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What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry?

The UPC, along with many other holiness groups, teaches against wearing jewelry. I know that when I was in the movement I took the teaching for granted. I think that many others did as well. If new converts asked questions then the general answer went something like this: “It’s an inward change of the heart that is reflected by an outward change of appearance; as Christians we are called to be separate from the world.” Alternatively, the new convert might be given a well-meaning lesson on respecting pastoral authority even if we do not “see it for ourselves.” If the person questioning is not a new convert then they are often judged as being “cold on God” or “lukewarm.” I am ashamed to admit that I was often guilty of judging people that way.

When I was part of the apostolic Pentecostal movement I happily went along with the doctrine of no jewelry without really questioning it. I had this vague idea that there was biblical support for it. There must be, right? Otherwise, why would we be teaching it? It was not until I began to question many of the doctrines of the UPC that I studied the no-jewelry doctrine for myself. When I did, I was surprised to find out that there is literally no biblical support for the doctrine. In fact, the Bible has more good to say about jewelry than it does bad!

In this article I will share some Scriptures and make some comments. I think that the Scriptures will speak for themselves, but hopefully you will find my comments beneficial. As always, I encourage you to study Scripture and formulate your own opinions.

What Do Holiness Organizations Say About Jewelry?

First, let’s look at what the UPC and a couple of other apostolic holiness organizations have to say about jewelry. The doctrinal section of the UPC’s Web site says:

[The Christian woman] 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 wedlock1.

Their conclusion comes from these two passages: 1 Tim. 2:8-10 and 1 Pet. 3:1-5. I will come back to those Scriptures in a moment.

The Articles of Faith of the ALJC—an organization that allows its member churches more autonomy on how much jewelry they allow—also cites 1 Pet. 3:1-5 as “instruction to wives about their behavior and appearance.”2 They conclude that “Holiness is not only an inward presence of God but it is also reflected in the outward life of the Christian in his conduct in this world.” On the surface this is a very generic statement, and one that every Christian would agree with. In practice, though, the “outward life” is translated into a dress code.

The Articles of Faith of the WPF says:

The glory of the female believer is manifested, among other ways, through the emanation of the divine glory in her appearance (I Peter 3:3,4). All artifice is viewed as obstruction to her authentic beauty and is to be avoided (I Timothy 2:9,10). Jewelry, (I Timothy 2:9), make-up, (II Kings 9:3) dyes, and any other artificiality, as well as immodest apparel, are viewed as attempts to artificially induce beauty (Isaiah 3:16-24 RSV, I Peter 3:1-5) and replace the lost glow of God’s glory as seen in the face of the believer as well as in the heavens. All this is Scripturally associated with Jezebel, who is both an Old Testament (I Kings 18:4, 19:1-2, II Kings 9:7,30), as well as New Testament, example of seduction and artificiality (Revelation 2:20,22). Thus, “cosmetics,” derived from “cosmos” (arrangement, as in the universe) are attempts to “make-up” the sparkle and glow, which is normative in the presence of the living God as well as within the believer (Philippians 2:15)3.

It is clear that out of the three views the WPF’s is both the most restrictive and the one with the most Scripture citations. I could write an entire article responding just to the things that the WPF said in the above quotation (and I probably will). For now I would just like to point out two things. First, Jezebel was never condemned for her artificiality; she was condemned for trying to kill the prophets of God (Rev. 2:20). It is Western society that has associated Jezebel with extreme make-up and jewelry; that idea is not found in the Bible. Second, Phil. 2:14-15 is talking about not grumbling and disputing. The reason Paul says not to grumble and dispute is because we “appear as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). To say that I think it is a logical stretch to teach that cosmetics are wrong because they make us sparkle and glow would be an understatement. (Come to think of it, I’ve never seen any cosmetics that make someone glow; I think it would be pretty cool.)

If we exclude the WPF’s connection between cosmetics and artificial glowing then it becomes apparent that there are only two passages that are used to support the no-jewelry (or limited jewelry) rule: 1 Tim. 2:8-10 and 1 Pet. 3:1-5. I will deal with those two passages in a moment, but first let’s look at some Scriptures that the holiness groups probably never showed you.

Some Scriptures Your Pastor Never Showed You:

Ezekiel 16:8-15, NASB
Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine, declares the Lord God. Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you, declares the Lord God. But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing.4

Song of Solomon 1:10-11, NASB
“Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of beads. We will make for you ornaments of gold With beads of silver.”

Pro 1:8-9 NASB
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.

Son 7:1 NASB
"How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter! The curves of your hips are like jewels, The work of the hands of an artist.

Isa 61:10 NASB
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isa 49:18 NASB
"Lift up your eyes and look around; All of them gather together, they come to you. As I live," declares the LORD, "You will surely put on all of them as jewels and bind them on as a bride.

Now, when I read these Scriptures I asked myself a question: If jewelry is so sinful, then how come God repeatedly used it as an analogy of beauty? If it’s such a sin to wear jewelry then why would God promise to clothe people with "garments of salvation…as a bride adorns herself with jewels"? If jewelry’s a sin then isn’t God making some really, really bad analogies?

To put it another way, if jewelry is bad, then was God really saying, “I’m going to give my bride a bunch of jewels, and they’ll make her look really beautiful, but she’d better not wear them because they’re bad!” Or, “Wow, my bride rocks, the curve of her hips are like jewels! Too bad she can’t wear jewels because it’s a sin.”

Isn’t it a stretch to think that God would make these analogies if jewelry is bad?

Does the Bible Ever Say That Wearing Jewelry Is A Sin?

This is a really important question. You see, everything that is a sin in the New Testament was also a sin in the Old Testament Law (I.E. Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy). Let me say that again: Everything that is a sin in the New Testament was also a sin in the Old Testament Law.

Now, the converse is not true. Everything that was a sin in the Old Testament Law was not necessarily a sin in the New Testament. The reason is because the Mosaic Law was broken into three parts: Moral, Ceremonial, and Penal. The moral law was (for the most part) what we call the 10 Commandments, as well as commands against fornication, homosexuality, drunkenness, and so on; the ceremonial law involved the sacrifices, the foods that a person could eat, whether or not you could dig your donkey out of a ditch on the Sabbath, and things like that; the penal law gave the penalties for breaking the moral or ceremonial law.5

When Jesus came on the scene He fulfilled the ceremonial law and the penal law. He did not fulfill the moral law.6 Instead, He "put [His] laws upon [our] heart[s]" (Heb. 10:16 NASB).

I said all of that to say this: You cannot find a sin in the New Testament that was not also a sin in the Old Testament Law. The reason is simple–the Law defines sin! Paul put it this way: "I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, "You shall not covet" (Rom. 7:7 NASB).

Now let’s get back to my original question: Does the Bible ever say that wearing jewelry is a sin? The answer is apparently “No.” The Bible never says that jewelry is a sin. For that matter, it has more good to say about jewelry than it does bad!

So What Does The Bible Say?

As I showed at the start of this article, the no jewelry (or limited jewelry) doctrine is defended by two Scripture passages: 1 Tim. 2:8-10 and 1 Pet. 3:1-5. Before we look at those passages, though, please allow me to make one brief point. If I thought that the Bible even hinted that jewelry is a sin then I would be one of the doctrine’s strongest defenders. When I was in the apostolic movement I never had any desire to wear jewelry; I never cared one way or the other. So please do not think that this article is about me wanting to wear jewelry, or me “rebelling,” or anything like that. Because it’s not.

With that said, let’s look at 1 Tim. 2:8-10 and 1 Pet. 3:1-5. Let’s do 1 Pet. 3:1-5 first.

1Pe 3:1-5 NASB
In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.

Now, when presented with a passage such as this, we have two options. The first option is to assume that the author is presenting a principle, and that the examples that he uses to illustrate the principles are just that: examples. The second option is to assume that the author is laying down a set of rules, and that he expects people to take him literally. The one thing that is not an option is to take part of the passage literally and part of it figuratively—yet that is exactly what the UPC and other holiness organizations frequently do.

For example, if Peter expects us to take him literally then we need to do just that. If he is speaking literally, and he is laying down rules, then here is what we can glean:

  1. Peter is speaking only to wives. The things that he is saying do not apply to single women.
  2. Wives cannot braid their hair.
  3. Wives cannot wear gold jewelry (other kinds are presumably allowed).
  4. Wives must not wear dresses.

That is option one.

Option two is that Peter is using fancy hair styles, gold jewelry, and fancy clothes as examples because they help him make his point. If option two is correct then we can glean these principles:

  1. Peter is speaking specifically to wives—especially those who have unsaved husbands—but the principle can apply to us all.
  2. His principle is that we should not focus on our outer appearance—on our lavish hairdos, fancy clothes, and expensive jewelry—but we should instead focus on cultivating “chaste and respectful behavior.”

I will let you decide which of those two options is correct. All that I will say is that one of them has to be correct. I want to stress again that it is illogical and absurd to read this passage and pull one word out—jewelry—and teach that it is wrong while maintaining that braided hair and dresses are alright.

Now let’s look at 1 Tim. 2:8-10:

1Ti 2:8-10 NASB
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

We are once again presented with two options. Is Paul using braided hair, gold, pearls and costly garments as examples in order to make a broader point, or is he laying down a set of rules?

If he is laying down a set of rules then this is what we can glean:

  1. Men always have to lift their hands when they pray. Furthermore, they cannot lift their hands if there is any wrath or dissension in their heart.
  2. Women must dress modestly and discreetly.
  3. Women must not braid their hair.
  4. Women must not wear gold or pearls.
  5. Women must not wear costly garments.
  6. Women must wear good works (what store do you buy those in?).

There are a couple of problems with the first option. One might reasonably wonder how a woman can wear good works. On the other hand, if Paul is making a broader point, and he is just using braided hair, gold, pearls and costly garments as an example, then this is what we can glean:

  1. Men need to cultivate a holy attitude. When they pray they should examine their hearts and make sure that they are not harboring any wrath or dissension.
  2. Women need to do the same thing. They need to make sure that they are focusing on the inside and not the outside. They need to dress modestly and discreetly. If they are poor then they need to not worry about not having gold and pearls and servants to give them fancy hairdos, and they should be content that they can dress modestly. If they are rich then they should not focus on their gold and pearls and fancy hairdos—they might even want to consider getting rid of some of that and helping folks out who are in need. That’s good works, and that’s what a godly woman should be worried about.

Now you might disagree with my broader interpretation of what Paul is saying to women, and that’s fine if you do. But my original point remains the same. Either Paul is speaking literally or he is making a broader point using examples that were common for his day. It’s one or the other, it can’t be both at the same time. It makes no sense to say, “Paul said don’t wear gold or pearls but it’s OK if we braid our hair!” That makes no sense at all.

Conclusion

Do you see how ridiculous this gets? The UPC and associated organizations allow women to braid their hair, but they don’t allow them to wear most jewelry. They allow women to wear “costly dresses,” even though Peter said they shouldn’t wear dresses at all (if we take him literally). Most of them allow women to wear gold wedding bands, almost all of them allow gold watches, and every single one allows gold-rimmed glasses, but they won’t let them wear a silver necklace (even though neither Peter or Paul said anything about silver).

Folks, I have a name for this sort of teaching: Hypocrisy. Apostolic Pentecostal organizations have no problem taking Scriptures figuratively when it fits their agenda. They have no problem saying that when Stephen saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God he was speaking figuratively. They have no problem saying that Paul was giving a cultural command when he commanded (on four separate occasions) for brothers to great each other with a holy kiss. They have no problem saying that women can talk in church even though Paul specifically commanded against it.

And you know what? I agree with the UPC’s interpretation of those passages. I do think that the command for brothers to kiss each other was entirely cultural. I do think that Paul’s command for women not to speak in church was a command for order in the church, and the reason that he specifically commanded women not to speak was because of the cultural norms of his day. I do agree with the Oneness Pentecostals and Trinitarians when they say that God the Father does not have a physical body. Frankly, I don’t know what Stephen saw, but the one thing that I do not think he saw was two Gods. Two Gods is both logically and Scripturally impossible, and the Trinitarians would agree with me on that.

Folks, God gave us a brain…let’s use it! At some point we have to step back and look at a Scripture passage and capture the meaning as well as the words! If one steps back and just reads the passage with an open mind then it becomes clear that Peter and Paul were saying the exact same thing: Both men and women should be focused on cultivating inward holiness and not outward beauty! We should dress modestly and discreetly and avoid gaudiness and extravagance so that people can see our good deeds and our good behavior.

Conclusion:

If you are an apostolic woman reading this article, and you feel that God has led you to not wear jewelry, then I want you to know that I am not ridiculing you at all. You have my respect. My problem is not with you, it is with a religious system that creates man-made rules and regulations and then demands that people follow them. My problem is with a religious system that adds to the offense of the Cross. My problem is with any denomination, organization, or church that creates barriers between the lost and God.

You have heard my opinion of the subject, but if you would like to read “the other side of the story” then you can do so at these two links:

Additional Study:

Studying the subject of jewelry can be hard since different words were used (ornaments, ornamentation, pearls, etc.). If you would like to do your own study into the subject then here are a couple of links that I hope will be helpful!

  • ISBE – This is a link to the ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) article on "Ornament."
  • Smith’s Bible Dictionary – A link to the "Ornaments, personal" article in Smith’s Bible Dictionary.
  • NASB word search – A link to the results of a search for the word "ornaments" in the NASB (New American Standard Bible).

References:

  1. United Pentecostal Church International – Modesty, Accessed 2006-12-22 [↩]
  2. Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, Accessed 2008-06-23 [↩]
  3. Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship, Accessed 2008-06-23 [↩]
  4. New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995 [↩]
  5. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia , James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor, "Law In the New Testament” [↩]
  6. Ibid. [↩]

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32 Responses to What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry?

  1. What does the Bible say about wearing make-up? | whyileft.org
    November 13th, 2007 at 4:19 pm

    [...] What does the Bible say about women wearing pants? | Main | What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry? [...]

  2. carla
    April 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    There is no power in ritual, but there is life transforming power in revelation. God is the Creator, we are the creation. The creation can never be greater than the Creator. In these latter days we must ask “what was God’s original intent?” when he said…when he did… The inference here is that we have veered far off from that “intent” and must find it only through divine revelation.

  3. Van
    May 4th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    This was a very interesting article. I am studing to be a minister in the Seventh Day Adventist, and I was suggested not to wear my wedding band.
    I was told a watch is ok, because it served a purpous.So thank you for this.
    I will pray about it and see where God directs me.
    Thank you, and God Bless

  4. Marcia
    July 12th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    im fourteen years of age…this is my first summer working and my boss said that we are not allowed to wear jelewry because the Bible says so….so i decided to do my reserch to see if she was right…turns out she was wrong…I’m a chrsitain myself and I see nothing weong with wearing jelewry.

  5. Josh
    July 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

    Marcia, good for you! Always test the things people tell you and validate them against the Word of God. That goes for the things that I say, too :)

  6. Annika Rei
    August 4th, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Very impressive! Although I had a thought while reading your post. I wondered if God really doesn’t want women to wear those “extravagant” stuff because He’s thinks we might end up to be harlots, LOL! But seriously, I think the Scriptures permits us to wear jewelry IF somebody else put it on us. So…should I tell my husband to put my earrings in my ears for me?

  7. SIS NOEL
    August 5th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    Camp Meeting.”Storming the Gates. When I saw the title I just knew I had to go. God made a way. I am so looking forward to what God is going to do. Sunday we were visiting with some friends and something came up that has really pierced my soul. I know my pastor mentioned it and its been happening but I didnt know who or really what or any of the details.
    This split in our organization. I only know a little bit and thats too much.
    My husband was looking at a new website and started to tell me hey honey so and so is on here. So and so left too. Men of God who I have throughout the years held in high regard. Men who have been mentors to my pastor and former pastor that I hear wont even talk to each other anymore.
    My husband mentioned someone we love and I told him to stop. I told him I dont want to hear about anyone else who has parted ways.
    I have not been able to understand it. I thought my God. These men of God are having great division over an opinion. Call it what you want when the rubber meets the road its nothing but a man’s opinion. OK fine Im not a preachers wife, I am just a servant, but are you kidding me? Is this what we are coming down to in the last days? The greatest men of God dividing themselves against each other while all of us watch and see who’s side we end up on? This is our example? I am so disturbed by this. I can only imagine how God must feel. What honor will He find in this? What glory would He get out of this?
    One man thinks he is right over the other. You know whats right? God is RIGHT! Loving your brother even if he dosent agree with you 100%. To keep a united front for the church. To not be distracted by the devil and turn the focus on yourselves and who is more holy than thou. To help each other make it. To love your brother as Christ loves you. Thats what is right!
    We are at the end of the road here folks! WAKE UP~!~ God is still on the throne. Judge not lest ye be judged! How can we have a powerful move of God throughout our movement if there is not unity? A church divided will not stand!! God loves unity. Put away your foolish pride and grab ahold of the love you used to all have for one another and hold on to that.
    If Jesus was sitting in on one of your board meetings do you honestly think He would care about the nonsense you are allowing to divide you? NO!! He would wonder where you lost the love in your heart for your friends? If Pastor so and so’s child was about to die would Pastor so and so not pray for that child anymore and not reach out to that pastor because they deem themselves better than the other?? This is so sad. We all need each other. Pastor so and so this other pastor so and so needs you. Over a difference of opinion are you going to walk away or walk over your brother to get to where you are going or are you going to reach out your hand and pull your brother up and walk with him.
    This is not of God. You can color it any color you want to make it look justified. Take a cloth and clean the board and you are left with the spirit of division. Unity has stepped off the bus!!
    God is not riding with you.. I know this is probably none of my concern but when our preachers start to divide against one another it shakes the very foundation God has placed us on. I trust God because in His word it says, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church of the Living God”
    This ministry has traveled to far together to separate now.
    Dont forget where you came from. Some of these pastors have helped some of these others get to where they are today. You didnt arrive by yourself. God didnt bring us here. God hates division. He is not pleased. I wish and I will pray and intercede like I hope many people will unite in my prayer to bring a MIGHTY SPIRIT OF PEACE to conquer this horrible spirit of division and get ahold of our ministry and bring old friends back together to fight this fight together. We cant go into battle before the rapture divided. We must STAND together! Put aside your pride and pay a visit to Calvary. It will give you a whole new perspective. Your difference of opinion isnt going to make any difference on judgement day. It will only cause confusion as it already has and souls to be be utterly lost that you are responsible for. Love one another, this is the will of God..
    When my close friends disagree with me and we do. I dont cut them out of my life or love them any less. I am still there for them and will continue to run in this race with them. They are my friend. We can agree to disagree. Who are we when we think we dont have to show mercy and grace toward one another? When you needed it Jesus was there.
    Please everyone who reads this pray for the spirit of unity to arrest our ministry. Pray against this selfish spirit of division. Pray God will speak to each one of our pastors, ministers, missionaries and all who have been placed in authority over Gods people. I pray for friends to re-unite and for God to step in have His way. I know this is long and if Im out of place Lord please forgive me. Church keep your eyes on Jesus. This is only a distraction of the devil. I chose God’s side. I feel so sorry for my pastor to be put in the middle and have to chose. I know my pastor picks Jesus and wants no part of this division. Thank God! Peace I pray peace. Lets storm the gates together. I plead the blood of Jesus over this situation.
    I wish someone would get up at camp meeting and say this and at general conference and usher in a spirit of repentance and have the spirit of unity bind them all back together where they belong. God wants unity in His church and amongst His people and especially His Anointed!! Dont grieve the HOLY SPIRIT.
    Ask yourselves,
    What is Jesus saying???? Better yet whos side do you think He would chose? He loves all of you. He wont pick one over the other. Its heaven or hell not whos right or wrong. Search our hearts and search our souls Lord. Open our ears so that we can hear what you are saying. In JESUS NAME…

  8. roger perkins
    November 6th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    I’m always amazed that those who fight the anti-jewelry message appeal to OT figurative verses to justify literal adornment. This is poor hermeneutics. Moreover, virtually every book that you quoted also contains very strong condemnation of ornamentation (Is. 3, Hosea, etc.). Yes, I agree that Scripture also disallows women braiding their hair, which is why we do not do so. That is, we desire to be as consistent as possible & not send a confusing mssg. to the world. Moreover, EVERY passage that you quoted from was OT, at which time humanity was not the temple of God. Why do we see absolutely NO ONE in the NT church wearing jewelry of any sort & also see plain verses against it, as you tried to render ineffective. No one would just read those verses in I Tim. & I Ptr. & gather that jewelry is okay w/ God, unless you have an agenda. See Deut. 7:25/Gen. 35 to see what God thinks about His people wearing the jewelry of the world. What so you think would’ve happened if Noah/Moses/Solomon would’ve placed ‘ornaments’ on the outside of these places which God explicitly instructed them to build? God is very peculiar about His dwelling places & this should cause the honest heart to excercise caution when it comes to such matters. Especially when God repeatedly condemns the LITERAL wearing of jewelry. Of course jewels have visual pleasure which is His point in Ezek., Hosea, Song, etc. But they’re not to be actually worn by His covenental people. In sum, it’s reveals poor scholastics to appeal to figurative/rhetorical verses in an attempt to render the literal/narrative ineffective. Jewelry is repeatedly linked to idolatry in the Bible, from God’s perspective. SO MUCH more to say, but I grow weary w/ this after awhile.

  9. Kayla
    November 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Roger,

    If God repeatedly condemns the wearing of jewelry why then does Jesus use jewelry as an example in one of his parables? See below referencing the prodigal son…

    Luke 15:21

    22″But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out (D)the best robe and put it on him, and (E)put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

    Also there are a number of references in the OT…

    Gen 24:22-28 (When Abraham sent the servent to find a wife for Isaac)

    22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka [d] and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. [e] 23 Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”

    24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”

    26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, 27 saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

    28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”

    and there are more but for the sake of time and space I will stop there. BUT I would like to say that I think the weighter matter is not the jewelry itself but rather where our affections lie. This is where the idolatry comes in to play. Not the objects themselves. Scripture declares that the love of money is root of all evil. Should we then disallow any use of money? Is the MONEY that is the point of contention or is it LOVE of that money.

    It all points back to matters of the heart. Unfortunately in today’s society there are many who put a great deal of their own sense of self worth in “things” but that does not automatically make “things” evil.

    If we get back to the core issue of discovering where our affections lie and make adjustments as needed in that area then I believe the rest will fall into place.

    The scriptures declare He will write his laws on our hearts. The Holy Spirit is perfectly capable of teaching, guiding, instructing and so forth. Why is that men feel like somehow they have to supplement the instruction of the Holy Spirit and the word of God?

    Kayla

  10. Josh
    November 6th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    Roger, while I disagree with your perspective on jewelry, I comment you on teaching a consistent message (I.e., preaching against braiding of hair as well as against jewelry).

    You are also correct in saying that using literal and figurative passages to override literal ones is poor hermeneutics. If that is what I were doing, then I would be wrong. However, I am not convinced that 1 Tim. 2:8-10 and 1 Pet. 3:1-5 were ever meant to be literal commands against wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes or braiding hair. It is clear that you disagree, though, so I will not debate the point with you.

    P.S. – I edited your comment to remove your phone number, since this site is crawled by all major search engines.

    God bless.

  11. Kim
    May 6th, 2009 at 11:45 am

    I am Apostolic Pentecostal myself and really don’t understand what the fuss is about. If you entered the Army today they would tell you what you can and can not wear, if you joined a country club they have rules and people follow them gladly but when GOD ask everyone has a problem with it. Is it because we can’t see this spirit that is demanding so much? In order to serve GOD you have to believe the whole bible not portions or pick in choose what you want to do. Your either on the Lords side or your on the devils side. As far as the standards of the church when you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost all things become new. Standards aren’t so we can say that we are holier than anyone else it is what sets us apart from the world which is what the bible said to do. Women are suppose to look modest and not flaunt what they got especially if your married. We all know that the world looks on the church and they know when something isn’t right we are lights to the world and if we are going to look like them and act like them what hope do they have. They are suppose to see Christ through us not our fleshly ways. Bottom line is if you want to be saved and right with GOD it is a decision to make you either hold on to worldly things that matter and you can’t take them with you or you jump in with both feet and don’t look back (remember Lots wife).

  12. Dee
    May 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    Yes we are supposed to look diff. than the world . Wow people make suchh a big deal about makeup , jewerly etc.
    Worry about inside more! God will lead you to your convictions.
    Get the heart right with him and he will direct you. One isnt more ‘holy’ than the other because they wear some makeup or w.e.
    Wanted to get that straight.
    Gb Dee

  13. Pradeesh
    May 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Theres nothin wrong in wht u said..bt a small response to sis Noel…hey in NT ther is a verse sayin..am nt sure of the reference since i access the site thru my mobile..n while am outsid..the verse says “suppose a man comes to ur church wearin fine clothes and a ring….” this verse is said to the church only bcoz they wore ornaments..else the author need not say that ..if church prohibited the usage…they wudnt give a gud place to the person who wore a gold ring…got it…every verse in the bible is holy and the intention of command must b considered..if jewelry ws a sin Jesus wud ve told all those women who seeked forgiveness especially adulterous women to get rid of jewels at first..rather Jesus saw her inner repentance..for eg..if Jesus wanted wz lukin at outward factors He wud never have told abt the women who gave her all posession she had althoug it wz much less than all others’ ..so brothers n sisters rather than just arguin on the points n verses..lets keep our hearts away frm all those things tht r fruits of flesh as said in Galatians…whatever be it outside its our inner soul tht matters..as Jesus told disciples whn they pointed out the one who never washed his hand be4 eatin…for any doubts mail me pradeesh_777@yahoo.com…am nt a bible scholar..bt i cud answer.hopefully..God bless all…

  14. Dee
    June 24th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Exactly… inside is what matters and being diff from the world in the fruits we bare not the look … get your heart straight thats what god looks at and cares about!!! HEART !! not your appearance .. now thats your choice… u do have to be appropriate tough… i know my friends church is penecostal and she has a holy ghost and she has short hair and wears pants so if theres something wrong with it she wouldnt have it ! Some of the ppl are so critical off all that and what they do is push ppl away. Jesus accepted all ! No matter who you were or what you looked like . Everyones diff has diff. styles and god accepts that and people should to or they will have to answer not to me or you but to god himself . gb everyone
    peace!

  15. Shine Mathew
    August 24th, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Whether Jesus and his apostles wear ornaments? no evidence in bible for that, also true christians are supposed to be pure inside aswellas outside,not only inside.Many are stressing more on inside purity and not success always do wearing ornaments and makeups which makes attraction on their body by others. Thats what God says ornaments are the reason for sin,so if we wear the sin occuring things it wont please God.Better to avoid make ups and other ways of making beauty of our own body that makes other people sin by looking to the beauty and get attracting.

  16. TRUTH is FREEDOM
    August 25th, 2009 at 8:16 am

    So Daniel is a sinner because he wore the chain given to him by the king of babylon? And also Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, because he was also given jewelries by the servant of Abraham. So both of them are sinning? Can you please understand I Peter 3:3-4? Inside adornment is better than wearing gold, or plaiting the hair and wearing of an apparel. It did not say that it is a sin to wear gold. If wearing golds, plaiting the hair are both sin, then putting on an apparel is a sin also? WHAT A THEOLOGY DUDE? I can’t imagine my sister in Christ or even my mother going to church without any dress. That would be the sin! By the way Matthew, are you still serving the UPC?Well, hope you have enlightened by the verses I have shown you above. By the way I’m a UPCers but I’m against the teachings of our church. God bless you!!!

  17. Ty Morrison
    September 30th, 2009 at 7:59 am

    If it is possible that Peter or Paul are simply using jewelry to make a broader point, the O.T. texts sited in your expose’ likewise suggest that jewelry is being used to make a broader point.

  18. Luis F
    October 10th, 2009 at 2:56 am

    The verses regarding jewelery are metaphorical..you cant see that?….your manipulating it to prove your point…he dressed us in jewels to encourage us and let us know we are of a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. our earthly gold is the lords pavement. The churches dont let people wear gold because people go crazy with it. Dont do this to the word of God.

  19. jenny
    November 4th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    i think wearing jewelry is ok. as long is not a lot if jewelry. same goes to makeups. as long you don’t look like a clown. you’ll be ok.

  20. P Abraham
    November 5th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Many pentecostal churches around the world advise not to wear ornaments. Some new believers may think why this is so? So it’s good to understand what bible says about this.

    1) Jesus himself commanded us to avoid ornaments.
    ———————————————————————————
    Most people say that there is no command from Jesus asking us not to wear ornaments, however Jesus commanded us not do so.

    1 Timothy is special, because the whole letter is a command from Jesus.

    1 Timothy 1 : 1,2

    1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the “command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus” our hope,
    2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Paul is writing this letter to Timothy by the command of Jesus.

    1 Timothy 2: 9, 10

    9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
    10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

    A Simple example is good to understand this better,
    Say , “Dressing” is an Exam “ornaments” Pencils and “Good deeds” pens.
    Say, you have university exam and you have sharpened your pencils and went to write the exam. When you got the question paper you read the instruction as “WHEN YOU MARK THE ANSWERS DO NOT USE PENCIL BUT PEN”

    What will you do?
    Will you think that it’s instructed there because some people use non HB pencils or light pencils so the answers will not be clear?

    Will you use pencil here because you are having 4HB dark pencil ?

    If you are a person with commonsense you will only use PEN.

    So Jesus commanded through Paul to the church to avoid braided hair, gold, pearls and expensive clothes but use good deeds so that God may consider your worship worthy.

    Also 1 peter 3: 3,4 says
    3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.
    4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

    Peter again says that gold or silver is perishable

    1 Peter 1:18

    For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers.

    2) In Old Testment God commanded Israelites to avoid gold.
    ————————————————————————————
    Old Testment seems to be not against gold because God said Moses to use gold for building “The Ark” Exodus 25. Also God considered gold as a blessing in Deuteronomy 8: 13

    However God did not like ornaments so he commanded Israelite’s to remove their ornaments.

    Exodus 33: 4, 5, 6
    4 When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments.
    5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you.
    Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’ ”
    6 So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.

    Revelation also mentions about golden altar, crowns of gold, golden bowls etc.. Rev 9, 15 but nothing related to ornaments however there is another person who wears gold

    Revelation 17:4
    The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.

    She is referred to as “great prostitute”.

    3) Avoiding risk
    ——————————————————————————–
    Its better not to take any risk in the glorious salvation by wearing ornaments.

    What if Jesus counts us guilty if we wear ornaments by denying his command?

    The good part is that Jesus will not condemn us of not wearing any ornaments.

    Also Christ suffered and paid a huge price for us and delivered us from sin and hell, so should ornaments matter much?

    Christ avoided his throne came to the earth and suffered his entire life, just for you. And believers Sing “Amazing Grace, do not want to set apart from all the worldly passions and are searching for loop holes in God’s Word to do so.

  21. someone
    December 21st, 2009 at 9:06 am

    According to what i’ve read it seems that the Bible doesn’t completely oppose jewelry but that we shouldn’t let it get in the way of God. But i did more studying and the Bible doesn’t support the piercing of the body or putting tattoos on the body. read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and Leviticus 19:28 and it makes it pretty clear we are not to pierce the body. but every one should do what they feel they are convicted of. every one is at different places in the walk with God

  22. samy
    December 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    These above comment by all the friends were really informative. i for the same reason was really searching for the relevant verses in bible which supports or rejects the use ornaments. i go to pentecostal church, where ornaments are considered somehting that god hates and doesnot allow a person adorned in jewllery to take part in bread breaking. but at the same time these same people crave more for all expensive thing that the world gives.these same people keep buying properties after properties. this act made me think of what they preach. today i am in pursuit of a clear guidance from the holy spirit on this issue.

  23. Phara
    January 9th, 2010 at 1:06 am

    Hi Josh,first of I want to start by saying may God continue to bless and guide you in all that you do. Upon doing some research on some debatable issues I was thankful I found your website. I am a young aduly (19) who grew up in an Evangelican church.Im am trying to learned the scripture as is intended. Although growing up my father wore jewlery, as he got older and became a christian and had kids he told us kids that we should not wear jewlery. I believe he told us this based on one pastor preachings on the issue. So we never were allowed, however as I started getting older I wanted to really research this on my own, although my dad did once show me a verse when I was younger I dont remember which one it was, It sounds like it might of been one the example you mentioned above, but taken in a literal sense. Which I couldnt settle for I felt there was more to it, and Like I said I am a young adult insearch of a closer connection with God and a better understanding of his scripture. I do wear jewlery now, in moderation and my dad for some reason doesnt even care now. I know it’s not because he doesnt care, I think its because he realizes the true importance. I think what matters is God, meaning all these things (wearing Jewlery,pants,make up) should not be the focus of our lives, God should be our only focus, I believe it’s when we start idolizing these objects is when its wrong.Give God the attention he deserve, and keep the little things like fine piece of jewlery in moderation. If I am wrong please correct me. When the scripture talks about standing out I do believe it talks about outward appearence, but I dont think it has anything about wearing jewlery or no jewlery, pants or no pants.It’s how we carry ourselves, thats what folks notice. In my opinion I dont think wearing a necklace or not makes you stand out as a christian or not. I really think it’s about moderation.Like eating which isnt a sin, but over eating/ with too much eagerness is considered gluttony much like greed. Please orrect me if Im wrong. Thus all I can say is in all that we do we need to put God first and all else pray and ask God and read his scripture for yourself, there the TRUTH lies.
    To Josh what is your thoughts on piercings?
    Thanks again you’ve a been great help
    GOD BLESS!!!

  24. Josh (Site Admin)
    January 16th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Hi Phara, and thanks for writing!

    You asked what my thoughts on piercings are, and I’ll answer to the best of my ability.

    I cannot find anything in the Bible to indicate piercings are wrong.

    The verse that someone cited above (Leviticus 19:28) deals with “cuts for the dead” (NASB) so it has nothing to do with piercings unless you are making them in honor of dead people! Even if you were, that is part of the Old Testament law and it no longer applies to us today, any more than the command to “not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard” (Leviticus 19:27) applies. Leviticus 21:5 also prohibits “cuts in their flesh,” but that command is directed specifically to the Old Testament priests. It is also part of the Old Testament law and so it no longer applies to us.

    NOTE: There are parts of the Old Testament law that still apply to us today. These parts are commonly called the “moral law” and involve things like murder, lying, homosexuality, etc. However, Leviticus 19:28 is not one of those passages. Again, even if it were, the command against “cuts in your body” only applies if you are making them “for the dead.”

    By the same token, it is hard to argue that 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 means that a person should not get piercings. That passage is a command against having sex with prostitutes, and it has absolutely nothing to do with piercings. Even in a more general sense it is hard to argue that getting piercings somehow defiles your body. There is just no Scriptural evidence to support that piercings are wrong.

    With that said, I think piercings should be viewed just like jewelry or make-up. They are not wrong in and of themselves, but our primary focus should be on adorning ourselves with good works (1 Timothy 2:10). Vanity should be avoided and a “quiet and gentle” spirit embraced (1 Peter 3:4).

    So in summary, I cannot find any Scripture that prohibits piercings. The only caution I give–to both women and men–is to avoid vanity and embrace moderation.

    I hope that helps =)

    God bless,
    - Josh S.

  25. TRUTH is FREEDOM
    January 18th, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    Josh, what can you say about tattoo?

  26. Josh (Site Admin)
    January 21st, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Hey Truth is Freedom, I am unaware of any biblical basis for not getting tattoos. Leviticus 19:28 commands against tattoos, but that is part of the Old Testament law that does not apply to us today.

    I encourage people to pray about the subject and make their own conclusions.

    The only opinion that I have about tattoos is that a person should follow biblical guidelines of modesty and moderation. We are to be modest in all things, and we are to show moderation in all things. Our bodies are temples to God, so I think we should think carefully before making any permanent markings on them. When I say that we should “think carefully” I do NOT mean that I think tattoos are wrong. In fact, I don’t have a problem with tattoos. I am only saying that I think we should carefully consider making permanent markings on our bodies that the rest of the world can see. I think we should consider how Christians and non-Christians will react, how the tattoos will be perceived, etc. Again, though, there are no biblical commandments on the subject, so the things I just said are my own opinions.

    I hope that helps!

    - Josh S.

  27. Toby
    February 1st, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    About Jewelry

    I am going back to when God made Adam and Eve and put them in the garden. I think i am safe in saying that i dont think God put Eve in the garden with jewelry on her.
    It was Golden Earring’s that was used to make the Golden Calf-Exodus-32:2. It was Silver that Judas used to put Jesus on the Cross. In the Old Testament Gold was a needful substance in making of the Tabernacle and the Ark carrying the Ten Commandment’s and some Temple’s of Worship.

    That is not so in today’s time. Have very many people noticed,especialy people who say that they are Christain’s, how that ,Jewlry is mentioned quit a bit in the Old Testament . But only twice in the New Testament, Jame’s 2;2 Rich man favored over the Poor Man,and The Prodical Son,Luke 15;22.
    Matthew 23:25-26,That the outside may be clean also. When the Holy Spirit comes in and guides in our lives we give up the worldly lusts of the eyes. Deuteronomy 14:2 the Lord hath chosen thee to be a Peculiar People unto himself. Can any one in todays time tell by looking at People Professing Godliness, that they look any different from the Wordly People. I think not. Do they look Peculiar? I think not.
    Jewelry is worn in vain to be noticed or to look pretty.
    What is the Purpose of wearing Jewelry if not to impress other people?

  28. Samuel
    February 14th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    I understand what your teaching is and I see the same has my Pastor taught years ago. but are you still apostolic? there are Apostolic churches that wear jewelry in modesty and pants in modesty as well as make up in modesty. go to the PAW or other Apostolic churches. this is where I came from. Are you still Oness or are you a trinitarian or dualism?

    Please tell me if you have been baptized in Jesus name and filled with the holyghost with the evidence of speaking in other tounges? You taught this lesson well on pants, jewelry. everything we do should be in modesty. You have womens pants and mens pants. briches were the priest under garment.

    A tatoo can open a portal to deamons. body pearsing as well is against Gods law. let not your good be evil spoken of even if it is old testement. you can look like a pagan or you can look like a saint of God, we have got to be modest in all things. let us not be vain, or operate in the flesh. We should not be carnaly minded. our laws are based on the bible here in the USA but they are doing away with the right laws. it is old testement laws but it still applys in our judicial system because it is Gods moral law.

  29. another view
    February 17th, 2010 at 7:19 am

    Introduction
    I am intrigued by clever oxymorons. An oxymoron is a statement or pairing of two words that contradict each other, such as “black light” or “pretty ugly.” A few humorous, personal favorites are “military intelligence,” “criminal justice,” “civil disorder,” and “rap music” (the rap I’ve heard does not even slightly resemble music). Some oxymorons are more serious, like “little sin,” “innocent gossip,” and “safe premarital sex.”
    A few years ago, while wandering through a Christian bookstore, I came upon a glass display case with a sign above it that read “Christian Jewelry.” I thought to myself, “Now there’s another intriguing oxymoron-something like ‘Christian rock.’” How can jewelry be Christian when the Bible strongly admonishes believers not to wear it? Clearly, “Christian jewelry” is a conflict in terms.
    I realize this topic has been hotly debated within recent years, but my purpose is not to pour fuel on the fire. I hope to shed light, not heat. My desire is for people to find their faith and practice in the Word of God. The Scriptures plainly address the subject of a Christian’s external appearance and adornment. But unfortunately, many churches are strangely silent on this subject.
    Jewelry has been described by some as a small issue. No doubt someone is thinking, “With all the problems in the church, why would you want to focus on something so insignificant and widely accepted?” Well, friends, remember that Jesus said, “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15. Often, it is the things that seem small on the surface that have major implications. And I believe this is just such an issue.
    There are unseen and subtle dangers connected with the wearing of jewelry. So if you are a converted Christian who seeks to know how to better reflect the Lord in these last days, please keep your mind open as we reason together from the Scriptures.
    The Fruit, Not the Root!
    The power of the gospel begins on the inside, transforming the heart while unseen by human eyes. But then it continues to flow and seep into every area of the life, producing obvious external changes. Just like a plant, the seed first comes to life below the earth. But if the root is healthy, the plant will soon become visible and bear fruit above ground. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20.
    Notice that He did not say you will know them by their roots that grow underground. He said the fruit, not the root! Therefore, we are commanded to be aware of the external, visible evidence of our faith.
    When a person accepts Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit begins impressing that individual to make dramatic adjustments. There will often be changes in what appears on the table during dinner and on the television after supper. (In fact, He may lead some to get rid of the television altogether.) From the bookshelf to the closet, Jesus will penetrate the whole life. When He is in the heart, He influences every other area.
    This is a basic teaching of Christianity. The apostle Paul warned Titus of those who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.” Titus 1:16. And James is crystal clear that a relationship rooted in Jesus will produce external evidence. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18. You can’t be a Christian in your heart without it showing on the outside.
    God’s Ambassadors
    We, the Church, are the hands and feet, the eyes and mouth, and yes, even the ears of Jesus in the world today. We are the Body of Christ. Our Lord said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21.
    We have been sent into the world to demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is like. Through the Holy Spirit we become His representatives-to reflect His image in everything from the way we talk and work to the way we eat and dress. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, God says that “we all … are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
    A few years ago, shameful scandals surrounded several well-known television evangelists in North America. Those opposed to Christianity rejoiced, mocking the immorality and hypocrisy exhibited in the lives of these men and their wives who professed to speak for Jesus. During this tragic time, the secular media often made reference to their flamboyant dress and gaudy jewelry as proof that these professed Christians were not genuine. These inconsistant TV preachers even inspired one famous musician to write a popular song entitled “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?” I’m sure angels wept as Christian leaders, due to their immodest appearance, became a deserving target for the lost. It is a sad day indeed when Christians win the medal for opulent external adornment!
    Wearing Our Wealth
    Let’s take a look at the origin of jewelry. God made all of the gold, silver, and precious jewels in the world, and He intended for them to have a practical use. Since even small amounts of these minerals are so rare and valuable, long ago they began to be used as money.
    Over time, people began wearing their money in order to impress others with their wealth. When shoppers went to the market to buy an expensive item, they would simply pull off one of their rings or bracelets to pay.
    After Rebecca had watered the camels for Abraham’s servant, the Bible says that he paid her in this way. “And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold.” Genesis 24:22.
    When the children of Israel brought an offering to the Lord to build the tabernacle, they used the jewels they had received from the Egyptians. It was their money. “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.” Exodus 35:22.
    There is obviously nothing wrong with having money. But the question is, does God want Christians to wear their wealth for all to see? Of course not. “The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:10. Since it is a sin to covet, why would you want to entice a brother or sister to covet your money by wearing it for all to see? What could possibly be the motive for a Christian to do this?
    The reason gold and jewels are so valuable is that they are rare and expensive to mine from the earth. Angels must marvel when they see us put on jewelry to signify value and wealth. In heaven, gold is used for pavement, and diamonds are the stones that form the walls of its mansions! Just think of it. From heaven’s perspective, gold is asphalt and diamonds are blocks! How silly it must appear to heavenly beings when we dangle asphalt and bricks on our ears and wrap them around our fingers. Wouldn’t you look twice if someone walked into your church next week wearing a black asphalt pendant and a matching tar ring?
    In evangelism, I’ve met many sincere people who had attended the popular churches in their towns only to turn away disappointed because they discerned a spirit of pride and display among the members. These genuine seekers of God entered the sanctuary hoping to find a church home, but instead they found extravagance with which they could not compete.
    How happy I’ve been to offer them a church where the wealthy and the poor choose not to parade their status by wearing fancy clothing and jewelry. These individuals have been thrilled to worship where they don’t feel that they’re looked down on if they don’t wear the latest fashions. I hope that my church will always stay with the Bible truth on this subject. We have too much to lose otherwise.
    Justified Jewelry?
    Those who seek to justify the wearing of jewelry usually point to Bible stories in which God’s children wore gold, silver, or jewels. For example, the Scriptures report with no comment that Joseph wore a ring and “a gold chain about his neck” (Genesis 41:42), that Saul wore a bracelet (2 Samuel 1:10), that Mordecai was given a ring by Ahasuerus (Esther 8:2), and that King Belshazzar gave Daniel a scarlet robe and “put a chain of gold about his neck” (Daniel 5:29).
    But, remember, just because we see something done in Bible times does not mean that God condoned it. The Scriptures simply record a faithful history of God’s people-including all their failures. Noah drank wine and became drunk (Genesis 9:20, 21). Lot had sex with his daughters and got them pregnant (Genesis 19:30-38). Judah hired a prostitute for a night, impregnated her, and later discovered she was his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:12-26). We cannot assume that God condones such unsavory practices just because these incidents were mentioned in the Bible. Other passages of Scripture clearly tell us that God condemns alcohol, incest, prostitution, and jewelry as anti-productive to accomplishing His purposes for humanity.
    One story that is often cited to justify jewelry is that of the prodigal son. Since the father “put a ring on his hand,” some say that we can assume God wants us to wear jewelry. Obviously, as we’ve just seen, this parable is not an inspired comment on whether Christians should wear rings. Furthermore, the ring the father gave his son was most likely a signet ring. Signet rings contained the family seal. People used them to press this unique seal onto official documents. It was the family’s signature. Rather than an ornament for display, signet rings were a tool for officiating documents and were usually worn on the index finger.
    Before the prodigal son left home, he asked his father for his share of the inheritance. Once he received his money and goods, he left home to spend it all on “riotous living.” Luke 15:13. Out of money and destitute, the foolish prodigal later found himself flat broke, hungry, and poorly clad. In desperation he returned home, trusting in the goodness of his father to at least take him in as a servant. The prodigal felt that he no longer deserved to be a son, since he had squandered half of his father’s hard-earned savings.
    But instead of rejection, his father showed him unlimited acceptance. He replaced the prodigal’s rags with a comfortable and clean robe and put shoes on his bare feet. He filled his son’s empty stomach with a feast. And to the son who just wasted his riches, this father gave the signet ring-the family checkbook- with free access to his remaining fortune.
    Why Be a Stumbling Block?
    One reason I do not drink any alcohol is because one person in seven who imbibes will eventually become an alcoholic. Even though I might be able to drink moderately, I do not want my bad example to cause another person’s downfall-especially for something so unnecessary as intoxicating beverages.
    The same principle holds true for jewelry. We have all seen people who cover themselves with gold and precious jewels-gem-aholics, if you will. Most people who wear lots of jewelry do not sense their personal worth. They hope to feel more valuable by covering themselves with expensive articles. Others believe they are unattractive and hope to increase their perceived beauty by adorning themselves with beautiful gems. They can’t control themselves. They think that if one is good, then 10 would be better. (Just for the record, I have never heard a man say: “Isn’t she beautiful? Just look at her jewelry!”) I’m sure everyone would agree that there is a point when enough is enough!
    Well, here is the big question. What is that point? If it’s okay for women to wear earrings, then who is to say it’s wrong for men? If one ring or earring is acceptable, then why not three or four? If the laymen can wear jewelry, why not the clergy? If a ring in the ear is all right, then what’s wrong with a bone in the nose?
    Perhaps you have noticed the modern craze of body piercing. Four earrings in one ear and rings in the nose with a chain between them. People are now piercing their flesh and wearing rings in their eyebrows, navels, tongues, and other places we can’t mention in a Christian publication. Why would a Christian want to be a stumbling block for someone else and encourage this trend by wearing any jewelry? It’s all unnecessary. Especially for people who are preparing to meet Jesus.
    Speaking of people living in the time of the end, the prophet Ezekiel warns, “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.” Ezekiel 7:19.
    If I were to wear any jewelry, I would instantly open the floodgates of inconsistency by my example and cause many to stumble. If I really love my brother, why would I insist on taking that risk for something so frivolous and unnecessary as jewelry?
    Whenever you are unsure about which course to take on a spiritual issue, take the safe position. I know that on the judgment day, God will not condemn anyone for not wearing enough jewelry. So the safe thing is to not wear any.
    Modesty and Humility
    The original purpose for clothing was to cover the nakedness of our first parents. Adam and Eve never would have dreamed of hanging gold or silver on their bodies to accent their fig leaves! Clothing was for modesty and to protect them from the changing climate. Someday God will place a golden crown of victory on the brow of the overcomers. Yet even then the saved will remove their golden crowns in God’s presence (Revelation 4:10, 11).
    Notice what God told the prophet Isaiah about jewelry and fancy clothing. “Moreover the Lord says: ‘Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton [seductive] eyes, Walking and mincing [swaying] as they go, …’ 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 headbands; 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. A woman in Bible prophecy symbolizes a church. In this prophecy, the women (churches) were to be severely judged because of their pride, which is directly connected with external adornment.
    Because we wrestle with sin and temptation, now is not the right time to glorify our exteriors. The supreme goal of the Christian is to attract attention to Christ, not to self. Decorating our mortal bodies with glittering gems and minerals usually springs from pride and is diametrically opposed to the spirit and principles of Jesus. “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12.
    Pride of appearance was a large factor in Lucifer’s fall and rebellion. When God originally created Lucifer as a perfect angel, He gave every precious stone as his garments-”the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold.” Ezekiel 28:13.
    Unfortunately, Lucifer chose to misappropriate God’s gifts. Filled with pride, he decided he was beautiful enough to have God’s place on the throne of the universe. “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Ezekiel 28:17. Pride led to rebellion. Rebellion led to war in heaven. And war in heaven led to sin on earth.
    Ever since Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, we humans have had to struggle with the same sinful nature that has pride at its root. God, therefore, has commanded us to not wear jewelry. In our sinful condition, we are no better able to resist the tendency to sinful pride than was Lucifer. When our physical bodies are changed at the second coming of Jesus, we will no longer be tempted to sin. Only then will Jesus consider it safe to place a crown of gold on our heads.
    So until then, we would do well to follow the counsel given by the apostle Paul on the subject of adornment: “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NKJV.
    Poor “Investments”
    Christians are to be faithful stewards of the means God entrusts to their care. Some display gems on their bodies that, if sold, could build an entire church in the mission field. Our money should be spent to spread the gospel in a practical, effective way. The Lord asks, “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?” Isaiah 55:2. (See also Matthew 6:19-21.)
    No doubt you will find glaring examples among church members (and in churches) where money has been squandered on some needless extravagance. I confess that I too have been guilty of this. But one inconsis-tency never justifies another. God’s money should not be spent for parading diamonds and gold or even cheap costume jewelry. All the jewelry will melt when Jesus comes, and I would prefer not to be wearing any when that happens!
    The Bible declares the folly of such “investments” in James 5:3: “Your gold and silver is cankered [corroded]; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” The only valuables going to heaven will be transformed people.
    Little Idols
    When I present the Bible truth regarding jewelry, I rarely hear complaints from those who are newly converted. But the folks who have been in the church for years will often pout and argue, “Doug, it is such a little thing!” My response is, “If it is such a little thing, then why is it so hard for you to take it off?” A little gold or silver can become a big idol.
    Perhaps the most striking demonstration of this fact was the experience of the Israelites with the golden calf. The Bible records: “And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:2-4.
    When the children of Israel passed the offering plate, they had enough jewelry to make a small calf. I fear that if we were to pass the plate today in the churches of those who profess to follow God’s Word, we would have enough jewelry to make a whole golden buffalo!
    After the golden calf experience, God commanded the people to remove their jewelry lest they be consumed. “For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children ofIsrael, Ye are a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.” Exodus 33:5, 6.
    Notice the similar warning God gives to His people living in the last days: “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the rugged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:20, 21.
    Dressing for the Occasion
    There was a time when God winked at the wearing of jewelry and other evils such as slavery and polygamy. It was not because He approved of these practices, but because His people had bigger problems to deal with at that point in time.
    Acts 17:30, 31 tells us: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Why? “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.”
    We are living in the days just before the coming of Jesus-a time in which the church is being judged. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” 1 Peter 4:17.
    As an illustration of the judgment process, God gave to His people the Day of Atonement. It fell on the tenth day of the seventh month in the Jewish year and was a solemn day on which the Lord would sanctify and judge the children of Israel. In preparation, the people conducted a thorough personal examination. They were filled with an attitude of confession, repentance, and humility. “For it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people.” Leviticus 23:28, 29, NKJV. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest — who normally wore a jeweled vest and fine garments that were symbolic of the glories of heaven — changed into a simple, white linen robe. It is his plain dress that we should emulate, because we live during the prophetic Day of Atonement. Just as the entire camp of Israel was required to clean and change their clothes on Judgment Day, so are we who live in the judgment hour just before Jesus returns to earth called to purify our hearts and to separate ourselves from all pagan influences.
    Other Bible stories further illustrate how people changed their dress when they prepared to meet God. Here is one from Genesis 35:1-4: “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange [foreign] gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.”
    We can learn two very important lessons from this story. First, notice that the foreign gods and jewelry were classified and buried together. Pagan worship and jewelry have always enjoyed a close association. And in order for Jacob and his household to commune with God, they had to abandon all such influences. Thus God ordered Jacob to make not a temporary removal of these articles, but a permanent burial.
    Secondly, the word Bethel means “House of God.” We are now living in the time of judgment and are preparing to meet with the Almighty in His heavenly house. Now is not the time to adorn our mortal exteriors. Before we go there, God wants us to separate from the things of this world that will compromise our relationship with Him. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17.
    We Are God’s Temple
    The most beautiful building of antiquity was the temple of God built by King Solomon. Its exterior was covered with precious, pure white marble stones. Interestingly enough, the gold was on the inside of the temple. The Bible says that this is a good pattern for living temples, as well. “Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment — the braiding of the hair, or jewelry, or dress — but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4, NEB. Like Solomon’s temple of old, our gold should be on the inside!
    Friend, your body was made by God in His image. To try to improve human appearance by poking holes in the ears or nose from which to dangle lifeless minerals would be like trying to improve on the perfect beauty of Solomon’s temple by releasing a street gang in the marble courtyard and telling them to express themselves with spray paint. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.
    I believe angels turn away their faces and weep when professed Christians pierce, scar, chain, mutilate, and tattoo their bodies as a sacrifice to the gods of fad and fashion. God plainly says of His people: “They shall not make … any cuttings in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God.” Leviticus 21:5, 6. And if God says we should not cut our bodies, what makes us think that piercing the ears is somehow permissible?
    “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. In essence, you should not poke holes in priceless marble. Our bodies are to be holy, not full of holes.
    The Bible principles against the wearing of jewelry have been a blessing to God’s cause. They are liberating to the members. God’s people have more money to spend on sharing the gospel and relieving the needs of suffering people. They are freed from feelings of insecurity. No longer do men need to worry about whether the ring they give their wife or girlfriend is large enough or makes a big enough social statement. And women don’t have to invest an ounce of emotional energy in comparing their jewelry with others. God’s standard has been a tremendous blessing, and we need to keep it!
    First Appearances Do Count!
    Two symbolic women appear in Revelation chapters 12 and 17. They represent the two great religious powers that are in conflict throughout church history. Although neither of them ever speaks, we know that one is true and one is false. How? The primary way the Bible identifies who they are is by what they are wearing.
    Revelation 12:1 says, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” The first woman, who represents God’s church, is wearing natural light. His church is clothed with the pure, unadulterated light that He made.
    By contrast the second woman, who represents an apostate church, is bedecked with jewelry and fine apparel. Her beauty is external and artificial. Revelation 17:4 says, “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.”
    Obviously these things are associated with an appearance of evil, and we are commanded to “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
    Jesus Himself commanded: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. God’s Word tells us to let our inner light (not our external jewels) shine so that others might see our works (not our wealth) and glorify God (not ourselves).
    Wedding Rings?
    At this point someone might be wondering, “What about a wedding ring?”
    Very simply, support for the wedding ring cannot be found anywhere in Scripture. The Bible doesn’t say that some rings can be worn and that others shouldn’t. It simply includes rings in a long list of jewelry and ornamental clothing.
    The wearing of wedding rings is strictly a tradition that springs from paganism and has since been embraced and “baptized” by many churches. Cardinal John Henry Newman points out that the wedding ring, along with many other pagan customs, infiltrated Christianity through the compromising influence of his church. “The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holy days and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the east, images at a later date … are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church.” 1
    Of course, today we have found the wedding ring to be a deeply ingrained tradition. But if sincere seekers of God’s will study this topic and are convicted to remove all jewelry, God will give them the grace to follow Him above tradition. “And he [Jesus] said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:9.
    Christ Is Our Example
    I’ve also been asked many times if wearing a cross would be okay. Well, Jesus never asked us to wear the cross. He asks us to bear the cross. Taking up our cross and following Jesus is much more challenging than wearing a bumper sticker, tee shirt, or little golden cross as frivolous advertising. Jesus said that bearing the cross means a Christian will “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.
    Whenever in doubt, ask this question: “What would Jesus do?” If we follow Jesus we are always safe. Personally, I cannot picture my Jesus drilling holes in His ears, nose, or anywhere else in order to hang glittering minerals from His extremities. The example of Jesus in the Scriptures is consistently one of practical simplicity and modesty. When He was crucified, the Roman soldiers divided his garments among themselves. Notice that they did not cast lots for His jewelry. He didn’t have any. Instead, they had to settle for His most valuable piece of clothing — a modest, seamless tunic (John 19:23, 24).
    Here is a message that bears repeating. When we love Jesus, we will want to follow His example. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6, NKJV.
    Change of Ownership
    In the small town where I used to live, there was a house that was well known for its dilapidated appearance. Broken-down trucks, garbage, and miscellaneous junk cluttered the yard. The peeling paint, broken windows, and hungry yard dogs were an embarrassment to the entire community. Then one day, after taking an extended trip, I drove back through town and was stunned by the dramatic change that had come over this infamous structure. The old, peeling paint had been stripped off, and a beautiful natural stain now covered the wood. Clean, new windows had replaced the broken ones, and all the junk and old vehicles were gone! The yard was clean and covered with new grass. I didn’t even have to ask what had caused the change. Instantly I knew that the house had a new owner.
    All of us have at one time or another resembled that old, broken-down house. Sin reigned in our hearts, leaving us broken, filthy, and cluttered. But whenever a person allows Jesus to take over the heart, a cleansing process begins immediately. Jesus will remove those things that distract from the Christian’s inner beauty, and people will notice the outer improvement as well!
    Jesus laid aside His heavenly throne and crown when He came to our world to save us. Then He surrendered His earthly garments when He died on the cross for our sins. Is it too much for Him to ask us to lay aside our lifeless baubles and beads that we might better reflect His simple purity in this lost world?
    As we have seen in this study, there are many good reasons for Christians to abstain from wearing jewelry. But if I had to pick two of the best, it would be these — love for God, and love for our neighbors.
    “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2.

    1 John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Develoment of Christian Doctrine (London: Longmans, Green & Company, 1906), pp. 372,373.

  30. Blanche Colgate///Toby Toby
    February 18th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    TO ANOTHER VIEW

    PRAISE the LORD JESUS on your ARTICLE of CHRISTIAN’S NOT TO WEAR

    JEWELRY. YOUR ARTICLE SAY’S IT ALL.
    __________________________

  31. TRUTH is FREEDOM
    February 25th, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    there will come a time that many people are going to wake up late and they will realize that they are sleeping a very length of years.

    I wear a rubber bracelet, it costs less than a dollar. I wore a rubber necklace, it costs, a dollar. TEll me, is that wealth? Am I showing my riches to it? The bible is not silent on how we adorn ourselves externally. God looks at the heart, he is very mindful of the heart more than the outside. I Peter 3:3 says that we can adorn ourselves with fine apparel, golds, jewels, and we can also arrange our hair but let us not depend on it as our significance of beauty, the beauty God wants is the beauty INSIDE and that’s the heart, it has not something to do with the outside. SALVATION IS AN INSIDE JOB!

    By the way I am a guy, I wore fashion jewels. I just love God for His mercy endureth forever. The jewelry issues is not a biblical issue. If God surely does not allow us to wear jewels, He could have destroyed the world a long time ago, seeing that His people would sin because of jewelry. Am I right, Josh?

  32. The Preacher
    March 5th, 2010 at 1:32 am

    Many have given an opinion based on the knowledge of the scripture but we must know what did God say to us did anyone asked God what he thinks of it? I have ask him. This is what the Holy Ghost is for. Where does it say that it is a sin in the new testament. Apostolic man and women where will you find a dress for your wife during the great tribulation unless you make or get one from somewhere. Also during this time jewels will be worthless to us without the mark of the beast.

    The divisions of the church are here but soon trouble will come and God will shake all nation more and more. Saints of God there will be no more division very soon prepare yourself buy gold silver and save some food buy some land and be ready. Jesus said immediately after the tribulations of those days shall the sun of man appear. Only then will he gather the elect that is the church not the Jews. Jesus said if it were not for the shortening of days no flesh should be saved.

    Josh I hope you are still apostolic and baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost our legalism is wrong, but our doctrine is right. We must dress modest from head to foot. If your pastor told you to obey the code of dress for the UPCI then you must do it or you have committed sin for disobedience weather it is right or wrong. One must go to another church that is Apostolic but beware for if they are not fasting and praying they are a week church and you could be lost if you follow their bad habits.

    God has made us free from the law but he has not given us a license to sin. Fast and pray in the Holy Ghost and God will lead you to all truth. Apostolic leaders are divided because they don’t fast and pray anymore and ask God what does he say about the matter, you see the flesh talks for them and not God. My question brothers is did God tell you to do this or that or do you have a conviction from your late pastors from the 1930;s

    Children of God obey them that have the rule over you don’t rebel even if they are wrong long as they don’t cause you to sin against God you must obey. Only then will you please God. Make sure you are at a church where they speak in tongues Baptize in Jesus name and fast and pray. Also be sure they take the communion and foot washing and the pastor is not in immoral sin. The time is short the dollar will fall.

    Please prepare you have been warned don’t go to the camps. We have been wrong thinking the rapture will come before the great tribulation but I found out it will come after the great tribulation math 24: go to http://www.endtime.com Irving Baxter jr. he is a UPCI preacher I am not. I belong to the Apostolic Assemblies of Christ. Listen to his radio program and get the material so you will be ready.
    James 4:17 (KJV)
    17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
    If you know to obey and you don’t your have sined.

    Regardless of what Jesus my God shows me about dress codes……obey your Pastors

    The preacher………………….

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