The virgins, her companions that follow her, shall be brought unto Thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: They shall enter into the King’s palace.”—Psalm 45:11, 13-15.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God. For He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself.”—Isaiah 61:10.

“And I [John] saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away.”—Revelation 21:1-4.

“We build upon Christ by obeying His Word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. When the children of Israel were encamped on the borders of the Promised Land, it was not enough for them to have a knowledge of Canaan or to sing the songs of Canaan. This alone would not bring them into possession of the vineyards and olive groves of the goodly land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves, while they obeyed His instruction.”—Mount of Blessing, 149.

“Let the youth and the little children be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven’s loom—the ‘fine linen, clean and white’ (Revelation 19:8), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This robe, Christ’s own spotless character, is freely offered to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here.
“Let the children be taught that as they open their minds to pure, loving thoughts and do loving and helpful deeds, they are clothing themselves with His beautiful garment of character. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their title of admission to the palace of the King.”—Child Guidance, 190.

“It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. ‘Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’ We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. ‘But ye, brethren,’ says Paul, ‘are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.’ It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul.”—5 Testimonies, 215-216.

“Eating, drinking, and dressing all have a direct bearing upon our spiritual advancement.”—Youth’s Instructor, May 31, 1894.

“What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the Mark of the Beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth, these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the Seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.
“Now is the time to prepare. The Seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men and women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the Seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.”—5 Testimonies, 216.

ADDITIONAL BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

We should dress simply: Matthew 6:28-29; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 5:5; 1 Timothy 2:8-10.
Examples of rich apparel: Luke 16:19; Acts 12:21.
We should not indulge in the wearing of gold, etc.: l Peter 3:3-4.
Examples of worldly ornamentation: Isaiah 3:16-24.
Our clothing should be kept clean: Exodus 19:10-11, 14.
The inward adorning of the soul is most important: 1 Peter 3:3-4.
Men and women should not dress alike: Deuteronomy 22:5.

CLOTHING IN BIBLE TIMES

Materials: Fig leaves (Gen. 3:6-8). Skins (Gen. 3:21). Hair (Mark 1:6; Matt. 3:4). Leather (2 Kings 1:8). Linen (Ex. 28:4, 6, 8; Gen. 41:42; Eze. 9:2; Luke 16:19; Isa. 3:23; Eze. 16:10). Wool (Lev. 13:47; Prov. 31:13; Eze. 34:1-3; 44:17). Mixed materials in clothing (Deut. 22:11).
Rules concerning clothing: Men forbidden to wear women’s clothing and women forbidden to wear men’s (Deut. 22:5). Rules regarding women’s clothing (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3; Isa. 23:18).
Hats: Bonnets (Ex. 28:40; 29:9; Eze. 44:18. Men’s hats (Dan. 3:21). Women’s hats (Isa. 3:16, 20). Hoods (Isa. 3:23). Kerchiefs (Eze. 13:18, 21).
Other articles of clothing: Mantle (Ezra 9:3; 1 Kings 19:13; 2 Kings 2:8, 13; Job 2:12). Purple clothing (John 19:2, 5). Robe (Ex. 28:4; 1 Sam. 18:4). Coat (Gen. 37:3; Ex. 28:40; Dan. 3:21; Matt. 10:10; Matt. 5:40; Luke 6:29; John 19:23; Acts 9:39; Ex. 28:4, 40). Cloak (2 Tim. 4:13). Hose (Dan. 3:21). Skirts (Eze. 5:3), Mufflers (Isa. 3:19). Wimples (Isa. 3:22).
Priest’s garments: Clothing (Ex. 28:2; 29:5, 29; 31:10; 39:1; Ex. 28:40; 29:9; 39:28).
Simplicity of clothing: Matthew 6:28-29; 1 Peter 3:3.
Filthy clothing: Isaiah 64:6; Zechariah 3:3-4.
Ornamentation: Bracelets (Gen. 24:22; 38:18; Ex. 35:22; 2 Sam. 1:10). Ornaments (Ex. 33:4; Isa. 3:18; Jer. 2:32; 4:30; Eze. 16:11; 23:40). Chains (Gen. 41:42; Prov. 1:9; Eze. 16:11; Dan. 5:29). Earrings (Gen. 35:4; Ex. 32:2; Judges 8:24; Job 42:11; Num. 31:50; Prov. 25:12; Eze. 16:12; Hosea 2:13). Rings (Gen. 41:42; Ex. 35:22; Esther 3:10; 8:8; Isa. 3:21; Luke 15:22). Jewels (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 3:22; 35:22; Num. 31:50; Isa. 61:10). Jewels discarded (Gen. 35:4; Ex. 33:4; 1 Peter 3:3). Jewels brought as an offering to God (Ex. 35:22; Num. 31:50).

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CONCLUSION

We obey God because He said to. Adam and Eve questioned why a certain tree in the garden should be kept from them. But that particular tree was wrong for them to eat of, simply because God said so. We may not always immediately understand why He asks of us as He does; but we can always trust and obey, knowing that He will only give us that which is for our best good. What God says in His Word is reason enough for obedience. As we yield and obey, we shall begin to better understand the reasons for His requests. Remember, He has done a lot for you. In return, do all you can to please Him. For, indeed, He is the best Friend you shall ever have. —vf