What does the Bible say about wearing make-up?
Anyone who is familiar with the UPC knows that the majority of UPC churches and their affiliates teach against women wearing make-up. The official position of the UPC on make-up is this:
"Since the primary effect of makeup is to highlight sex appeal, we reject makeup as immodest1."
However, since I spent my whole life in the movement I know from personal experience that this is not the view taught in the churches. (At least, I have never heard this view taught.) The argument against make-up that I always heard was taken from three Scriptures (2 Kings 9:30, Jer. 4:30, Eze. 23:40). The reason that it was taken from three Scriptures is because there are only three Scriptures in the entire Bible that say anything against make-up!
You see, make-up is a non-issue Biblically. Nothing was ever said about the subject positively or negatively.There are three Scriptures that make reference to make-up in passing, but none of the three even hint that make-up is a sin. Again, it’s a non-issue.
Unfortunately, the UPC takes these three Scriptures, twists them out of context, and creates a doctrine out of them. That would be bad enough of its own, but the situation is made worse because many UPC churches teach that wearing make-up is a sin. In other words, it’s not an optional doctrine in any UPC church that I’ve ever attended. (The one exception is a church that I attended for five years. The pastor–who I dearly love and respect–allows make-up as long as it does not change the base color of the skin. He is considered extremely liberal by many other pastors.)
In this article I am going to show what the Bible says about make-up, and then respond to the UPC position on the issue.
Is Wearing Make-up A Sin?
Now, if you’ve read my article on Jewelry then you read about how sin is defined. I’m not going to repeat it all here. Instead I recommend that you read the section of the article titled "Does the Bible Ever Say That Wearing Jewelry Is A Sin?" I will briefly recap the subject here by reminding you that the Old Testament Law (Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy) defines what sin is (Rom. 7:7). Everything that is a sin in the New Testament was also a sin in the Old Testament Law, but everything that was a sin in the Old Testament Law was not necessarily a sin in the New Testament.
The reason that I said that is to say this: The Bible never defines make-up as a sin. The Old Testament Law was completely silent on the issue, and the New Testament never mentions it at all!
What Does the Bible Say About Make-up?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, make-up is only mentioned three times in the Bible (2 Ki. 9:30, Jer. 4:30, Eze. 23:40). Here is what these three Scriptures have to say:
2Ki 9:30 NASB
(30) When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out the window.Jer 4:30 NASB
(30) And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Although you dress in scarlet, Although you decorate yourself with ornaments of gold, Although you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you make yourself beautiful. Your lovers despise you; They seek your life.Eze 23:40 NASB
(40) "Furthermore, they have even sent for men who come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and lo, they came–for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments.
One does not have to be a Bible scholar to see that none of these Scriptures say anything about whether or not a person should wear make-up! However, there is also a fourth Scripture that I often heard used to preach against make-up. It is 1 Tim. 2:9, which says:
1Ti 2:9 NASB
(9) Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments.
You might be asking at this point how 1 Tim. 2:9 has anything to do with make-up, and that’s a very valid question! The confusion seems to come from a misunderstanding of the KJV translation of the Scripture. The KJV uses the word "shamefacedness" instead of "modesty." As near as I’ve been able to figure out, many UPC preachers assume that "shamefacedness" means that a person shouldn’t wear make-up. The logic seems to be that it has the word "face" inside of "shamefacedness" so therefore it must be talking about make-up. This is an example of the sort of shoddy Biblical study that is done by many UPC preachers and pastors.
Overwhelming Evidence?
I think anyone will agree that these four Scriptures are hardly overwhelming evidence against make-up! The fact is, the Bible just doesn’t say whether or not a woman can wear make-up! We have to assume that if it mattered at all to God then He would have mentioned it at least once, right? Why should we have to take a few Scriptures that are hidden in the depths of the Old Testament and twist them together in a convoluted fashion to form a doctrine? It seems to me that God was pretty plain about the stuff that mattered to Him! For example, look at Gal. 5:19-21:
Gal 5:19-21 NASB
(19) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
(20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
(21) envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
That’s pretty plain, right? I just don’t think God’s sitting up there seeing how many people He can trick into going to hell! A god who does that is the antithesis of the God of the Bible!
A Few Questions for the UPC:
Here’s a question that I have for the UPC:
If make-up is evil because it enhances our sex appeal, then what other things are we not allowed to do?
- Are we not allowed to wear deoderant?
- Are we not allowed to brush our hair?
- Are we not allowed to wear color-coordinated outfits?
- Are we not allowed to wear matching socks?
You see, I really want to enhance my sex appeal! I’m 26, and I want to get married some day! Because of that I do all sorts of stuff to enhance my sex appeal! I brush my teeth twice a day, I style my hair, I make sure my socks match, I exercise regularly enough to keep the worst of the flab off, etc. What’s wrong with doing that? Just because a woman wants to make herself attracted doesn’t mean that she’s promiscuous! Every single one of us does things every day to enhance our attractiveness to the opposite sex!
Here are a few other questions:
- If 2 Kings 9:30 is saying that make-up is evil because Jezebel used it, then doesn’t it also mean that we can’t look out the window?
- If Jer. 4:30 is saying that make-up is evil because Israel wore it while they were backslidden, then doesn’t it also mean that wearing scarlet is evil?
- If Eze. 23:40 is saying that make-up is evil because Israel wore it while they were backslidden, then doesn’t it mean that it’s also evil to take a bath?
Isn’t this all a little bit ridiculous?!
Conclusion:
You see, this is the problem with UPC theology: It’s a house of cards. The UPC has made the claim that they and their affiliates are the only ones who possess Truth. But what happens when they find out that something they taught as Truth was wrong? It throws everything else into question! If they can be wrong on one point then they can be wrong on other points as well.
I believe that this is what is happening with make-up. The UPC has been backed into a corner. More and more people are seeing that there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing make-up. There’s no Scriptural basis for not wearing it, and there’s no logical reason for not wearing it. Now the UPC is forced to defend a doctrine that makes no sense, because if they back off this doctrine then it might cause their members to doubt other doctrines as well.
This is why I believe that the Bible should be the ultimate rule of authority. If I find that I’ve misunderstood something in the Bible then I have no problem changing my beliefs. I don’t claim to have a monopoly on Truth. I claim that Jesus is the only way to God, not any one Christian denomination!
Folks, God doesn’t care whether or not you wear make-up! If He cared then He would have put it in the Bible! If you are a woman who feels that God does not want you wearing make-up then that is between you and Him, but God never gave any organization the right to dictate a doctrine that has no Scriptural basis as being necessary for salvation!
References:
- United Pentecostal Church International, Position Paper on Modesty, Accessed 2006-12-21 20:02:31 [↩]
June 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I agree with this posting. I grew up in a chruch that taught these things. Pastors and preachers need to be careful that when they teach the Word of God to the congregation, that they use facts and not try to make their own opinions part of the Word. We are living the last day to be worring about if a sister in church is using makeup. We need to be preaching more about sin and things that cause christians to fall and not condeming others by what we think is “holy”.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Thank you for this article. I appreciate the simple approach to the topic and I have found myself in similar discussions quoting to others what Galatians 5 says will keep people out of the Kingdom – not extra stuff. As a woman, I can say that there are practical sides to not wearing make-up and that is the cost of it and time spent. Sadly, the beauty market in America is a billion-dollar industry – women spend a lot of time and money on their looks, which we all know that time and money could be spent far better. My husband has asked me not to wear make-up so the decision is made for me. But otherwise, I would still wear a small amount like I did before he was in the picture. I do think make-up can be a problem for some women – it becomes their security – but it is still not sin.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I couldn’t agree with you more. Why do christians fight and devour one another over irrelate issues, Jesus said I came to save the world not condemn. I strongly feel that a woman knows why she wears her makeup, and that is between her and God. If there is a conviction it will come from the word and the word only. IF GOD DOESN’T DO IT, IT CAN’T BE DONE!!!
October 15th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I am sad as I read this, I think that most of the ppl who have posted here want to prove to themselves that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing.
So, is it okay for a woman to be a harlot? A prostitute, hooker,stripper, or whatever you want to call her?
Why not? The bible doesn’t say it’s a sin does it?
But in every scripture where make-up is referenced, it is about
a harlot, a “woman of the night”. In one reference referring to scarlet, that was the color that women of the night wore at that time. It was how men knew that they were harlots.
I think instead of saying that pastors and preachers should be careful about what they preach, that Josh, you should be careful about what you say. Why try to take things from the bible and make people think that they don’t matter, because you say so. You must be VERY bitter, and that is sad, because
bitterness in your heart is also talked about in the bible.
The truth is that I would rather be safe than sorry. If you are right, I’m still okay, because I don’t wear make-up (anymore).
But if you are wrong, well….
I know it’s popular today for women to wear make-up, it’s so common that those of us who don’t, are looked at as being strange. But the Word of God never changes, no matter how much the people of this world change. I don’t want to be guilty of trying to ignore certain parts of the bible, because it was uncomfortable for me. God is a God of rules, if you don’t believe it read the old testament.
Remember that the way to heaven is straight and narrow, and FEW there be that find it. Hell, however is going to have to increase itself in order to hold all those poor souls going there.
So, just because the majority of the world has decided that
the old paths, and the old ways are no longer important, doesn’t make them right. The majority are not going to heaven.
And remember the definition of a “Christian” is to be Christ-like.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Hey, thanks for putting this up Josh,
I apperciate your hard research on the blogs.. I just have to pray that people who read your blog will continued to be exposed to the truth and grace of God..
I asked a Pastor that was trying to get back to the Oneness church what God told Paul when he asked God to remove the thorn from him..
God answered him my GRACE is sufficient for thee.. 2 Cor 12…
Gods Grace is what save a person not there make-up, dress, ect..
Rebaka you will be in my prayers,…
I am happy that you choose to adhere to your convictions, but it becomes a burden to others when you try to force your conviction on them.
And we are to be free in Christ..
October 18th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Rebekah…i love that you’d rather be safe than sorry, as you stated in your post above.
I am wondering how safe you will be, after you’ve judged and compared those who choose to wear some make up as harlots.
Gods saved and redeemed blood washed blood bought women and you so cavalierly call them prostitutes.
God winked at ignorance once…i pray he close’s both eyes to the ignorance of such bible theolgy that condemns by comparrison as you have done.
October 21st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I’m not judging anyone, I don’t need to, I’m simply stating the facts. If you can show me a scripture where God referred to make-up and wasn’t talking about a harlot, then I would be happy to read it.
You don’t have to believe anything because I (or anyone else) says that it is so. I choose to believe the bible. I know that God is a God of mercy and love. But he also has A LOT of other parts to Him. He says that he loves the sinner and HATES the sin. He’s not only a God of love, but He’s also a God who hates, and He’s not only a God of Heaven, but is very clear about hell. Hell is the place where all will go who have not obeyed His Word. Not just a place for ppl that you are I think belong there. He is my judge, and He will judge everyone else as well. I’m not trying to force anything on anyone.. if you wanna read His word and believe it you can, if not no one will force you – not even God.
I do know that the way to heaven is straight and narrow and few there be that find it. The masses are not going to be there, only those that followed His instruction. That’s all I’m trying to do is follow what it says to do in the Word. If people who have not experienced the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tounges want to argue with me, that’s okay. I know in whom I believe, and I know what I have experienced
and what is true.
And though I don’t feel that I am judging people, the bible does not say “Don’t judge” it says Judge not, lest ye be judged. I know that I will be judged, and I want to be found pure and holy in His sight without spot or wrinkle.
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
Hi, Rebekah. I normally stay out of the comment threads on this Web site. I decided to go ahead and respond to your comments, though, because they made a direct statement to me (accusing me of bitterness) and because you asked a question or two that I would like to answer.
I sincerely appreciate your concern for me and your dedication to God. I do not say that lightly. I am not writing this response to debate with you or to challenge your beliefs. I am writing it for the sake of others reading this post.
The purpose of my response to your comments is not to debate. If a debate starts then I will temporarily lock comments on the thread. I like to provide all sides a chance to express their opinions, but this Web site is not a debate forum. I appreciate everyone understanding that.
In reference to the way being straight and narrow, I agree with you completely. I certainly do not buy into an “easy believism” sort of salvation mentality. The Bible says that we were called to be disciples of Christ and then to make disciples of Him. Easton’s Bible dictionary defines a disciple of Jesus as “one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes [drinks up, soaks up] his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).” This is what we are called to be, and it is the way that I strive to live my life. The reason I abandoned holiness standards is because after months of study I decided that none of them have a basis in Scripture (although I agree that the Scriptures teach modesty, moderation, etc).
One more point on the standards: They had nothing to do with me leaving Oneness Pentecostalism. I left because I came to the conclusion that speaking in tongues was not the evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, and that a person could be baptized in the Titles and be saved. My conclusion on the holiness standards only came after months of studying each one individually to see what the Bible taught. My goal was not to do what I wanted to do, it was to align myself as closely as possible with Scripture. If I’ve missed it, then I’ve missed it…but it won’t be for a lack of study or prayer.
I’d like to encourage you to read My Story: http://www.whyileft.org/my-story/. If you read it you will see that the trigger that caused me to leave Oneness Pentecostalism was that I started to feel a call to be a teacher. The thought of teaching someone incorrectly scared the living daylights out of me. It literally terrified me. I began to pray that God would open my eyes to anything I believed that was incorrect, because I did not want to lead people astray. At the time I was attending a UPC church and I bought into the entire holiness / Oneness Pentecostal doctrine hook, line and sinker. But I began to repeatedly pray that God would help me align myself with His Word. I began to read through the New Testament, and things started jumping out of me that I had never noticed before. I lived in terror for several months, feeling like I was being deceived. I just couldn’t understand it. Then I eventually decided that I was just going to pray and study and align myself with Scripture to the best of my ability. I decided to do my best to hold to “sound doctrine,” while trusting in God’s grace to continue to lead and guide me and ultimately to bring me safely home to His arms. Because, after all, it is God’s grace that saves us. In the end it is what we are all dependent on. I do not use grace as an excuse to sin–far from it! I just recognize that I will never be perfect, so I have determined to try my hardest while recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient for my failures.
I know that some will read what I just wrote and they will think, “Aha! He’s admitting that he can do whatever he wants because God’s grace will cover him!” If anyone thinks that, then please back up and read what I just wrote…and read it again, and again…and again…until you get it.
About the bitterness referenced in your first comment: I really am not bitter. I did struggle with bitterness right after I left Oneness Pentecostalism. It was something that I had to pray quite a bit about. You’re right in pointing out that bitterness is a sin. I appreciate you warning me about it, but I ask you to please refrain from judging my heart and motives when you do not even know me. If you have read many of the other articles on this Web site then I’m sure you’ve seen that I’ve made two things clear: 1) I am not trying to get anyone to leave Oneness Pentecostalism, and 2) I think Oneness Pentecostals can be saved. In other words, this is not an anti-Oneness Pentecostal (or anti-holiness) Web site.
I will not repeat my whole story here, I’d just like you and everyone else know that this Web site is the result of heart-rending prayer and study. It frustrates me when people accuse me of taking the easy road out, because there was nothing easy about it. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
In your last post you said that if anyone could show you “a scripture where God referred to make-up and wasn’t talking about a harlot” then you would be happy to read it.
There are really only three Scriptures in the Bible that talk about make-up. They are 2 Kings 9:30 (Jezebel), Jer. 4:30 (a prophecy about the fall of Judah), and Ezekiel 23:40. Some people also think Proverbs 6:25 is referring to make-up, but that’s debatable. For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume Prov. 6:25 is talking about make-up. That would be 4 Scriptures.
Here is a break-down of the four of them:
2 Kings 9:30: Jezebel is about to die. She knows she’s about to die, and, to her credit, she’s pretty defiant about it. She paints her eyes with antimony. She almost certainly was not trying to entice Jehu like many holiness preachers claim. Many commentators think that she was preparing herself to die like a queen, and that’s probably correct. Whatever her motives, there are two reasons why she almost certainly was not trying to seduce Jehu: 1) She was old by this time; 2) She called Jehu a Zimri (traitor) when he arrived, and accused him of murdering his master (2 Kings 9:31). Certainly not a good way to get things started off on the right foot. She had to have known that Jehu was doing a “blood purge” to secure the throne, and that she was going to die no matter what she did.
Conclusion: There is nothing about harlotry, prostitution, hooking, or stripping in 2 Kings 9:30.
Proverbs 6:25: If this verse is talking about some sort of eye shadow then it is talking about harlotry. I don’t think the verse is talking about make-up, but even if it is the command in the verse is for men to not lust after adultresses and prostitutes. As a man, I can assure you that a woman’s eye shadow has nothing to do with arousing desire. I think it is more likely that Prov. 6:25 is talking about some sort of flirtatious winking or seductive looks, and quite a few commentators agree.
Conclusion: If Proverbs 6:25 is talking about make-up, then it is referring to adultresses.
Jeremiah 4:30: Personifying Judah as a prostitute. Do you were scarlet? I’m just curious. I know most Apostolic women do. Also, in verse 31 Jeremiah uses another illustration: He personifies Judah as a woman in labor. Is that also a sin? I’m being serious. We can’t just pick one word out of the passage and make THAT a sin and ignore everything else.
Ezekiel 23:40: This is an extended prophecy that is personifying Israel and Judah as “Oholah” and “Oholibah.” It accuses them of playing the harlot in Egypt (23:3). Skip down to verse 40, and it says that they “bathed, painted [their] eyes and decorated [themselves] with ornaments.”
Conclusion: If painting the eyes makes you a harlot then bathing does too. I’m not being sarcastic, I’m being dead serious. Again, we cannot take one little thing from a passage and make THAT thing a sin and allow other things in the passage to go unchallenged.
Sister, there is simply no basis for associating make-up with harlotry. Just because a harlot does something does not make what she did a sin. In other words, harlots wore clothes. Is that a sin? They took baths. Is that a sin? The Bible does not even hint that God has a problem with make-up.
Rebekah, I do not expect to change your mind. I am writing this for other people who read this article. Again, I sincerely appreciate your committment to God and your dedication to Him. I will encourage you to pray that God will continue to draw you closer to Him and to open your eyes to anything in your life that is displeasing to Him. I pray the same prayer almost every day. And you know what? He answers :).
P.S. – I was baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues when I was 11 years old. So I do meet the Oneness Pentecostal litmus test of being able to “know truth” or “see the truth” =). I no longer believe that tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost, of course, but I want to make it clear that you’re talking to someone who was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost UPC-style…and who preached, taught, played the drums, danced, shouted, and followed every standard there was.
God bless,
Josh Spiers
October 28th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
That was great resources again Josh, you have been a blessing to the teaching of God…
Rebeka I love that you have a desire to follow the Lord and you the bible say those that seek him will find him..
I too.. am a person that was baptised in Jesus Name and spoke in tongues..
I also know that grace is what saved me not my church..
Love ya and my prayers are with you..
November 6th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Josh, I read your take on make-up & would like to kindly comment. In principle, I do not think that there’s a legitimate comparison of bathing/wearing scarlet & make-up. Clearly, God expects us to cover ourselves & bathe. The wearing of scarlet in Jer. 4:30 is a isolated connection w/ harlotry that we do not see elsewhere in Scripture. In fact, we see the color used in positive ways all throughout the Bible (i.e., the tabernacle, Rahab, etc.). However, never do we see God using facial paint in a positive way, but He ALWAYS uses it in very negative circumstances indicating His displeasure w/ it. Is everyone who wears make-up a harlot? Certainly not, but it does reveal God’s attitude towards it which should cause us to back up & excercise caution w/ the matter. Also, consider that we’re God’s literal temple in the NT & He consistently tells Moses (OT) not to alter His place of dwelling, as He’s very peculiar when it comes to His tabernacle/temple. In short, it’s not our house…it’s His & He’s the divine architect. We wouldn’t dare paint the Governor’s house, why should we paint God’s? Moreover, how would trees, snow, dust etc. look w/ paint on them? No one even considers such UNNATURALNESS…until it comes to humans, who have a free will & therein lies the problem. In sum, the things of nature as created by God are to remain in their natural created state as much as possible. Also would like to talk to you about tongues issue later. I, like you, have for the last 10 yrs. closely scrutinized pentecostalism since I’m a teacher/pastor who many people look to for doctrinal advice. This scares me to death, so I watch for inconsistencies & try to keep an honest heart, which is why I have an interest in your positions! Much more to say, but I don’t want to wear you out. [EDIT: Phone # removed]
January 28th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Hello, I am from an Apostolic Church of God The Bibleway Church and we do not teach that it is a sin to wear make-up but it is correct when said that the bible do speak of it in a negative way.(But it is not a sin) For example one would think that it is a sin to be angry when in fact it is only a sin to stay angry(Ephesians 4:26). The bible speaks of being slow to anger. anyway’s the point is make-up is looked upon as something women uses to seduce men to make themselves to be fair, But I know all women do not use it for that purpose but even so, Beauty is still vain according to (Proverbs 31:30). So a God fearing women would not care to wear make-up because it is the inside that matters not the flesh. The flesh profits nothing(John 6:63) I hope that helps and May God Bless You
February 1st, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Thank you for the article Josh. It is not a sin to wear make-up.
I believe The UPC are hypocrytes. They think it’s a sin to wear make-up,
but they believe it’s okay for women to shave their legs.
What they don’t know, is that the idea of shaving the legs came from
FRENCH PROSTITUTES. Thats right everyone! After World War 2, when
we liberated France from Nazi Germany, a few of are American soldiers
stayed in France to celebrate after the war, and slept with a few of the
prostitutes these prostitute couldn’t afford stalkings. So they would
SHAVE THEIR LEGS, and sometimes even draw the seam on their leg
with a marker or pen to make the illusion seam real.
When American sodiers finanlly came homefrom France to their WIVES
they told their wives to start shaving their legs because it would save
money on buying stalkings. they were just being submittful to their
husbands and went along with it.
(you see their husbands got the idea from the
prostitutes they met in France) then it began to grow into a custom
in America. Thats why us American women shave our legs today.
So to all of you who think make-up is a sin, because it associated with
harlots, then you better stop shaving your legs. Because it really did
come from prostitutes.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Why do we wear make-up? What are we trying to accomplish? What is the purpose? All things in life are either bringing glory to God or not- it is black and white…so who are we glorifying when we wear make-up?
There are many individual things that the bible does not specifically refer to or direct us on. But as we live our life with the Spirit of God…His principles of purity and holiness permeate all areas of our life.
Who are we wearing make-up for? If we live our life with God and before Him, is make-up necessary? He created us in His image and although we are not perfect…we should ask ourselves if we are trying to create an image of ourselves that is not true to who we really are. God loves us just the way He created us…
Everything should be looked at with the question in mind…is this bringing me closer to Christ or distracting me from Him? If we ask ourselves this question not only regarding make-up, but everything else in our lives, then we will find ourselves much more awake and intune to Him and the path He has for us…
I found myself facing these questions on my own personal journey with Christ…I have never received instruction from a Church or pastoral influence regarding make-up…if anything it was encouraged by the lives of those who led. I do not attend a “church” of any kind, I am a girl living her life with God and making my way through this journey one moment at a time. However, I think everyone should personally walk through this type of a question with God. If we are simply honest with ourselves and Him about why we do the things that we do…this life becomes a lot easier to live, rather than avoiding and living on in the “realities” that we create for ourselves.
April 16th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Hi
I have a question for the people here who think wearing makeup is wronge. First of all everyone I know who wears makeup wears it for themselves because it makes themselves look better and feel better. If it is still a sin to do then wouldn’t it be a sin for people to get braces or false teeth or wear a wig or toupe? ( just to name a few )I dont think makeup should be worn excesivly… like I think people should be ok with themselves in there own skin…but I dont thinks its wrong if they want to wear it to make them selves look better…like whats the difference? PS: sorry for spelling mistakes wrote this quick cause its late. God Bless :)
April 30th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Wow! It really shouldnt surprise me at what I am reading. I have also spent many hours studying these subjects and frankly find most of what I have been reading False. The first thing someone wants to cry is that your judging me when someone wants to stand for God. Those who do have not a clue what to judge means. To judge you would mean that I could sentence you somewhere, which I cant. I can only tell you the truth. The bible says ye shall know them by their fruits. It also says to be seperate from this world. I know we have to be in this world but we do not have to conform to it. The world says its ok to wear make up and such but I dont agree with the world. Nor does society determine my right from wrong.
Heaven is a place with boundries, hell hath no boundry. You tell me why we dont have boundries. You sir are in a place I never want to be. You are speaking directly against the word of God. No one ever recieved the Holy Ghost and didnt speak with tounges. That is a lie from the pits of hell. I am not trying to debate the subject just expressing my thoughts. The problem I see evident here is worldliness. Rebekah, stand strong in your beliefs, they are right in the eyes of God. God bless..
April 30th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Oh, just so there is no confusion, I am not UPC.
May 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
We can speak out about judging sin that we KNOW God is against… Fornication, adultery, murder, jealousy, etc.. If we tell people these things are wrong – it is not judgment – because the Bible clearly speaks how God is against these things.
HOWEVER, when we start making and enforcing ’standards’ and ‘rules’ that are not clearly taught against in the Bible (or that the Bible is silent about) – we are on dangerous ground. If you do not see Jesus or the apostles clearly speaking against pants, or make-up, or jewelry, who are we to enforce such rules and regulations? Who are we to say that you are more holy if you don’t wear make-up? Holiness is a matter of the heart!
Matthew 7:2 “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
If you start judging someone for wearing make-up – you should realize that you are enforcing a rule that Jesus did not enforce. I would hope that on Judgment Day, that you would not want Jesus to hold you accountable to a ’silent’ standard that He never advised you of.
Why are we stressing things that the apostles & Jesus didn’t stress? And then judging those who don’t feel the need to stress them?
Romans 14:1 “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.”
If the UPC truly believes they are more ‘holy’ because of the seperation and outward standards, I would think they should still take to heart this verse. Even if those who aren’t following the standards really have a ‘weaker’ faith, then they should still accept them and not pass judgment on them for these disputable matters. I would think that pants / make-up / jewelry would be considered disputable matters – considering the Bible does not say much on the subject.
Praying for the UNITY for ALL believers in Jesus Christ.
May 17th, 2009 at 11:32 am
First of all, I’d like to say that this is really an amazing site. I originally came to this site through Google, to find a scripture for my sister to show her why I don’t wear make-up anymore.
I personally agree with the fact that as strong christian believers, we shouldn’t conform to the ways of the world.. I Love not wearing makeup, because it really does open up conversation about God.
I mean, we shouldn’t condemn an unbeliever, or a believer for wearing makeup, and we should let people who wear makeup, or even dress as prostitutes into our churhes.. Because they need to come as they are and be loved, and eventually, they will stop coming to church the way they are, as they begin to learn more about What God aks of them as believers.
Weather or not you wear makeup, God still loves you, and Christians will still Love you, but it is an act of obedience towards God if you don’t.
and If you really want to show that you are obedient(Sp?) towards God, then it is s good thing to just, not concern yourself with such things as wearing makeup.
The bible says somewhere about letting you’re inner beauty shine through, and I was looking for that scripture originally.. That is what we should really be concerning ourselves with, is how much God’s beauty can shine through us, without covering and hiding that natural beauty with makeup.
So, In conclusion, we shouldn’t hate those that don’t.
But, I suppose that is obvious.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:33 am
So it’s time for the Southern Baptist Evangelical is to weigh in. In our churches, we don’t teach against wearing make-up – we have bigger modesty challenges to face like short skirts and low blouse lines – assuming wearing makeup is even wrong.
I think if you’re wearing makeup to enhance natural beauty- there’s nothing wrong with that. Painting yourself up to look like a harlot is probably not such a great idea. It has a lot to do with who you are presenting yourself to be.
I’d also like to mention that some makeup is also medical. There are many products tailored to fix skin problems, and I don’t think God would be against taking care of your skin. While we are not to be a part of the world, I do think we’re supposed to be examples for the world. Since the world values good looks, I think it is just as easy to be an example for non-Christians by putting our best face forward. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been abel to encourage someone in Christ because they’ve said to me, “You always look like you have it sooooo together.”
Lastly, I think there is a huge opportunity for makeup artists that provide the service of applying makeup and of selling makeup to share Christ. There are plenty of non-Christians who wear makeup, and it is so easy to get into a conversation about Christ with them. Esp. if you’re applying their makeup since you’re already in a place of trust (in their personal space). Christ spent a good part of His ministry on earth lifting sinners up (He spent time condemning them too, but I don’t think we have that power). I use makeup to play up a feature that is already beautiful. Satan is tearing women down by showing them what’s not good about themselves. Makeup can show them what is, and a godly makeup artist can show them how Jesus makes all things new.
May 21st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Hi–
I just left the UPC after over a decade in. I was so scared to leave because of the horror stories I had been told of women getting cancer because they cut their hair, marriages splitting up, children being killed in car wrecks….you get the picture. But, I’m glad I left. I’m an all or nothing person. Why is it ok to dress differently when you are on vacation, be seen in a bathing suit, etc, as long as no one from your church sees you? Why is it ok to go to the movies, as long as you don’t go with people from your church? Why is it ok for women to cut/color their hair, wear make up and pants, as long as they don’t hold positions? Why is it ok for girls to wear skirts up to a certain length, but the boys can only wear pants to the ankle? Why is it ok to dress crazy for Halloween, I’ve seen men dressed as women, women wearing makeup and wigs to look like cut hair. If cutting your hair is wrong, why is it ok to wear fake hair–the ends look cut. These are only just a few of the questions I had and could never reconcile. I just grew so tired of never measuring up, no matter how hard I or my family tried. I was tired of telling my children no, not because I had a conviction, but because I was afraid of getting in trouble. I miss my friends, but I don’t miss the contridictions.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:08 am
Good day
I really think this topic is very sensitive and it should be that we are led by the spirit of God before we can understand why God does not want us to wear make-up and pants, etc. The only time when people will really accept this and change accordingly is if they are convicted by the Holy Spirit, we always say when God speaks we should listen, but the irony is that no one actually listens the 1st time around we only start listening when He speaks hard/loud that’s when something bad happens to us.
The one thing that we must not forget as “christians” is if we call ourselves “christians” meaning christlike we cannot expect to look and act like the world because when we become born again we become new creatures in God, meaning all old things fall away and God should install the new things in our lives (and not we ourselves) than and than only will we understand what holiness/godliness means when the spirit of the Lord convicts us when we not @ the right place or doing the right thing and even wearing the right stuff on our bodies which He also says is His temple.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
I have been a member of two different UPC churches in two different states and they both had the same problems I spoke of earlier. I’m not speaking as someone who was on the fringe– I speak as someone who was deeply involved. I gave it all up, TV-hair-makeup-pants-books-magazines-christmas tree-valentine’s day-halloween–everything. If you take a good look around, the problem is wide spread, but no one wants to talk about it.
Also, I need to clarify–when I spoke of the bad things happening to people who leave the UPC. I didn’t mean these things had been told to me by people who needed a wakeup call and it was a catalyst to get them to the alter and be saved. NO, these examples were given to me as reasons why I shouldn’t leave the UPC–that if I did, horrible things would happen to me or my family and it would all be my fault. I don’t believe that God gives people cancer as punishment for leaving the UPC–but, that was what I was told.
I would like to also say, that I haven’t missed a church service at my new church since leaving UPC. I attend a Pentecostal church that preaches and teaches the bible–not man made rules.
The UPC is full of wonderful, talented people….but, there are some serious problems that no one is really addressing. And, until they are people who were once rooted and grounded will continue to leave.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I have been in a UPC for the past 13 years. Most of my relatives were raised Assembly of God. I love my church and we have some wonderful people. Even the ladies who only wear dresses have told me it is not a salvation issue, but simply a modesty issue. I wear only dresses to church, which I don’t mind doing, but I also still wear pants and I do cut my hair. I wear very little make-up. I recently checked out an Assembly of God church that is closer to my home and where I am torn is this: The Assembly of God does not baptize in Jesus’ name. I do agree with baptism in Jesus’ name as we are baptized into him….he is our salvation….his name is the only name by which we are saved. Any thoughts on this?
June 4th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Connie, you asked an excellent question, and I’m happy to answer it to the best of my ability!
I’ll answer your question in two ways. The first answer is one that deals with the very nature of God. When you read it you will see why. Here is is:
1. Jesus will not send people to hell for obeying Him. He said to be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, yet the Book of Acts records people people being baptized in the Name of Jesus. Are the apostles going to hell for baptizing the wrong way? Of course not. Are we going to go to hell if we take Jesus’ words literally? Of course not.
This answer speaks for itself. Is God out to trick us? Are we going to get to Heaven and have Him say, “Ha! I know that I said to be baptized in the ‘name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,’ but I didn’t really mean it!”
Jesus did not come to Earth, suffer all the pains of humanity, endure unimaginable torture, suffocate to death on a cross of shame, rise from the dead, and ascend to Heaven, just so almost all of His followers throughout history would go to hell for having the wrong words said over them. Pardon my sarcasm, but I don’t think He’s sitting up in Heaven right now kicking Himself for saying that one little sentence wrong! :)
So the first answer is just common sense. If Jesus commanded us to do something then He’s not going to send us to hell for obeying Him.
The second answer is a little bit more technical, and it goes like this:
2. In the Greek language the word that we translate “name” had many meanings. One way was the way we use it today: as an identifier. My name is Joshua Spiers, and yours is Connie. Jesus’ Name was Jesus. However, the Greek word that we translate as “name” also carries this meaning:
This second way is the way that the phrase in the “name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” was used in Mat. 28:19 [2].
So, in other words, to baptize in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit is to baptize in the Name of Jesus, and to baptize in the Name of Jesus is to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps I can make it even more clear by putting it this way: It is an issue of identification and authority. People were baptized in Jesus’ Name, or the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, to identify with Jesus and to place themselves under His authority.
This issue of authority and identification came up in the church at Corinth. Note the following passage from 1 Corinthians:
The situation was that members of the church in Corinth were identifying themselves as disciples (or followers) of various Christian leaders. One of the ways that they were doing this was, apparently, by being baptized in the name of someone other than Jesus! Paul quickly put a stop to this, but reminding the church at Corinth that they were all followers of Jesus.
I find it sad that believers today create divisions in the body of Christ by splitting over the words said during baptism! What matters is that we are baptized under the authority of Jesus Christ. And that authority is applied no matter what baptismal formula is said. [3]
I hope this helps!
God bless,
- Josh S.
1. W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville: T. Nelson, 1996), 2:425.
2. Ibid.
3. In response to my last comment (that it is the authority that matters and not the baptismal formula) some people have asked me why the disciples of John had to be rebaptized, or if a person could be baptized in the name of Bob and still be saved if the person was really meaning Jesus, and so on. In the case of John, it was an issue of identification and authority. They were rebaptized to identify with Christ. In the case of people being baptized in the name of Bob, that’s just silly and useless to debate. Any native English speaker who started baptizing that way would either be mentally disturbed or deliberately trying to cause controversy.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Great article…Had a disagreement with someone on this issue on yesterday and found this website while researching this matter…This confirms what I told her, that this can not be proven biblically…It is nothing more than church doctrines and not biblical doctrines…Of course being children of God we should recognize when it’s too much because we don’t want to look as though we’re apart of the secular world….But it can be tastefully worn…
Takes again for a great article
June 17th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
“the trigger that caused me to leave Oneness Pentecostalism was that I started to feel a call to be a teacher. The thought of teaching someone incorrectly scared the living daylights out of me. ”
Boy can I identify with that! I’m currently serving in leadership capacity at a wonderful UPC church that I’ve grown up in. I’ve recently begun teaching home bible studies and come to the realization that I’m not “sold” on a lot of the doctrine (especially the fringe doctrines concerning teh sinfulness of certain appearances and behavior).
I have too much integrity (I HOPE that’s what it is!) to blindly parrot these ideas to others unless I believe them with my whole heart, and in the process of my research I’ve stumbled across your blog.
I want to say something in response to a couple of the UPC commenters on here…
You’ve stated several times that we’re supposed to be Christ-like, and “separated from the world”. I agree wholeheartedly. But being different or separated just FOR THE SAKE of being different is not holiness. Going without make-up JUST because the general population wears it is not Biblical. There are a plethora of other activities we should abstain from if that were the case, and it would get ridiculous (i.e. eating, breathing, ambulating…).
However, I do believe that the New Testament church is called to be culturally sensitive (the reason Paul advised Timothy (I think it was him) to be circumsized so as to not offend the Jews).
So, for instance, if all hookers in your city are commonly identified by their wearing of fishnet stockings, it would be UNWISE for a christian woman living in that city to wear fishnet stockings. She would be sending the wrong message to the unsaved people around her that she was promiscuous.
Even so, that does not mean wearing the stockings is SIN… and only God knows that woman’s heart and motivation for her choice of apparel.
I think that the scarlet/makeup/uncovered head thing may have very well legitimately meant a woman was a whore in the cultural context in which those Old Testament scriptures were written. The culturally sensitive God-fearing woman living in that area and time would refrain from wearing red clothing and eye-makeup, or, probably, walking about at night, to avoid being mistaken for a prostitute.
Even today, I think most women, Christian or not, would admit there is a way to apply makeup that appears, in our culture, to resemble a hooker.
But is the act of simply modifying one’s appearance wrong? No. If “natural” means “unchanged” or “untouched”, then shampooing, shaving, teeth whitening, tanning, moisturizing, fingernail clipping, eyebrow tweezing, etc. would be classified as unnatural too.
Is it wrong for a woman to want to look like a hooker (or alter her appearance for THE PURPOSE of seducing a man)? Yes. Are we humans responsible for discerning each other’s motives? No.
I believe that all us women should be worried about is: the principles of modesty and feminity, submission to our husbands in this area, being culturally-sensitive, and THE MOTIVES OF OUR HEARTS. A woman can technically follow a list of rules and regs of any length but still find a way to be seductive if it’s in her heart!
Sorry this is so long… thanks for letting me think this through “out loud”, Josh. :)
July 17th, 2009 at 1:32 am
hey josh.
arent you scared? i mean..im pentecostal and everything they teach is backed up by scripture. i mean..i dont see how you could leave.
and to talk about the whole makeup thing…its DEFINETLY a heart thing. but it does say in those scripures “painting your eyes”…isnt that what makeup does? seriously. i mean mascara paints your eyes black.
and eyeliner. paints it black around the eye. its also provine that wearing makeup attracks guys to you. sexually.
just saying.
i dont wear make up anymore.
and im sorry you had to walk away from the truth.
ill be praying for you.
im thinking you have alot of questions. talk to god.
he knows.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I absoultly think and know that wearing makeup and jewlery is a sin because to make it easy…you dont wear makeup or jewlery for god..do you then you wear it for the man=to human.So dont think people make it up its true now if you dont believe it then thats you deal.
God Bless you all.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I agree with britney..watever church your going to its teching you right!
But what do you think about jewlery and pants??
I am also pentecostal..i go to monte sinai i hope that you keep your faith in jesus as you are now.
Ill be praying for you..
and whoever says that the way the bible teaches is wrong ill pray for you too.
god bless you all.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Pants is never backed up by the bible, even make up..What is wrong when someone wears a make -up? If her intention is to seduce or attract men, then it’s a sin but if she wears it just to look beautiful, then there’s nothing wrong about it..Tell me, is applying deodorant to your stinky underarms a sin?If it’s not, then, why is wearing make-up a sin? Putting on deodorant is something you do when you do not want to smell like a dead fish when you’re in your job, just like wearing wake up. Some of the make ups or cosmetics are made of powder and then it seeps the sweats off your face just like powder or baby powder or face powder. It also covers us from the deep rays of the sun.
In UPC, it is a sin to wear make up but it is not a sin to apply powder on the face or lotion in the hands or feet..Tell me, is lotion one of the cosmetics?YES! So why is it not considered a sin in UPC?
I am not an outside believer, hence, I grew up in UPC, I am already 5 years in my music ministry, and I played the lead guitar in our church.. All I can say, is, it is not on NATURALISM but rather it is on MODERATIONALISM.. Above all is the HEART that MATTERS that only you and GOD knows!
AN example of MODERATIONALISM: take a serious look at this..
Gen 9:20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
Gen 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
Gen 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
Gen 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
Gen 9:24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
As we all know, Noah is a man of God, but he was drunken. And God did not judge him. All we know that drunkenness is a sin but drinking wine is not a sin. So if you take the wine in moderation, then you are not sinning but if you take it day by day and then you become a drunkard and becomes alcoholic or alcohol-dependent, then that’s the sin..If wearing of make-up on your face is exaggerated that it highlights everything in your face, then that’s the sin but if you take it lightly, then where is the sin? It is also a matter of the heart as what I have mentioned earlier. I hope this helps a lot.. Let us all be guided by the Holy SPirit..God bless everyone of us..
Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I am UPC of five years. I was a model before that for 4 years. Make-up and beauty was all I ever knew. I understand that people need to try to turn scripture so that you don’t feel bad for wearing makeup or cutting your hair or drinking (cause the bible says ,”drink and be merry”) but the way I see it is…the bible can be twisted anyway u want to twist it…so I want to be safe than sorry…i got scared when I read the scripture about cutting my hair, and I still get scared reading the scriptures that are provided above, cause the bible speaks down on makeup and uses only bad examples. So yes it makes me not want to wear just to please Jesus. Just in case. Who will ever be able to tell you that makeup is right or wrong..who will ever be able to tell you anythign morally is wrong..nobody until it is too late…JESUS!! and if I lived my whole life with no makeup on my face and found out that it didn’t matter to Jesus, then I would not regret it, cause he sees the sacrifice that I give to him everyday! I don’t care if it is going to send me to hell, I want to be closer to him…so whatever I have to do to get that way I will do it!! Get a personal relationship with him and he will lead you where he wants you even church wise…he did me!
September 5th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I feel it’s fine to wear make up. I don’t think it really matters. Our hearts and motives matter. I don’t think everything we do at every fleeting moment is for God or should be expected to be for God. In all honostly do you do everything in your life for God? Do you sleep for God? Eat for God? God to the bathroom for God? Let’s be realistic. We were put on this planet to live- not to put ourselves in a box or 24 hour God. I have nothing against doing things for God, but extremism doesn’t get one anywhere, neither to heaven. The problem with UPC theology and that of many Pentecostales is that your salvation isn’t secure- you feel that at any moment your salvation could be lost- by accidently cursing in a moment of rage- and poof- if you die a second after- you go to hell. Think about it honostly- that’s not realistic. Also another comment regarding wearing make up- ok we don’t do it for God- but honostly I don’t wear my clothing for God- should I run around naked? I’m not debating, but giving my opinion to what I’ve seen and heard.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I WAS RAISED APOSTOLIC. THEN I WENT ASTRAY BECAUSE I DEARLY LOVED MAKEUP, JEANS, ETC. RECENTLY, I WANTED TO SHOW MY HUSBAND THE KIND OF CHURCH I USE TO ATTEND. WE BOTH ARE STILL THERE AND WAS RECENTLY BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME. I RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AND SPOKE IN TONGUES IN MY BED AT 14 YEARS OLD. HOWEVER, NOW WHEN I SPEAK THERE IS POWER BEHIND IT. I HAVE WONDERED HOW COME I WENT ASTRAY BEFORE. THE LORD SHOWED ME IT WAS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IF I WORE A DRESS AND WASHED MY FACE, THEN I WAS SAVED. BUT THE TRUTH, THE BITTER ROOT, WAS THAT I HADN’T DEVELOPED A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. NOW THAT I HAVE, I DONT CARE WHAT I NEED TO GIVE UP. JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME AND YOU THINK I’M GOING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MAKEUP? AND I HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING SINCE I’VE BEEN BACK HERE AT THIS APOSTOLIC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, WHEN I PRAY, WHETHER IT IS FOR A NEED OR JUST A WANT, I GET IT. WHATEVER IT IS, I GET IT. LITERALLY. SO WORLD KEEP YOUR MAKE-UP, I’M NOT FOR SALE. EVERYONE IS ALWAYS LOOKING AT WHAT THEY CAN GET BY WITH. WHAT HAPPENED WITH GOING THE EXTRA MILE?
September 30th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
i want to commend rebbekah for standing her ground i beleive and agree 100% with you now josh on the other hand there is no reason for you to leave a upc and change the way you think about the evidence in speaking in tongues only satin has confused you for example read acts 10:44-46 there is your proof on speaking in tongues is the evidence of the holy ghost and for someone to experience such a thing and then deny it blows my mind only satin talking you into believing a lie is all that can explain this…… any way i will pray for you and hope you turn back to what you know is right. GOD BLESS
October 10th, 2009 at 7:55 am
I just had to jump in.
In an early post, Rebekah stated: “But in every scripture where make-up is referenced, it is about a harlot, a ‘woman of the night.’” In Rebecca’s next post, she claimed, “I’m simply stating the facts.”
You’ve already made an error, Rebecca. Jezebel was not an harlot or “woman of the night.” She was an idolater; she was a murderess; but, nowhere in scripture was she ever called an harlot. Her “whoredoms” were idolatry, not prostitution of her body, as you’re implying. I fear Queen Jezebel would be quite offended to know she’s now mistakenly referred to as a lowly “street walker.”
But, I’ll ask as Paul asked, “Why do you judge your brother [or sister]?” (Romans 14:10) “Let us not judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no one put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s [sister's] way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Yeshua, that there is nothing unlcean of itself: but to him [her] that esteems anything unclean, to him [her] it is unlcean.” (Romans 14:13-14) “Happy is the man [or woman] that condemns not himself/herself in that thing which he/she allows.” (Romans 14:22).
Romans 14, the whole chapter, is a very good scripture to study, meditate upon, and prayerfully consider when declaring what people can and cannot do.
I have some friends who introduced me to “H or H” issues and “PP” issues. That is “heaven or hell” issues or “preacher’s preference” issues.
I also like to refer back to the apostles’ teachings. In the Book of Acts, chapter 15, there was a big church uproar about circumcision. Some of the Jews were insisting that the Greeks be circumcised. (After all, it was a commandment of Moses!) Here’s a portion of what the apostles wrote in a letter. “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which, if you keep yourselves, you shall do well.” (Acts 15:28-29)
So, don’t try to lay upon people a greater burden of commandments than what is necessary … than what the Holy Ghost ordained through the apostles. Don’t try to squeeze from those three scriptures that God is commanding, “Thou shalt not wear makeup.”
We can get all wrapped up in commandments and miss the most important commandment that we have toward our family in Christ — that we love one another. “Owe no man [or woman] anything but to love one another: for he/she that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) If we simply love or brothers and sisters — no matter what they look like, smell like, no matter their heritage, place in society, or how much money they have — then we’ve kept the commandments of God toward our family.
In the same breath, I want all to remember that “God does not see as man [woman] sees; for people look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks upon the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) So when preparing one’s self, we should all first adorn our hearts with what is pleasing to God. That is what is most important. Hey, I’m preaching to myself as well as anyone.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:24 am
My Lord, I never knew this was such a huge debate! I found this site because a Youtube video had mentioned a scripture in the end, one that hit me because my mother constantly asks me if I still wear the black around my eyes. I never could understand where she got this from, but should have known where. If this is an issue of being natural, then we shouldn’t as many have said where deoderant either. Deoderants are toxic and stop the toxins from coming out of the skin. This is actually worse, an absolute health issue. This is very unnatural. But boy would it be easy to detect the ones who give that up. What is the issue? I am here to try and understand this so me and my mother can put this to rest. One woman made a good point:
“I believe that all us women should be worried about is: the principles of modesty and
feminity, submission to our husbands in this area, being culturally-sensitive, and THE
MOTIVES OF OUR HEARTS. A woman can technically follow a list of rules and regs of
any length but still find a way to be seductive if it’s in her heart!”
Doesn’t God want us to be happy? Truely content? Then why give up what we enjoy if it’s not hurting anyone?
October 29th, 2009 at 1:48 am
Hi, this is a very interesting observation concerning makeup. It sure relieves some misconceptions about makeup, because the truth is all about the intentions behind the person in using the makeup that defines whether or not what he or she is doing is wrong. Great info! Thanks for having that website available.
Sincerely,
Kong
November 8th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Katie said,
“but the way I see it is…the bible can be twisted anyway u want to twist it…so I want to be safe than sorry…i got scared when I read the scripture about cutting my hair, and I still get scared reading the scriptures that are provided above, cause the bible speaks down on makeup and uses only bad examples. So yes it makes me not want to wear just to please Jesus. Just in case. Who will ever be able to tell you that makeup is right or wrong..who will ever be able to tell you anythign morally is wrong..nobody until it is too late…JESUS!! and if I lived my whole life with no makeup on my face and found out that it didn’t matter to Jesus, then I would not regret it, cause he sees the sacrifice that I give to him everyday!”
I hear this a lot from legalistic-type folks: the “what if” or “better safe than sorry” mentality.
This kind of logic just doesn’t jive with my understanding of God and salvation. Am I to believe that it is my responsibility to interpret the minutiae of the Bible accurately or risk hellfire? I believe we should pursue Christ and pursue truth continually. But to discipline our lives to the “nth” degree out of fear of losing our salvation if we unwittingly sin?? We strive to become more godly out of a desire and love for God, not because breaking the law equals damnation. The cross took care of that.
It brings to mind the discussion in Galatians 2, particularly verse 21:
“[Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]” (AMP)
Josh, I would love to see an article on your take on the “What If/Better Safe Than Sorry” defense. :)
November 9th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Anonfemale wrote,
“Josh, I would love to see an article on your take on the “What If/Better Safe Than Sorry” defense. :)”
Anonfemale, I have one planned, and it’s very high on the to-do list =)
November 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Well everything I wanted to say has already been said!
I would like to commend Rebekah, Roger Perkins, Danny, LeAnne, Emily Anthony, Curt, AnonFemale, Jennifer…ETC. For standing firm on the word of God. The Holyghost will be your guide…my sister -in -law knew nothing about the word of God, she wore make-up, nail polish, and pants; but she coming to church to understand Him and His word…later she receive Christ and the next day she threw away her expensive pants, make-up and she stopped wearing nail polish. But guess what?! No one told her to do it, the Holy Spirit led her to do so. When you receive the Holyghost those things you use to do, you no longer have the desire for anymore. That’s how God works. God Bless you all!
November 12th, 2009 at 10:54 am
IM SO THANKFULL I READ THIS ARTICLE! I TOO BELONG TO A UPC CHURCH… I WASNT RAISED IN THIS RELIGION, SO U COULD IMAGINE THE STRUGGLES I HAD WITH LOOSING THE PANTS, MAKE UP, NO JEWLRY, NO CUTTING HAIR!! ITS ALWAYS BEEN HARD ESPECIALLY WHEN I WOULD ASK WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOEST IT SAY NO TO PANTS AND NO TO ECT… THE PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH NEVER REALLY ANSWER ME.. ALL THEY WOULD SAY WAS THAT GOD WHANTS US TOO LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THIS WORLD.. THAT THIS WORLD REPRESENTED EGYPT AND GOD SAID DEPART FROM EGYPT… DONT WEAR ANYTHING THAT REPRESENTS EGYPT… AND EVERYTHING ELSE U ALL READY KNOW… IM HUMAN AND PERFECTION IS OUT OF MY REACH… I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE COMMANDMENTS, CHANGING MY CHARACTER NOT MY IMAGE.. IVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY MODEST, AND TO THIS WORLD I DONT LOOK LIKE A HARLOT!! I TOO BELIEVE THE UPC CHURCH SOMETIMES FOCUSSES SO MUTCH ON OUTER APPEARANCE… KNOW I WANT TO KNOW WHY IS IT OK TO WEAR A WATCH? EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT JEWELRY THERE STILL ADORNING THEM SELVES!! NOW IN DAYS WHO NEEDS A FANCY WATCH WHEN WE ALL HAVE THE TIME ON OUR CELL PHONES! THESE WOMEN ARE SO FUNNY! THEY BUY THE MOST FANCIEST WATCH OR HAS CERTAIN CHARMS HANGING OUT IT LOL!…. THEY SAY PANTS REVEAL UR CURVES? YET MOST OF THE WOMEN IN CHURCH WEAR TIGHT SKIRTS!! NO MAKE UP? PLEASE MOST OF THESE WOMEN WEAR NATURAL LIGHT COLORS AND CLEAR LIP GLOSS! ISNT THAT STILL CONSIDER MAKE UP TO THIS WORLD?LOL ALL THESE RULES ARE RIDICULOUS!IN THEE END THEY SAY ITS ABOUT BEING OBEDIENT TO THE PASTOR… AND ILL BE HONEST I LOVE MY PASTOR AND I BELIEVE HE IS A MAN OF GOD! I STILL ATTEND THIS CHURCH BUT I FEEL LIKE THEIR ALWAYS JUDGING ME BECAUSE OF MY APPEARENCE I WEAR SKIRTS TO CHURCH OUT OF RESPECT TO THE PASTOR BUT I STILL WEAR MAKE UP… AND BECAUSE I WEAR MAKE UP THEY ASSUME IM NOT RIGHT WITH GOD OR IM NOT DEVOTED TO GOD!! LIES MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH CAN PULL OF THE LOOK THE CHURCH WANTS YET THEIR STILL UGLY IN THE INSIDE THEY HAVENT ALLOWED GOD TO TRANSFORM THEE INSIDE!!! I PRAY I FIND THE RIGHT CHURCH OR RELIGION :-)
November 13th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
wow…i can only say
John 5:39 (King James Version)
39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Hey Josh, thank you for the info..Keep letting the scriptures speak. If people are not able to listen to sound doctrine then you’ve done all you can. I am reminded of the time I told someone in my family, (with many scriptures), that Jesus is God. And although the do go to church they said I don’t care what the scripture says you are wrong! Thats Sad!
December 31st, 2009 at 4:36 am
It’s an interesting topic.
The condemnation of make up based on three passages where it’s used by women of dubious character reminds me of the Jehovah Witnesses refusal to celebrate birthdays, because the only two places birthdays are celebrated in Scripture were by pagans (well one was Herod) and involved executions.
It strikes me as a sort of lunatic approach to hermaneutics.
I’m glad I belong to the Anglican Church, where even the most extreme conservatives don’t over analyse Scripture to death in this way
March 31st, 2010 at 10:34 pm
i have just started praying and believing in christianity again, well maybe for the first time in my life i really believe and know what i am believing in, this was an issue i was praying about and thought i would look up scripture on makeup, here is my thoughts
~makeup is not made by god, it is made by people, people who feel the need to cover ‘flaws’, and enhance the ‘good’
~makeup makes you spend lot’s of time in front of the mirror, in other words vanity
~the bible says let your beauty be your inner lovely spirit not your outward appearance
~the bible also says that whatever you do that is not in faith is a sin, so if you think it’s wrong then it is
~for those that say makeup doesn’t make you sexually more attractive, have you ever seen a woman in a movie tv magazine xxx movies or magazines WITHOUT makeup…nope
~for those who say makeup is ok as long as it is modestly applied, is more of an opinion
~i think the only kind of makeup they had back then was eyepaint maybe henna too for the cheeks and nails but the bible isnt going to make references to mascara and lipgloss so to say that just because it isnt in the bible means that god doesn’t care just doesnt sound right, they didn’t have guns back then or alot of stuff that we have now but i think god cares about everything that we do
~shaving/deodorant/bathing cleanliness is totally different than adornment
~makeup is worldy, women really feel like they need it to fit in and be accepted and attractive, they feel ugly without it they feel unloveable without it, makeup ruins a womens self confidence and self worth, makeup makes women more competitive with eachother based souly on looks, some women even call it ‘putting on my face’ like a mask, as if your god given natural face NEEDS to be covered up
~most makeup is made of unnatural man made stuff that god never intended to be put on our skin/lips or eyelashes more and more you read about the potential dangers of cosmetic ingredients
~who is makeup really for? you, your husband, your boyfriend, the people around you right? makeup isn’t for god, god made us in his own image, he didn’t hand eve a compact! (haha)
~I think that by not wearing makeup, you are liberated from all the makeup crazed world we live in and letting you natural face glow is just saying you dont wish to conform to this worldy makeup thing as a girl it’s nice to not even having to think about it just take care of your skin and be healthy!
i am not a pentacost just a christian who has prayed alot about this subject and i thank god for the guidance and wisdom that he has given me i hope i have helped someone with my comment love you all and god bless:)
April 11th, 2010 at 1:15 am
I just have alittle bit to say on the UPC churches. I was raised in UPC and I was told alot of things was wrong and even beaten for watching tv. Now video is ok in the UPC. I feel that it does not matter what was wrong 20 years ago is wrong now. I also believe that make up is frowned upon I think there is alot of things that had been man made for many years. Do i wear make up no do I think it is wrong well I will say that I have learned alot. You need to find things out for yourself and if you think it is wrong don’t do it. Ive known that for many years things were wrong and out of respect for my pastor and his teachings i would not do them did feel they were wrong? no. I have come to the conclusion that people change and rules change inside the church. I can argue for hours about things that i was tought that i think arent wrong. When i got married my husband and I moved away and went to another church where he was from after being in that church for a couple years i realized that they had their own man-made rules i got to the point where i stopped going to church all together but felt i was missing something. So now i got to church and i do what I feel is right and didnt do what i felt is wrong am i liberal? NO. But i do alot of things UPC used to think was wrong. I wear pants a UPC associate told me i was going to hell do you know what i told them? that if they knew the bible that they say they do than you should not judge thy brother so i kindly told them if i was going to hell they would be in line right with me. Guess what? UPC churches have video and i have a tv and i watch tv if you could please explain the difference between a video player and a tv go for it. Also remmeber there is a scripture that says no evil before your eyes. Guess what you do when you walk out your door, go to the beach, or go to an amusement park or even watch a fight out in the street my friend that all can be considered evil. The point im trying to make you can make scripture to be what you want it to be but in reality it could mean something totally different live your life the way you feel you should live in God’s eyes because if there is one thing i know about pentecostals they always have to be the best dressed and they think they are better than evryone else, trying to make up for the things they cannot do. To me that is make-up they are covering their flaws just as women covers herself in make-up.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:48 am
First off I’d like to state that I agree 100% with Rebekah, Roger Perkins, Waylon G, LeAnne, Emily Anthony, Curt, Jennifer & Stephanie, etc. This is not to judge or condemn anyone [as God is just that], but rather to simply state the truth of God’s Word. The Bible teaches us to abound in love, not just knowledge. It’s not the fact of proving anyone wrong to say that we are right…it’s just showing them the truth in the Word of God out of love for a fellow brother/sister and concern for their soul. And I know this article is mostly about make-up, but I’m going to kind of generalize the whole physical outer appearance because it all goes together.
Having said that, I’d like to put this question out there. Simply looking at history, what over the last, let’s say, 100 years has caused this outbreak of make-up and ear/body peircings and cross-dressing and total immodesty? Was it a move of the Holy Spirit? Or was it a movement of society and the world and man…an adoption of fads/fashion/Hollywood? Did God Almighty change so that now we can alter our body/physical outward appearance so as to look like the rest of the world, yet still be a peculiar people, Holy and Acceptable unto God? Nope. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I’m sorry but, His moral laws, His commands, His guidelines, His way of righteousness, His Word, will never change.
Understand that I’m just focusing on these things which alter our physical outward appearance (make-up, peircings, clothes, etc.), and nothing else. We are all taught that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]. Well, do you think God would tell you to punch a hole, scar, or ‘cover-up’ His temple? To hide the blemishes His temple has? To make His temple more beautiful? I don’t think so. See, if we believe that God is the Creator of everything and that we are made in His image, why would we need to add to or modify His handiwork? God shaped our looks in the womb and yet we feel that we need to help God when it comes to our appearance by augmenting our bodies with big/shiny/gaudy jewelry, tattoos, and make-up.
And yes, I completely agree that God looks on your heart, but man cannot see your heart. All they see with their eyes is your outward appearance. So then how are we go be a light to this lost and dying world if we look/dress like them? Our clothing of the heart [of humility and righteouness] and our outward clothing should speak the same language.
Furthermore, in regards to your view on the Holy Ghost and it’s interpretation/evidence…that’s a whole nother topic in and of itself, but man, I pray for all those who believe that Speaking in Tongues is not the evidence of the Holy Ghost. Like Waylon said, that is a lie straight from the pit of Hell and having actually experienced this before, just goes to show the power of satan’s deception in these last days.
I believe without a shadow of a doubt that it is Satan’s plan to make the saved, Bible believing Christians to act/look more like the world…to lower their standards of righteousness. People can say that “oh, I only put a little eye liner on, or just a little cover-up to hide my impurities”, but Galatians 5:9 says, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” I would not want to do the same thing that the harlots did. See, when people have an agenda, they will use their own notions, their own emotions and feelings, and believe it or not the devil will use actual scripture(s) to twist your thoughts around to alter the truth of God’s Word and justify how you live. I’ve seen it happen with my own very eyes in my church…to good people…to my best friends and family. Things that they have believed and stood up for, for so many years, are now gone and considered foolish and not important to God anymore. It’s a sad, sad day we live in, but all we can do is pray and portray our love to everyone around us [whether friend or enemy], and try and show them the real truth in God’s Word.
This is not a matter of what if, or being more safe than sorry, or a ‘just in case’ act…it’s a matter of God’s Word and what He said in His book. The bottom line is this, when God saves you He changes your heart inwardly…and when He does this and you continue to serve God sincerely with all your heart, you will WANT to change your outward appearance, being led by the Holy Spirit. You will no longer want to look like the rest of the world, but be a light, a peculiar people, and a silent testimony of what Almighty God has done to you inside.
Finally, if you want to hear a message that will change your life…listen to this sermon. It is mostly about clothing, but it applies to your entire physical outward appearance.
http://www.biblepreaching.com/davisclothing_mp3.html
Remember, it’s easy to stand with the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone. Count it an honor to stand alone for your reward is layed up in Heaven.
I pray that I have shown that God has spoken very definitely on this subject, and shouldn’t be taken lightly as many have suggested. For the children of God who wishes to walk in His total will and enjoy unbroken and complete fellowship with the Lord, there can only be one answer; “I will obey His Word at any cost.” It will not be easy for some people who have been caught up in this modern ‘liberal’ church world to break away from conformity with the practice of their friends/family/society. Like I said before, this will take courage. But praise God we can be assured that God will provide this courage if we simply ask Him. Remember God has spoken and His Word is final and authoritative…His “Word Is forever settled In Heaven.” (Psalms 119:89)
God richly bless you,
Martin
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:14 am
Apparently there is a scripture that a Godly man wears makeup
when I find it I will post it,
or if anyone finds it please post it for me,
It was when Joseph became King of egypt,
he wore so much eye make up that his brothers
did not recognise him!!
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:19 am
Also didnt Mary K Baxter who wrote “Divine revelation of Hell”
actually go to hell, and as a person who studies near death exp
and Heaven and Hell testimonies I did not see any that were there
because they wore cosmetics,
see http://www.spiritlessons.com
the only testimony that would be close was on women that was seen
by the colombian youths, she was vain and was pouring poisonous
perfume that was tormenting her body but her history on earth was her
vanity was so great she was stealing perfumes.
May 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 am
oh I just thought of another Godly person who wore makeup
“Queen Ester”
thank God im not from one of those extreme legalistic denominations,
Doesnt it say in the book of revelation not to add to scripture?
and Romans about disputable matters so forth,
are you all vegetarians too?
do not touch do not taste, oh these things have the apearance of Godliness,
and the good ol cup, so clean on the outside but the inside is soooo dirty
how angry was Jesus with the Pharisees that put burdunsome rules on people!!
read the whole bible and stop grabbing just 3 scriptures and manipulating them!!
its against prostituition not looking pretty.
I bring worldy people to Christ, how many of you no makeup wearers do that?
Paul said to a Jew be as a jew to a greek be as a greek so forth, dont sin but
be in the world not of it, you can wear simple makeup and still be a virgin,
it doesnt mean all us makeup wearers are prostituites.
Im im wrong I will pray to the master and ask him to show me and I pray that he humbles me and makes me teachable and then it will be confirmed to me if im wrong, I just like to take ALL scripture not just some, also it is a silent issue if the bible is silent it never said “Do not paint or colour or so forth for yourselves” so if it specifically doesnt tell you to do something and is silent than you be silent and stop putting condeming burdens on people, if you are a true child of God and lead by his spirit, and IF makeup is wrong, the holy spirit will show you, and wearing makeup is not a lie you can see it, we put things on obviously, eg how silly is a person to wear pink lipstick and you assume they are lying to you by wanting you to think that is the real colour of their lips that is foolish and an excuse for legalism.
The book of leviticus is very specific in what we can and not do,
do not tatoo for yourselves yes I agree that is specific!!
but then again it sais for the men not to shave the sides of the beard,
I guess the JEWISH are the only people who actually do what the bible tells them, Oh Jewish women wear makeup!!
that is my confirmation I think its fine.
if you want to be legalist go grow your sideburns long guys!!!
end of quote
This site just confirms to me I LOVE MY CHURCH!!!
May 3rd, 2010 at 4:44 am
People remember it’s all about the heart. God knows your heart, he knows the real reasons people put on makeup regardless of what they tell you or tell themselves. I personally know for a fact that I put on makeup to attract other men, I.E. lust. I induce lust, and im not denying it. I know what sin im committing and i will put a stop to it. It’s about your heart.
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I dont even wear makeup most days
with kids and and a busy home I really dont have time for it
and my husband doesnt care if i do or not.
As for making the assumption that it is for the opposite sex only
that is absolute rubbish, it can be for fun and ice breaking in other
women.
E.G i love to wear blue mascara if i get the time,
men would hate that i assume, what is attractive about blue mascara to
a man? unless he finds women who look like clowns attractive,
but to us girls its cute and im about to go get my hair done at an
old friend of mine’s salon, I have not seen her in 10 years and apparently
she is heavy into new age and just got back from a buddist retreat,
now my facebook is full of utubes on hell and envangelism so she knows
what im about, when i see her I WILL put makeup on,
I dont need to impress her, there will be no men there so forth
I just dont need to look like a dirty grub when im witnessing,
she is in the beauty industry and I want her to feel comfortable and
able to relate to me.
I do deliverance ministry and see alot of demonization in people,
alot you say you have left this particular denomiation but from most
of you are saying, it seems as though you are not free.
Start preaching Freedom in Christ.
Satan has some of you bound in legalism oh how he would love that,
all the lost souls that will be tormented in hell because you were
too legal to reach out to them because you are too busy worrying about
trivial matters in fact why am i wasting my time on this site?
so the lust comment was a sure judgement of ignorance.
sounds like abit of jelousy may be present in some women here
too that if a women wears makeup her husband my look at her,
why on earth would you assume anyone who wears makup has bad
motives, I also wear makeup because of correctional purpose,
i lost half my lips from a medical allergy, they are have pink half white and
also i have acne scarring from before i became a christian i had acne,
when i got saved i was delivered from it praise God,
in saying that I am free still i dont feel I need to wear it but dont
think its a sin if I do far from never bin convicted for wearing makeup,
some conviction comes from man made rules,
Holy spirit conviction is what we should listen to.
maybe God does want me on this site to envangelize to most of you.
You may be saved some of you but may also be stopping other people getting saved by placing religeous burden on them,
my goodness I thought my old denomination Greek orthodox was strange
but at least they are free from rules on how to look,
look i try and dress decent I dont like showing flesh ect
now this is for miss Jeannette
you made a judgment on me by saying women only wear makup
for opposite sex,
I can now say this to you as the bible sais we can judge eachother just not the
world.
You may need to seek freedom in Christ from your false assumptions.
so if you reckon im wearing make up girl to get men to look at me,
then i would go the way and wear sexy clothinig too
Paul would not want me online debating unless I could win one soul
and many christians will be in hell.
Alot of you on this site are awsome Godly people im not talking about you,
but you may all needs some emotional healing or counselling to break off the strongholds of control and manipulation of a church that bound you to law.
In the end its all about souls and salvation and to be obedient to the word and the way of Christ and not manipulate the bible to make you look holier than thou.
have some of you really left this denomiation?
I dont even know your denomination nor do i want to
I came across this site because i googled makeup in the bible out of
pure curiosity,
it came about that Queen Ester and king Joseph wore it
and thats end of story for me, its in scripture people wore it
that were Godly, so that is my answer from the word nothing more
nothing less do not add or take away it is written in the book of
revelation, I dont need any of you religeous folk to tell me otherwise
but maybe I can come here and tell you as I didnt belong to your denomination
and perhaps its refreshing to some of you to get some feedback from someone has has freedom for legalism, its up to you
God is your judge not me and i do not know what is in your heart,
i have not walked your life or live inside your body to really understand you
so who would i be? im normally kind and soft, but today I felt a need to be strong in my words and cant stop typing, I believe I am spirit lead and maybe truth needs to be told to set some of you free from these burdens.
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:50 pm
i want to apologise Jeanette if i seemed harsh in my response,
perhaps I misunderstood you,
If you are talking about yourself only fair enough
as long as you do not think all of us put on makeup just to
attract men as im happily married to a wonderful man who
loves me the way I am and have no need to impress anyone
else,
please forgive me if I said too much
as were words are many sin is present
but i just honestly had to reply to state that im not wearing
makeup for that purpose,
it is for grooming only, just as my house
is neat and tidy so is my image,
God likes clean cut not dirty.
God is everything beautiful and beauty even
in the bible was considered blessing and favour so
was wealth and gold and jewels and gifts,
the prostituite poured fragant oil on the lord and when
he was born the 3 wise men gave expensive gifts and
fragrances
May 6th, 2010 at 9:53 am
1 Peter 3
3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price
Isn’t makeup also an outward adorning?
May 7th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
you gotta look at the whole bible not just that scripture
another example of scripture abuse,
did you not read the whole essay I wrote?
why waste my time with proud and unteachable people
I wont be visiting this site any more, pure waste of time,
I think God would rather I spend quality time with him
reading the word than online with useless debates
im not going to be the bate of satan
I think this is a sin and I will be the first to admit it
u can all argue and stay in bondage
or humble yourselves and get set free
bless you all x
May 19th, 2010 at 11:24 am
In my opinion make-up is A waist of time I guess I am not neat and tidy .In my opinion it makes men and women look like clowns .I think Christina has it half right proud and unteachable people. I don’t see the purpose in make-up so just because queen easter wore it I guess it makes it good and attractive. In my opinion its a waist of time and money most people that wear it still look bad or worse! I have other important thing in my life than to think about what color mascara to wear !
May 24th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Thank you Josh, and everyone else for the commentary. This is a very sensitive subject. I am concerned for some because they think there needs to be concensus on this subject. I believe we do agree that make-up is not a matter of salvation. Wouldn’t the more prudent and wise thing to do be to allow God to speak to us personally on the subject, or freely abstain from it as a gift of gratitude to Him rather than try to convince everyone else as to its “sinfulness”? I have belonged to Jesus for many years. A few years ago my mother joined the UPC church and alienated many of her children by focusing on these types of issues–make-up, hair and the proper wording concerning baptism. What I find most sad is that many comments that were made on this site may alienate people from God simply because they don’t want to join the debate. Please, let us refrain from personal comments concerning other writer’s hearts & desire to please God. Since none knows the heart but the Master himself, we should be examples of grace, kindness and gentleness–since these are definately pleasing to Him. The Holy Spirit himself reveals to each one the sin, rebellion and argumentative spirit. He will work as needed to remove what is needed in His time. Our self-righteous spirits do more damage to baby or pre-Christians than they are helpful.
Again, my thanks to Josh for this site and for other articles on tatoos. I had originally been looking for information on that subject and found your information most helpful.
Lord God, please bless and keep Josh, build him up in all righteousness and fulfill Your promises to him. In Jesus’ name.
June 10th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
i would rather please God too much, then not enough at all. Just sayin!
June 28th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
1 Peter 3
3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
I understand the issue you are trying to argue but the lord has called us to be seperated from everyone else. make up was a common practice of the Egyptians and even then the lord called his people to be seperated from them and encouraged them not to take on their traditions and ways. I am UPC and I dont believe that you will go to hell for wearing make up but disobedience is displeasing to the lord so if you are going to a church that preaches a standard and you cant obey then find somewhere else to go so that you are not being disobedient to the man of God, but, I end with this question? where was it that you first found and met the lord ? where was it that you received the holy ghost and spoke in tongues for the first time? what was it that caught your attention to the UPC church? I know for myself it was in a UPC church that I had my first experience with the lord and it was the way that they were set apart from everyone else that caught my attention.
July 17th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Are there churches that believe in the Acts 2:38 doctrine..but don’t enforce these strict outward standards?
July 17th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Robin, I’m pretty sure that Faith Tabernacle in Shreveport, LA, would meet that qualification: http://faithtabernacleshreveport.com/index.php?s=au&nid=123334.
My understanding is that the church is apostolic Pentecostal in their doctrines of the Godhead, baptism, and tongues, but they are not “holiness.” My understanding is that they were at one point UPC and are currently pastored by a former UPC pastor (or perhaps evangelist, I am not sure).
There are quite a few others out there, but Faith Tabernacle is the only one I know of off hand.