The truth about jewelry

[maco]

There is a belief within the SDA that jewelry wearing is sinful. Some will even go as far as saying wearing anything that is too nice in inappropriate.

They say that wearing jewelry is sinful and will mistranslate a couple of verses to prove there point yet women will wear braided hair without conviction. If what they say about jewelry is true than braided hair is also sinful because God puts them both in the same category.

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,

All these verses that speak of jewelry speak to the motive or manner inwhich jewelry is worn, in other words, jewelry, braided hair and even men's ties are not to be the means of our beauty. These things are fine to wear but they must not replace the beauty of the inward man. For this is the true concern of God.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.''

Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

Did you know that Jesus wore a very unique tunic? It was without seam which made it valuable in His time. As a matter of fact the soliders would not even tare it but instead they drew lots for it, in other words, they gambled for it because it was desirable.

John 19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,'' that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.'' Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Nowhere in the Bible do you find God condeming jewelry wearing. What you do find is God rebuking the motive or manner inwhich they were wearing the jewelry. Read the verses carefully and you will find God rebuking their haughty attitudes which resulted in Him telling them to remove their jewelry. This happens to anything we do with a wrong motive or a haughty attitude.

 

[Dathen]

What do you make of these????

Exodus 35:21-23 (New King James Version)

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the LORD. And every man, with whom was found blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, goats’ hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins, brought them.



Numbers 31:50 (New King James Version)

Therefore we have brought an offering for the LORD, what every man found of ornaments of gold: armlets and bracelets and signet rings and earrings and necklaces, to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.”

 

[Mankin]

What do you make of these????

Exodus 35:21-23 (New King James Version)

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the LORD. And every man, with whom was found blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, goats’ hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins, brought them.



Numbers 31:50 (New King James Version)

Therefore we have brought an offering for the LORD, what every man found of ornaments of gold: armlets and bracelets and signet rings and earrings and necklaces, to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.”

So, they just gave their jewerly to God to use. The only time jewerly is bad is when it makes a woman become vain. Other than that, it is fine.

 

[Dathen]

Jewellery gives you attention for the wrong reason... Though it's not an exact must to get rid of all jewellery to enter God's kingdom. It's a sign of obidience. Such as my mum, a devote christian who wears jewellery. Though the bible dosn't say it's bad, it uses to represent bad things, such as Jezebel in Revelation.

I think that Jewellery is something that should be worked on minimalising. I got wrid of all my jewellery. I just have a watch now, but that's only because I don't have a phone.

Many people see it right and God would bless you as Mentioned in Malachi 3 if you did, is sell your jewellery and give the money to the church........

 

[OntheDL]

There is a belief within the SDA that jewelry wearing is sinful. Some will even go as far as saying wearing anything that is too nice in inappropriate.

They say that wearing jewelry is sinful and will mistranslate a couple of verses to prove there point yet women will wear braided hair without conviction. If what they say about jewelry is true than braided hair is also sinful because God puts them both in the same category.

Nowhere in the Bible do you find God condeming jewelry wearing. What you do find is God rebuking the motive or manner inwhich they were wearing the jewelry. Read the verses carefully and you will find God rebuking their haughty attitudes which resulted in Him telling them to remove their jewelry. This happens to anything we do with a wrong motive or a haughty attitude.

And how about this???

Genesis 35
1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

Shechem is a place by the Jordan river. Before Jacob could cross over into the land of Cannaan and had his name changed to Israel, he and his family had to remove all the jewelry and the strange god in them.

You see jewelry/gem stones are connected to astrology in paganism. Every horoscope sign is connected to a gem stone. A ring is a serpent with its tail in its mouth, symbolizing immortality.

That's why God asked Jacob to remove the strange gods by removing their jewelry.

 

[Dathen]

 

[maco]

And how about this???

Genesis 35
1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

Shechem is a place by the Jordan river. Before Jacob could cross over into the land of Cannaan and had his name changed to Israel, he and his family had to remove all the jewelry and the strange god in them.

You see jewelry/gem stones are connected to astrology in paganism. Every horoscope sign is connected to a gem stone. A ring is a serpent with its tail in its mouth, symbolizing immortality.

That's why God asked Jacob to remove the strange gods by removing their jewelry.

It's just like I said. God looks at motive or manner, in other owrds, why and how.

It appears that their earrings were associated with their strange gods. I'm sure they had other jewelry that was not mentioned here maybe because they weren't asscoiated with their gods.

Whatever you wear or possess that you accociate with another god has to go no matter what it is but I'm sure there are things you have that you don't associate with other gods. Do you know that many times in the Bible God commands the removal of jewelry, as well as, articles of clothing because they were associated with other god's. Should we not wear purple now because God has commanded to obstain from purple? It's important to read the context to understand why God was rebuking or commanding a certain thing.

Lets read a beautiful account were Abraham, the father of our faith, sent his servant to find a wife for his son.

Genesis 24:21-26 And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, and said, "Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father's house for us to lodge?'' So she said to him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah's son, whom she bore to Nahor.'' Moreover she said to him, "We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.'' Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord.

Does this sound satanic?

How about this, good old faithful Job?

Job 42:10-11 And the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.

Does this sound satanic?

How about when God Himslef gives you a serpent bitting it's tail...

Hag 2:23 'In that day,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] of hosts, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE], 'and will make you as a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] of hosts."


What about Joseph who fled sexual immorality and was placed in prison falsely? Do you think he would wear a serpent's tail or do something that God commands not to?


Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.


How about the beautiful picture God's gives us of His character as seen in the Prodigal Son?


Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.'


There are many many more verses I can quote that speak positively about wearing jewelry. The point of the matter is there are too many positive verses in the Bible where God blesses with jewelry, as a matter of fact, the crown is an article of jewelry. It's very important that we read the context of these negative verses on jewelry to find out why God was rebuking otherwise we can find ourselves blanketing all jewelry wearing leading to all kinds of strange doctrines.

 

[OntheDL]

Genesis 24:21-26 And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, and said, "Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father's house for us to lodge?'' So she said to him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah's son, whom she bore to Nahor.'' Moreover she said to him, "We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.'' Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord.

Does this sound satanic?

This was how Abraham paid Rebecca. Gold represents wealth.

How about this, good old faithful Job?

Job 42:10-11 And the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.

Does this sound satanic?

Again, this talks about money. It says nothing about Job was decked out in gold and silver.

How about when God Himslef gives you a serpent bitting it's tail...

Hag 2:23 'In that day,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] of hosts, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE], 'and will make you as a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says the L[SIZE=-1]ORD[/SIZE] of hosts."


What about Joseph who fled sexual immorality and was placed in prison falsely? Do you think he would wear a serpent's tail or do something that God commands not to?

Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.


How about the beautiful picture God's gives us of His character as seen in the Prodigal Son?

Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.'

In the bible when God gave men a ring, it's a sign of authority/approval.

Besides the strange gods in the jewelry people wear to bring them 'good luck', good charm, to fend off evil, wearing jewelry is a stumbling block. That's exactly what the bible calls because it's self-glorification.

In the last days, God asked His people remove the jewelry. This is to remove all stumbling blocks.

Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

Isaiah 2
20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 3
16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
17 Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,
19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,



Did God give you a ring to signify His approval?

If God did not give you a ring to edify you, then you are wearing the jewelry only to edify yourself.

Look at the harlot of Revelation. She is decked out in gold, precious stones and pearls. Who do you want to follow? Babylon, abomination of the earth? Or Jesus who lived a simple life and wore no jewelry or expensive clothes?

 

[maco]

quote=OntheDL This was how Abraham paid Rebecca. Gold represents wealth.

Lets just pretend for a minute that she was being paid. What did she do with it afterwards, deposit into her bank or did she wear them?

Again, this talks about money. It says nothing about Job was decked out in gold and silver.

One of the ways people try to get you to believe jewelry or wine is sinful is by exaggerating the use of them. In other words, they will show you a picture of a drunk on the street corner all beat up and dirty and say, "Do you see why wine is sinful". This technique is very misleading and false. Another way they try to get you to believe something is wrong is by the choice of words used to discribe the act such as, all decked out. If someone was all decked out with jewelry I too would say that it was sinful and proud. But most woman don't deck themselves out.

In the bible when God gave men a ring, it's a sign of authority/approval.

Is a ring a serpent bitting his tail or not?

Besides the strange gods in the jewelry people wear to bring them 'good luck', good charm, to fend off evil, wearing jewelry is a stumbling block. That's exactly what the bible calls because it's self-glorification.

If that's the reason why you wear jewelry then it is sinful. But you could also have your lucky penny too which would also be sinful does that make all pennies sinful?

In the last days, God asked His people remove the jewelry. This is to remove all stumbling blocks.

Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

The above in blue tells us that it was their gold and silver. Gold and silver is not jewelry, it's money. They were trying to pay there deliverence. Listen to how the NLT interprets this verse.

Ezek. 7:19 "They will throw away their money, tossing it out like worthless trash. It won't buy their deliverance in that day of the Lord's anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their love of money made them stumble into sin.

Isaiah 2
20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 3
16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
17 Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,
19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,

The highlighted blue is the reason for God rebuking them, not the jewelry.

 

[thecountrydoc]

Maco, since I don't have the patience, or time to waste on your bable, I'll simply give you what someone else has taken the time to write since I value their opinion. I will post this in parts with no comment or response.​

JEWELRY: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
By Doug Batchlor​

I am intrigued by clever oxymorons. An oxymoron is a statement or pairing of two words that contradict each other, such as "black light" or "pretty ugly." A few humorous, personal favorites are "military intelligence," "criminal justice," "civil disorder," and "rap music" (the rap I've heard does not even slightly resemble music). Some oxymorons are more serious, like "little sin," "innocent gossip," and "safe premarital sex."

A few years ago, while wandering through a Christian bookstore, I came upon a glass display case with a sign above it that read "Christian Jewelry." I thought to myself, "Now there's another intriguing oxymoron-something like 'Christian rock.'" How can jewelry be Christian when the Bible strongly admonishes believers not to wear it? Clearly, "Christian jewelry" is a conflict in terms.

I realize this topic has been hotly debated within recent years, but my purpose is not to pour fuel on the fire. I hope to shed light, not heat. My desire is for people to find their faith and practice in the Word of God. The Scriptures plainly address the subject of a Christian's external appearance and adornment. But unfortunately, many churches are strangely silent on this subject.

Jewelry has been described by some as a small issue. No doubt someone is thinking, "With all the problems in the church, why would you want to focus on something so insignificant and widely accepted?" Well, friends, remember that Jesus said, "For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15. Often, it is the things that seem small on the surface that have major implications. And I believe this is just such an issue.

There are unseen and subtle dangers connected with the wearing of jewelry. So if you are a converted Christian who seeks to know how to better reflect the Lord in these last days, please keep your mind open as we reason together from the Scriptures.

The Fruit, Not the Root!​

The power of the gospel begins on the inside, transforming the heart while unseen by human eyes. But then it continues to flow and seep into every area of the life, producing obvious external changes. Just like a plant, the seed first comes to life below the earth. But if the root is healthy, the plant will soon become visible and bear fruit above ground. Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20.

Notice that He did not say you will know them by their roots that grow underground. He said the fruit, not the root! Therefore, we are commanded to be aware of the external, visible evidence of our faith.

When a person accepts Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit begins impressing that individual to make dramatic adjustments. There will often be changes in what appears on the table during dinner and on the television after supper. (In fact, He may lead some to get rid of the television altogether.) From the bookshelf to the closet, Jesus will penetrate the whole life. When He is in the heart, He influences every other area.

This is a basic teaching of Christianity. The apostle Paul warned Titus of those who "profess that they know God; but in works they deny him." Titus 1:16. And James is crystal clear that a relationship rooted in Jesus will produce external evidence. "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James 2:18. You can't be a Christian in your heart without it showing on the outside.

God's Ambassadors​

We, the Church, are the hands and feet, the eyes and mouth, and yes, even the ears of Jesus in the world today. We are the Body of Christ. Our Lord said, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." John 20:21.

We have been sent into the world to demonstrate who Jesus is and what He is like. Through the Holy Spirit we become His representatives-to reflect His image in everything from the way we talk and work to the way we eat and dress. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, God says that "we all ... are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

A few years ago, shameful scandals surrounded several well-known television evangelists in North America. Those opposed to Christianity rejoiced, mocking the immorality and hypocrisy exhibited in the lives of these men and their wives who professed to speak for Jesus. During this tragic time, the secular media often made reference to their flamboyant dress and gaudy jewelry as proof that these professed Christians were not genuine. These inconsistant TV preachers even inspired one famous musician to write a popular song entitled "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?" I'm sure angels wept as Christian leaders, due to their immodest appearance, became a deserving target for the lost. It is a sad day indeed when Christians win the medal for opulent external adornment!

Wearing Our Wealth​

Let's take a look at the origin of jewelry. God made all of the gold, silver, and precious jewels in the world, and He intended for them to have a practical use. Since even small amounts of these minerals are so rare and valuable, long ago they began to be used as money.

Over time, people began wearing their money in order to impress others with their wealth. When shoppers went to the market to buy an expensive item, they would simply pull off one of their rings or bracelets to pay.

After Rebecca had watered the camels for Abraham's servant, the Bible says that he paid her in this way. "And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold." Genesis 24:22.

When the children of Israel brought an offering to the Lord to build the tabernacle, they used the jewels they had received from the Egyptians. It was their money. "And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord." Exodus 35:22.

There is obviously nothing wrong with having money. But the question is, does God want Christians to wear their wealth for all to see? Of course not. "The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith." 1 Timothy 6:10. Since it is a sin to covet, why would you want to entice a brother or sister to covet your money by wearing it for all to see? What could possibly be the motive for a Christian to do this?

The reason gold and jewels are so valuable is that they are rare and expensive to mine from the earth. Angels must marvel when they see us put on jewelry to signify value and wealth. In heaven, gold is used for pavement, and diamonds are the stones that form the walls of its mansions! Just think of it. From heaven's perspective, gold is asphalt and diamonds are blocks! How silly it must appear to heavenly beings when we dangle asphalt and bricks on our ears and wrap them around our fingers. Wouldn't you look twice if someone walked into your church next week wearing a black asphalt pendant and a matching tar ring?

In evangelism, I've met many sincere people who had attended the popular churches in their towns only to turn away disappointed because they discerned a spirit of pride and display among the members. These genuine seekers of God entered the sanctuary hoping to find a church home, but instead they found extravagance with which they could not compete.

How happy I've been to offer them a church where the wealthy and the poor choose not to parade their status by wearing fancy clothing and jewelry. These individuals have been thrilled to worship where they don't feel that they're looked down on if they don't wear the latest fashions. I hope that my church will always stay with the Bible truth on this subject. We have too much to lose otherwise.

Justified Jewelry?​

Those who seek to justify the wearing of jewelry usually point to Bible stories in which God's children wore gold, silver, or jewels. For example, the Scriptures report with no comment that Joseph wore a ring and "a gold chain about his neck" (Genesis 41:42), that Saul wore a bracelet (2 Samuel 1:10), that Mordecai was given a ring by Ahasuerus (Esther 8:2), and that King Belshazzar gave Daniel a scarlet robe and "put a chain of gold about his neck" (Daniel 5:29).

But, remember, just because we see something done in Bible times does not mean that God condoned it. The Scriptures simply record a faithful history of God's people-including all their failures. Noah drank wine and became drunk (Genesis 9:20, 21). Lot had sex with his daughters and got them pregnant (Genesis 19:30-38). Judah hired a prostitute for a night, impregnated her, and later discovered she was his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:12-26). We cannot assume that God condones such unsavory practices just because these incidents were mentioned in the Bible. Other passages of Scripture clearly tell us that God condemns alcohol, incest, prostitution, and jewelry as anti-productive to accomplishing His purposes for humanity.

One story that is often cited to justify jewelry is that of the prodigal son. Since the father "put a ring on his hand," some say that we can assume God wants us to wear jewelry. Obviously, as we've just seen, this parable is not an inspired comment on whether Christians should wear rings. Furthermore, the ring the father gave his son was most likely a signet ring. Signet rings contained the family seal. People used them to press this unique seal onto official documents. It was the family's signature. Rather than an ornament for display, signet rings were a tool for officiating documents and were usually worn on the index finger.

Before the prodigal son left home, he asked his father for his share of the inheritance. Once he received his money and goods, he left home to spend it all on "riotous living." Luke 15:13. Out of money and destitute, the foolish prodigal later found himself flat broke, hungry, and poorly clad. In desperation he returned home, trusting in the goodness of his father to at least take him in as a servant. The prodigal felt that he no longer deserved to be a son, since he had squandered half of his father's hard-earned savings.

But instead of rejection, his father showed him unlimited acceptance. He replaced the prodigal's rags with a comfortable and clean robe and put shoes on his bare feet. He filled his son's empty stomach with a feast. And to the son who just wasted his riches, this father gave the signet ring-the family checkbook- with free access to his remaining fortune.

Why Be a Stumbling Block?​

One reason I do not drink any alcohol is because one person in seven who imbibes will eventually become an alcoholic. Even though I might be able to drink moderately, I do not want my bad example to cause another person's downfall-especially for something so unnecessary as intoxicating beverages.

The same principle holds true for jewelry. We have all seen people who cover themselves with gold and precious jewels-gem-aholics, if you will. Most people who wear lots of jewelry do not sense their personal worth. They hope to feel more valuable by covering themselves with expensive articles. Others believe they are unattractive and hope to increase their perceived beauty by adorning themselves with beautiful gems. They can't control themselves. They think that if one is good, then 10 would be better. (Just for the record, I have never heard a man say: "Isn't she beautiful? Just look at her jewelry!") I'm sure everyone would agree that there is a point when enough is enough!

Well, here is the big question. What is that point? If it's okay for women to wear earrings, then who is to say it's wrong for men? If one ring or earring is acceptable, then why not three or four? If the laymen can wear jewelry, why not the clergy? If a ring in the ear is all right, then what's wrong with a bone in the nose?

Perhaps you have noticed the modern craze of body piercing. Four earrings in one ear and rings in the nose with a chain between them. People are now piercing their flesh and wearing rings in their eyebrows, navels, tongues, and other places we can't mention in a Christian publication. Why would a Christian want to be a stumbling block for someone else and encourage this trend by wearing any jewelry? It's all unnecessary. Especially for people who are preparing to meet Jesus.

Speaking of people living in the time of the end, the prophet Ezekiel warns, "They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity." Ezekiel 7:19.

If I were to wear any jewelry, I would instantly open the floodgates of inconsistency by my example and cause many to stumble. If I really love my brother, why would I insist on taking that risk for something so frivolous and unnecessary as jewelry?

Whenever you are unsure about which course to take on a spiritual issue, take the safe position. I know that on the judgment day, God will not condemn anyone for not wearing enough jewelry. So the safe thing is to not wear any.
_________________________________________________________

I shall return with part 2.

Doc

 

[OntheDL]

`q

quote=OntheDL This was how Abraham paid Rebecca. Gold represents wealth.

Lets just pretend for a minute that she was being paid. What did she do with it afterwards, deposit into her bank or did she wear them?

Again, this talks about money. It says nothing about Job was decked out in gold and silver.

One of the ways people try to get you to believe jewelry or wine is sinful is by exaggerating the use of them. In other words, they will show you a picture of a drunk on the street corner all beat up and dirty and say, "Do you see why wine is sinful". This technique is very misleading and false. Another way they try to get you to believe something is wrong is by the choice of words used to discribe the act such as, all decked out. If someone was all decked out with jewelry I too would say that it was sinful and proud. But most woman don't deck themselves out.

In the bible when God gave men a ring, it's a sign of authority/approval.

Is a ring a serpent bitting his tail or not?

Besides the strange gods in the jewelry people wear to bring them 'good luck', good charm, to fend off evil, wearing jewelry is a stumbling block. That's exactly what the bible calls because it's self-glorification.

If that's the reason why you wear jewelry then it is sinful. But you could also have your lucky penny too which would also be sinful does that make all pennies sinful?

In the last days, God asked His people remove the jewelry. This is to remove all stumbling blocks.

Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

The above in blue tells us that it was their gold and silver. Gold and silver is not jewelry, it's money. They were trying to pay there deliverence. Listen to how the NLT interprets this verse.

Ezek. 7:19 "They will throw away their money, tossing it out like worthless trash. It won't buy their deliverance in that day of the Lord's anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their love of money made them stumble into sin.

Isaiah 2
20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 3
16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
17 Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,
19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,

The highlighted blue is the reason for God rebuking them, not the jewelry.

There is no reason for wearing any jewelry except for displaying wealth and self-glorification. Explicitly spelled out in the scriptures quoted for you.

 

[JonMiller]

The Why be a stumbling block? section is a good argument (both for abstaining from alcohol, and for abstaining from jewelry), but isn't based on the all jewelry is sinful position. I and others are mostly concerned about doctrines of man entering the church, and the censor that drives people from the church over things which aren't sins.

JM

 

[thecountrydoc]

As promised part 2.

JEWERLY: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH:?
By Doug Batchelor​

Modesty and Humility​

The original purpose for clothing was to cover the nakedness of our first parents. Adam and Eve never would have dreamed of hanging gold or silver on their bodies to accent their fig leaves! Clothing was for modesty and to protect them from the changing climate. Someday God will place a golden crown of victory on the brow of the overcomers. Yet even then the saved will remove their golden crowns in God's presence (Revelation 4:10, 11).

Notice what God told the prophet Isaiah about jewelry and fancy clothing. "Moreover the Lord says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton [seductive] eyes, Walking and mincing [swaying] as they go, ...' In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes." Isaiah 3:16-23, NKJV. A woman in Bible prophecy symbolizes a church. In this prophecy, the women (churches) were to be severely judged because of their pride, which is directly connected with external adornment.

Because we wrestle with sin and temptation, now is not the right time to glorify our exteriors. The supreme goal of the Christian is to attract attention to Christ, not to self. Decorating our mortal bodies with glittering gems and minerals usually springs from pride and is diametrically opposed to the spirit and principles of Jesus. "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12.
Pride of appearance was a large factor in Lucifer's fall and rebellion. When God originally created Lucifer as a perfect angel, He gave every precious stone as his garments-"the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold." Ezekiel 28:13.

Unfortunately, Lucifer chose to misappropriate God's gifts. Filled with pride, he decided he was beautiful enough to have God's place on the throne of the universe. "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Ezekiel 28:17. Pride led to rebellion. Rebellion led to war in heaven. And war in heaven led to sin on earth.

Ever since Adam and Eve's fall into sin, we humans have had to struggle with the same sinful nature that has pride at its root. God, therefore, has commanded us to not wear jewelry. In our sinful condition, we are no better able to resist the tendency to sinful pride than was Lucifer. When our physical bodies are changed at the second coming of Jesus, we will no longer be tempted to sin. Only then will Jesus consider it safe to place a crown of gold on our heads.

So until then, we would do well to follow the counsel given by the apostle Paul on the subject of adornment: "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, NKJV.
_______________________________________________________

I shall return with part 3.

Doc

 

[thecountrydoc]

As promised pat 3.​

JEWERLY: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
By Doug Bathelor​

Poor "Investments"​

Christians are to be faithful stewards of the means God entrusts to their care. Some display gems on their bodies that, if sold, could build an entire church in the mission field. Our money should be spent to spread the gospel in a practical, effective way. The Lord asks, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?" Isaiah 55:2. (See also Matthew 6:19-21.)

No doubt you will find glaring examples among church members (and in churches) where money has been squandered on some needless extravagance. I confess that I too have been guilty of this. But one inconsis-tency never justifies another. God's money should not be spent for parading diamonds and gold or even cheap costume jewelry. All the jewelry will melt when Jesus comes, and I would prefer not to be wearing any when that happens!

The Bible declares the folly of such "investments" in James 5:3: "Your gold and silver is cankered [corroded]; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." The only valuables going to heaven will be transformed people.

Little Idols​

When I present the Bible truth regarding jewelry, I rarely hear complaints from those who are newly converted. But the folks who have been in the church for years will often pout and argue, "Doug, it is such a little thing!" My response is, "If it is such a little thing, then why is it so hard for you to take it off?" A little gold or silver can become a big idol.

Perhaps the most striking demonstration of this fact was the experience of the Israelites with the golden calf. The Bible records: "And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." Exodus 32:2-4.

When the children of Israel passed the offering plate, they had enough jewelry to make a small calf. I fear that if we were to pass the plate today in the churches of those who profess to follow God's Word, we would have enough jewelry to make a whole golden buffalo!

After the golden calf experience, God commanded the people to remove their jewelry lest they be consumed. "For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children ofIsrael, Ye are a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb." Exodus 33:5, 6.

Notice the similar warning God gives to His people living in the last days: "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the rugged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Isaiah 2:20, 21.

Dressing for the Occasion​

There was a time when God winked at the wearing of jewelry and other evils such as slavery and polygamy. It was not because He approved of these practices, but because His people had bigger problems to deal with at that point in time.

Acts 17:30, 31 tells us: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent." Why? "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness."

We are living in the days just before the coming of Jesus-a time in which the church is being judged. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God." 1 Peter 4:17.

As an illustration of the judgment process, God gave to His people the Day of Atonement. It fell on the tenth day of the seventh month in the Jewish year and was a solemn day on which the Lord would sanctify and judge the children of Israel. In preparation, the people conducted a thorough personal examination. They were filled with an attitude of confession, repentance, and humility. "For it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people." Leviticus 23:28, 29, NKJV. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest -- who normally wore a jeweled vest and fine garments that were symbolic of the glories of heaven -- changed into a simple, white linen robe. It is his plain dress that we should emulate, because we live during the prophetic Day of Atonement. Just as the entire camp of Israel was required to clean and change their clothes on Judgment Day, so are we who live in the judgment hour just before Jesus returns to earth called to purify our hearts and to separate ourselves from all pagan influences.

Other Bible stories further illustrate how people changed their dress when they prepared to meet God. Here is one from Genesis 35:1-4: "And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange [foreign] gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."

We can learn two very important lessons from this story. First, notice that the foreign gods and jewelry were classified and buried together. Pagan worship and jewelry have always enjoyed a close association. And in order for Jacob and his household to commune with God, they had to abandon all such influences. Thus God ordered Jacob to make not a temporary removal of these articles, but a permanent burial.

Secondly, the word Bethel means "House of God." We are now living in the time of judgment and are preparing to meet with the Almighty in His heavenly house. Now is not the time to adorn our mortal exteriors. Before we go there, God wants us to separate from the things of this world that will compromise our relationship with Him. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 2 Corinthians 6:17.

We Are God's Temple​

The most beautiful building of antiquity was the temple of God built by King Solomon. Its exterior was covered with precious, pure white marble stones. Interestingly enough, the gold was on the inside of the temple. The Bible says that this is a good pattern for living temples, as well. "Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment -- the braiding of the hair, or jewelry, or dress -- but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3, 4, NEB. Like Solomon's temple of old, our gold should be on the inside!

Friend, your body was made by God in His image. To try to improve human appearance by poking holes in the ears or nose from which to dangle lifeless minerals would be like trying to improve on the perfect beauty of Solomon's temple by releasing a street gang in the marble courtyard and telling them to express themselves with spray paint. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God." 2 Corinthians 6:16.

I believe angels turn away their faces and weep when professed Christians pierce, scar, chain, mutilate, and tattoo their bodies as a sacrifice to the gods of fad and fashion. God plainly says of His people: "They shall not make ... any cuttings in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God." Leviticus 21:5, 6. And if God says we should not cut our bodies, what makes us think that piercing the ears is somehow permissible?

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. In essence, you should not poke holes in priceless marble. Our bodies are to be holy, not full of holes.

The Bible principles against the wearing of jewelry have been a blessing to God's cause. They are liberating to the members. God's people have more money to spend on sharing the gospel and relieving the needs of suffering people. They are freed from feelings of insecurity. No longer do men need to worry about whether the ring they give their wife or girlfriend is large enough or makes a big enough social statement. And women don't have to invest an ounce of emotional energy in comparing their jewelry with others. God's standard has been a tremendous blessing, and we need to keep it!

First Appearances Do Count!​

Two symbolic women appear in Revelation chapters 12 and 17. They represent the two great religious powers that are in conflict throughout church history. Although neither of them ever speaks, we know that one is true and one is false. How? The primary way the Bible identifies who they are is by what they are wearing.

Revelation 12:1 says, "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." The first woman, who represents God's church, is wearing natural light. His church is clothed with the pure, unadulterated light that He made.

By contrast the second woman, who represents an apostate church, is bedecked with jewelry and fine apparel. Her beauty is external and artificial. Revelation 17:4 says, "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication."

Obviously these things are associated with an appearance of evil, and we are commanded to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

Jesus Himself commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. God's Word tells us to let our inner light (not our external jewels) shine so that others might see our works (not our wealth) and glorify God (not ourselves).

Wedding Rings?​

At this point someone might be wondering, "What about a wedding ring?"

Very simply, support for the wedding ring cannot be found anywhere in Scripture. The Bible doesn't say that some rings can be worn and that others shouldn't. It simply includes rings in a long list of jewelry and ornamental clothing.

The wearing of wedding rings is strictly a tradition that springs from paganism and has since been embraced and "baptized" by many churches. Cardinal John Henry Newman points out that the wedding ring, along with many other pagan customs, infiltrated Christianity through the compromising influence of his church. "The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holy days and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the east, images at a later date ... are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church." 1

Of course, today we have found the wedding ring to be a deeply ingrained tradition. But if sincere seekers of God's will study this topic and are convicted to remove all jewelry, God will give them the grace to follow Him above tradition. "And he [Jesus] said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:9.

Christ Is Our Example​

I've also been asked many times if wearing a cross would be okay. Well, Jesus never asked us to wear the cross. He asks us to bear the cross. Taking up our cross and following Jesus is much more challenging than wearing a bumper sticker, tee shirt, or little golden cross as frivolous advertising. Jesus said that bearing the cross means a Christian will "deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23.

Whenever in doubt, ask this question: "What would Jesus do?" If we follow Jesus we are always safe. Personally, I cannot picture my Jesus drilling holes in His ears, nose, or anywhere else in order to hang glittering minerals from His extremities. The example of Jesus in the Scriptures is consistently one of practical simplicity and modesty. When He was crucified, the Roman soldiers divided his garments among themselves. Notice that they did not cast lots for His jewelry. He didn't have any. Instead, they had to settle for His most valuable piece of clothing -- a modest, seamless tunic (John 19:23, 24).

Here is a message that bears repeating. When we love Jesus, we will want to follow His example. "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:6, NKJV.


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

I shall return with part 4.

Doc

 

[woobadooba]

I agree that Jewelry is not sinful in itself. Meaning, I don't believe one would be guilty of sin if she were to wear a set of earrings, or a ring on her finger. However, I really don't see a need for women to wear these things.

Nevertheless, if a woman so chooses to wear jewelry, that is something that ought to remain between her and God. Since the Bible doesn't explicitly state that it is sinful to wear such things, we have no right to judge people as being guilty of sin for wearing them.

Granted, the Bible does speak against wearing such things in excess, but there is a reason for that. The women that were rebuked for these things were known to be arrogant. So they weren't rebuked for wearing jewelry because jewelry is sinful; rather, they were rebuked for the attitude that they had which caused them to wear such things in excess.

Truth is, if they had the right attitude they would have been more modest about their appearance. Thus they either wouldn't have worn any jewelry at all, or they would have worn very little of it.

Of course, it is the same today, except now women are wearing less clothing and even more jewelry. You don't really see much modesty anymore.

 

[thecountrydoc]

As promised part 4.

JEWERLY: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
By Doug Batchelor​

Change of Ownership​

In the small town where I used to live, there was a house that was well known for its dilapidated appearance. Broken-down trucks, garbage, and miscellaneous junk cluttered the yard. The peeling paint, broken windows, and hungry yard dogs were an embarrassment to the entire community. Then one day, after taking an extended trip, I drove back through town and was stunned by the dramatic change that had come over this infamous structure. The old, peeling paint had been stripped off, and a beautiful natural stain now covered the wood. Clean, new windows had replaced the broken ones, and all the junk and old vehicles were gone! The yard was clean and covered with new grass. I didn't even have to ask what had caused the change. Instantly I knew that the house had a new owner.​

All of us have at one time or another resembled that old, broken-down house. Sin reigned in our hearts, leaving us broken, filthy, and cluttered. But whenever a person allows Jesus to take over the heart, a cleansing process begins immediately. Jesus will remove those things that distract from the Christian's inner beauty, and people will notice the outer improvement as well!​

Jesus laid aside His heavenly throne and crown when He came to our world to save us. Then He surrendered His earthly garments when He died on the cross for our sins. Is it too much for Him to ask us to lay aside our lifeless baubles and beads that we might better reflect His simple purity in this lost world?​

As we have seen in this study, there are many good reasons for Christians to abstain from wearing jewelry. But if I had to pick two of the best, it would be these -- love for God, and love for our neighbors.​

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1, 2.
_________________________________________________________​

This concludes this study.​

Respectfully, your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[micbmac]

I wear jewelry to church. Other ladies and men do too. And no one at the church has ever said anything abt it. I hope people don't look down on me because of this, but if they do, that is between them and God. Jewelry does not take away one ounce of the love and glory I feel for God. I am not vain. I think jewelry is pretty. Ever since I have been on this forum, I have really starting to question whether or not i belong in this religion.

 

[maco]

I wear jewelry to church. Other ladies and men do too. And no one at the church has ever said anything abt it. I hope people don't look down on me because of this, but if they do, that is between them and God. Jewelry does not take away one ounce of the love and glory I feel for God. I am not vain. I think jewelry is pretty. Ever since I have been on this forum, I have really starting to question whether or not i belong in this religion.

Hi micbmac,

Praise God for your beautiful heart and if you want to wear pretty jewelry that's okay too. Those who believe jewelry, wine and meat are sinful are called the weaker brother. We who know the truth are the strong ones. At times I feel the same way you do regarding should I be part of this religion. I can say one thing about the SDA faith, we do alot of good in the world and we have a passion to bring the gosple to a lost world. The problem within the SDA church is that there are madventist, sadventist and gladventist, in other words. Some people within the church are always mad, some are always sad and some are always glad. They to hang out with the glad ones they seem to have it all together.

God bless you and keep loving Him and looking beautiful.

John

 

[Ptilinopus]

I have commented before on the trend since the 1960s, that now that most in the Adventist church have discarded the rules mentality, we have not managed to adequately replace them with Biblical principles. The rules mentality had to go - it facilitated a rigid judgmental attitude, based on traditional rules, without taking into account the varying situations in different parts of the world, and within societies as well, nor changing times. But in their place we have not developed a clear understanding of principles - at least not one that has been widely taught!

As a result, we now have, on one side, an almost anything goes mentality, combined with an attitude that no-one dare say anything about standards of life in the church. When such are mentioned (as witness this thread), there is a lot of defensiveness, including demands that one's choices be approved... And on the other side the remnant of a rules mentality, and judgmentalism to boot.

Yet the Biblical principles are there, and well enough outlined that with a little intelligent study, we could find them easily. But this study needs to be done in the submissive spirit of what God wants of me, and what He wants to do through me; not in the spirit of how much I can resemble the world and still be a Christian. The "what's wrong with this or that" approach reveals the latter spirit, all too often.

In this particular thread, as has been pointed out, there were indeed local applications of these principles spelled out in the Bible, and God "winking at", because of the stubbornness of people's hearts, and because there were more urgent issues at the time. Which doesn't change the principles.

Modesty, humility etc have been mentioned, among others. These are key principles. Another which was mentioned in Doc's Doug Batchelor posts, but not expounded on, was our position as God's representatives, ambassadors.

As Paul says in 1 Cor. 5:20, we are Christ's ambassadors. God reaches ("beseeches", "appeals to") people through us. If there is one thing an ambassador is responsible to do, it is to represent the one he is ambassador for! He has no right to speak on his own behalf, to promote himself to those he is sent to; his responsibility is to promote the interests of the sender.

I had the honour at one stage to represent Switzerland in an African country, as honorary consul (the official ambassador lived in a neighbouring country). As such, and in that capacity, I had to represent Switzerland's interests, not my own. I showed the Swiss flag, not my own. So it is with us and Christ.

We as Christians, then, are called to draw attention to Christ, not to ourselves. Our role should be to make ourselves stand out as little as possible - and to allow Christ and His love to stand out a mile!

The principle then is not to draw attention to ourselves - but to Christ.

As I apply this, for me it means a number of things. It means I choose to drive a useful, utilitarian, reliable car, chosen for this to use in Christ's work, not to make a statement about myself. It means my wife and I choose not to wear adornments that attract attention to ourselves, that create in others any distraction from Christ, or generate envy. It means we choose clothing of good quality, and of styles that do not stand out as unusual. And so one could go on.

When I first realized Christ was calling me to ministry some 5 years ago, I obtained and read the Minister's Handbook - a book of counsel and advice. One that has always stuck in my mind was the advice not to be the first to adopt a new style of suit - and not the last either! Because either way, one stands out, and draws attention away from Christ. We are not called to be flashy - and we are not called to be dowdy either - both stick out unnecessarily.

If we are Christ's, and He is ours, if He has redeemed us, if we have the adoption as children of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if He has commissioned us to be His representatives, His ambassadors, to take the gospel to every creature, then our self-esteem is based on the value He has placed on us - His own blood, and on what He has declared us to be - His adopted brothers and sisters, as children of the King.

We have no need to make statements about ourselves - in adornment (clothing, jewelry, make-up etc), cars, houses or anything else. And we are called on to allow His character, His love, and His grace to shine to others - and this is our adornment. It is this, that I understand to be what Peter (1 Peter 3:3,4) and Paul (1 Tim. 2:9,10) are talking about. And it applies to men as much as to women.

 

[Sophia7]

Speaking of people living in the time of the end, the prophet Ezekiel warns, "They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity." Ezekiel 7:19.

He stopped quoting the passage too soon. Here is the rest:

EZE 7:20 They were proud of their beautiful jewelry and used it to make their detestable idols and vile images. Therefore I will turn these into an unclean thing for them. 21 I will hand it all over as plunder to foreigners and as loot to the wicked of the earth, and they will defile it. 22 I will turn my face away from them, and they will desecrate my treasured place; robbers will enter it and desecrate it.
​

The problem isn't with jewelry itself but with people's attitudes toward it. Jewelry can become a stumbling block or even an idol, but that doesn't make wearing it inherently sinful. When quoting OT texts that talk about God stripping people of their jewelry, be sure not to overlook the passages that describe it as His gift in the first place, such as this:

EZE 16:6 " `Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, "Live!" 7 I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, you who were naked and bare.

EZE 16:8 " `Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.

EZE 16:9 " `I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. 10 I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. 11 I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, 12 and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. 14 And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD.

EZE 16:15 " `But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his. 16 You took some of your garments to make gaudy high places, where you carried on your prostitution. Such things should not happen, nor should they ever occur. 17 You also took the fine jewelry I gave you, the jewelry made of my gold and silver, and you made for yourself male idols and engaged in prostitution with them. 18 And you took your embroidered clothes to put on them, and you offered my oil and incense before them. 19 Also the food I provided for you--the fine flour, olive oil and honey I gave you to eat--you offered as fragrant incense before them. That is what happened, declares the Sovereign LORD.
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Ezekiel compares Jerusalem to a woman that God lavished with jewels. The problem was that she became enamored with her own beauty and turned her jewels into idols; the jewels themselves are not described in a negative light but as a positive gift from God to His chosen bride.

Also, in Isaiah 3, God said that He would take away all of their ornaments because they had sinned and oppressed the poor. The Bible doesn't say that the jewelry itself was evil but only that it was taken from them as a punishment for their sins. God also said in that passage that He was going to take away their hair and their clothing, but we wouldn't conclude from this that we should all be bald and wear sackcloth. At least I hope not!

If you look at all of the references to jewelry in the Bible, most of them are positive. Besides those that have already been mentioned, in Song of Solomon the bride's beauty is compared to jewels, and she wears jewels as well. Isaiah 54 speaks of God's people as His bride being called back to Him and His city being rebuilt with jewels. Isaiah 61 speaks of a bride adorning herself with jewels. Jeremiah 2:32 asks, "Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number." Zechariah 9 speaks of God's people sparkling like jewels in a crown. Even the tabernacle was adorned with precious metals and rich fabrics and the priestly garments with gems (Ex. 25). Revelation portrays the New Jerusalem as filled with gold and precious gems. I just don't get the idea from any of this that God hates jewelry.

On the other hand, Jeremiah 4 speaks metaphorically of a devastated woman adorning herself in vain--in vain because she has been unfaithful to God. In Exodus 32, the Israelites made the golden calf out of their earrings, and in chapter 33, they were forced to take off their ornaments because they had worshiped the idol. Judges 8 describes how Gideon made an idol out of the gold earrings that he took from part of the plunder after defeating the Midianites. In all of these examples, the sin was not in the jewelry itself; it was in what was done with it. When it was taken away, it was a punishment for their sins.

In the New Testament we find the oft-quoted texts that Adventists use to proof‑text the jewelry doctrine:

1 Peter 3:3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
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1 TI 2:9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
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However, not many Adventists object to women braiding their hair. Most Adventist women that I know wear makeup as well (I do myself) although the Church Manual condemns cosmetics as "not in keeping with good taste" (p. 177). People pick out the parts of this that they like and ignore the rest, like 1 Tim. 2:8, which says that men should lift up holy hands in prayer. And when it comes to verses 11‑12, telling women to be silent in church and not to have authority over men, well, then we interpret those as cultural. If the part about women is cultural, then why not the part about jewelry? Where is our hermeneutical consistency?

I believe that these texts are talking about focusing on our inward characters and not getting caught up in our physical appearances. True beauty comes from within, not from outward adornment. That does not, however, mean that all jewelry is evil. It means that we should not depend on it to make us beautiful. [FONT=&quot]The overwhelming evidence from the Bible shows that the wearing of jewelry is not viewed as sinful, even by God, as long as it doesn't become an idol or an obsession.[/FONT]

I personally don't wear any jewelry anymore. I used to when I was in high school and took it off when I went to college but only because that was the school policy. Now I don't wear any only because of my husband's job although the official church policy where we live is that pastors and their spouses are allowed to wear wedding bands. I don't believe that wearing jewelry, and especially a wedding ring, is wrong, but I don't do it because I don't want to be a stumbling block to our church members who are more traditional on this issue. However, I do not believe, based on the biblical evidence, that I can tell other people that they are sinning if they wear jewelry.

Finally, I have a problem with the way some Adventists think they're living in a godly way because they don't wear jewelry or makeup, but they buy luxury cars and build expensive houses. There are principles here that go way beyond jewelry, as Ptilinopus has pointed out, but we as Adventists often miss them because we are so caught up in the legalistic details of our lifestyle restrictions.