WEARING MEN’S CLOTHING IS NOT A LADY’S WEDDING ATTIRE
JESUS CHRIST SPOKE, “AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FRIEND, HOW CAMEST THOU IN HITHER NOT HAVING A WEDDING GARMENT? AND HE WAS SPEECHLESS.” (MATTHEW 22:12) Nothing has been lost to the Christian culture of America that is more damaging than the distinction of the male and female role models. The Biblical Illustrator, a marvelous 23-volume (Originally 56 volumes) set commentary edited by Joseph Exell, made the following observation:
“God thought womanly attire of enough importance to have it discussed in the Bible. Just in proportion as the morals of a country or an age are depressed is that law defiled. Show me the fashion plates of any century from the time of the Deluge to this, and I will tell you the exact state of public morals. Ever and anon we have imported from France, or perhaps invented on this side of the sea, a style that proposes as far as possible to make women dress like men. The costumes of the countries are different, and in the same country may change, but there is a divinely ordered dissimilarity, which must be forever observed. Any divergence from this is administrative of vice, and runs against the keen thrust of the text. In my text, as by a parable, it is made evident that Moses, the inspired writer as vehemently as ourselves, reprehends the effeminate man and the masculine woman.”
Those are certainly moving reminders of what has been traded for the new, so-called, freedom of lifestyle. Here are my six reasons why the truly Godly Woman should reject this compromise of her femininity:
1. The Bible is absolutely clear that women should not dress nor adorn themselves in the styles (that which pertaineth unto) of a man. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are abominations unto the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5) Don’t reject this commandment of the Lord until you are willing to reject the Ten Commandments and all the rest.
2. The lifestyles of men and women serve as a role model for the next and proceeding generations. A woman’s femininity and a man’s masculinity are tied directly to childhood orientation. Parents who fulfill these roles properly are instilling values that transform little lives. Society impacts these role-model values and help determine the healthy or unhealthy attitude of a culture in general. The exploding sodomy in our churches and our society is the wages of our disregard for this responsibility.
3. Confusion in the distinction of male and female has breathtaking consequences for the development of our attitudes toward sexual responsibilities. Very few persons would suggest that a masculine woman has more sex appeal than a feminine lady. Notice how unnatural it sounds to say “masculine lady” and then how natural it sounds to say “feminine lady.” The same is true of men. We have refused to say feminine men, but instead say effeminate men. The Bible clearly condemns both.
4. The deeply ingrained feelings of a Godly man toward his wife is that she dress in the fashion of a lady; that she be feminine and modest and not compete with him for the masculine role. This is even true to a lesser degree of most men regardless of their spiritual consecration. I believe this emotion is God-given and intrinsic to our being created in His image. Like all values, it must be continuously reaffirmed by the Word of God and defended against the ever-present forces of compromise and humanistic confusion.
5. The role modeling, styles, and conduct of men and women directly affect the church. How we fulfill our obligations to God in our priestly roles or nurturing capacities is related to our understanding of Biblical mandates. Men often obtain their stature by force of ego and leadership, while women obtain theirs by force of character and tenderness. When this is reversed, the church is left in confusion.
6. It is documented that the changing of dress styles between the sexes originated among the heathens in their acts of worship to their heathen gods. In Bible Manners and Customs, a man named Maimonides is quoted as saying, “In the books of idolaters it is commanded that when a man presents himself before the Star of Venus, he shall wear the colored dress of a woman, and when a woman adores the Star of Mars, she shall appear in armor.” This same respected book said, “Pagan idols were frequently represented with the features of one sex and the dress of the other, and their worshippers endeavored to be like them. I believe this is one reason why God gave Moses this clear command for Israel and the church of all ages.” (Bible Manners and Customs.)
Let me finish this article by reprinting a short chapter from the book, The King’s Daughter Is All Glorious Within. My attorney friend and author, Paul H. Chappell, has given permission for reprint of parts or all of his book.
“ON BEING A REAL WOMAN!” God has given to woman a place that is unique. She is the keeper of the gate of life. The modern woman must be willing to accept this trust with both its crosses and its crowns.
“Woman is the glory of the man.” (I Corinthians 11:7) God, in His infinite wisdom, made man and woman different. By creation He granted to woman a distinctive and wonderful place in the world. Therefore, it is both natural and right for women to glory in their womanhood. Femininity is a quality, which by nature they want to preserve. This desire is in perfect accord with the scriptures, for the Holy Spirit asks the Christian woman to preserve the original charm and naturalness in appearance with which she was endowed by the Creator. (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:3-15) The lovely feminine ways God gave to women are a work of divine beauty. These qualities are holy in His sight, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
The reason for this command is to preserve outwardly the sacredness of the difference between the sexes that was fixed by the Creator. Any interchange of apparel between men and women discloses an unnatural likeness to the personality fashioned by the Lord Jesus at creation, and tends to obscure His image in man. “…Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Romans 9:20) “THE KING’S DAUGHTER IS ALL GLORIOUS WITHIN” Paul H Chappell.
Dr. Oswald T. Allis, Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary (Orthodox Presbyterian), in briefly reviewing Deuteronomy 22 observed, “The command that the two sexes be distinguished by their dress is especially emphasized (XXII 5). It is one of the things of which we may well say with St. Paul, ‘Doth not nature itself teach you?’ The principle is a valid one; and the extent to which it is ignored today is anything but a wholesome sign.”
The principle expressed in Deuteronomy 22:5 is not an isolated Old Testament principle; it emerges in the New Testament as well. Paul in I Corinthians 11:3-16 brings into focus a beautiful sign of femininity—a natural, outward mark of distinctive womanly beauty. For these reasons, the Christian girl is careful to avoid the easy ways of world-conformity. She obeys the gentle whisper of the Spirit so as not to cross the line drawn by the Scriptures — for masculine, immodest, casual attire is immensely popular today. Have you noticed the prevalent mannishness in feminine actions and appearance? The coarse manners and speech? The masculine trend in the world of women’s fashions? Do not these trends take issue with the simple teaching of the Bible?
Ethel Traphagen, a fashion designer who promoted among women the wearing of slacks about 1915, in recent years acknowledged her mistake and stated she was sorry she ever suggested such a fashion. But the feminine practice of wearing men’s apparel did not really break out as a fad until 1930, when a prominent Hollywood actress brazenly taunted the accepted norm. And during World War II, many thousands of American women, at least partly out of patriotism, flocked to defense plants, took over men’s jobs, and put on overalls for the first time. Yet, most Americans would agree with Judte Edward Caiazzo of Jamaica, New York, who admonished a lady defendant appearing in his traffic court wearing slacks, “The court is entitled to respect and dignity. You’re an attractive woman; yet you come here looking like a man. I hold women on a high plane. It hurts me to see women tearing themselves down from this pedestal.”
The lady said later, “The way the judge feels about women is very flattering. I think I’ll go home and burn my slacks.” And few Christians would disagree with the point made by the Editor of the Washington Star, who said, “ . . . The female species, generally speaking, looks less than charming in what is essentially a man’s garb.”
Catherine Marshall, in her book, Beyond Our Selves, speaks of her late husband, Peter Marshall, “And I can never forget his insistence that women should be women, that in our femininty is our glory.” These are the standards of the great Christians of our past. Where are they today and will the new standards prepare women to be part of His BRIDE??
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Bill Scudder
I would like to see women dress more like ladies but most wear slacks it seems like. Some go too far and say that a women in lost if she wears slacks and will not be with Jesus when He returns. That has nothing to do with our salvation no more than make up does.
Ray
“REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT”. Unless we are following the lead of the Holy Spirit WITHIN us we are in rebellion. The Gospel is quite clear and simple.
People miss it’s message and intent by “private interpretation”which is adding to the sacred scriptures.
It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of our awesome God.The “new” “grace freedom” so coveted by the modern church world is all part of the apostate pollution of Satan.
How may will be crying and gnashing their teeth claiming “LORD LORD, DID WE NOT “DO”….. When all the time it was allowing Him to do to us, in us and with us to fulfill His will.
This nation would turn around in an instant if enough of the true body of Christ would have to courage to live the Word as it is written rather than follow man’s doctrine of “self first”.
“LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART BE ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT OH LORD”
“SEARCH MY HEART AND TRY ME LET ME KNOW IF THERE BE ANY HURTFUL WAY WITHIN ME”
“LET ME NOT BE GUILTY OF PRESUMPTUOUS SIN”
“CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME THEN I WILL TEACH TRANSGRESSORS THE WAY”
“THY WILL BE DONE”
RobiMac
I seem to have a bigger issue with comfort. I am a jeans and T shirt kinda person, sometimes with cowboy boots. I put on a dress if the occasion calls for it but, I haven’t worn a dress in years. Does this mean that G-d is disappointed in me?
Jim
Let’s not forget that men also have a responsibility to wear the correct clothing…So often today one sees men sloppily dressed (especially at church-no suit, tie, often in jeans, etc) and if not mimicking feminine dress styles then certainly being too lax in formality.
Also, would women’s dress be more biblical if head dress was required? Would the return of hat’s for ladies in church not naturally lead to more feminine dress?
I think our Catholic brethren (and others with more formal liturgies) may have an advantage over us in both of the above issues.
Thanks.
Sandra
DEAR SANDRA, BLESSINGS!!!!
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A GODLY SAINT, A TRUE LADY, BURIED IN PANTS.
PASTOR CHAMBERS
FROM SANDRA
Oh where do I start????? We are not living under the law that was given the Hebrew nation. Not that we shouldn’t up hold the 10 commandments. We should. If all Christians did this, as well as others, the world would be a better place. But that is not what this article is about. Although it never states outright that women shoudn’t wear pants, I do know many pentacostle branches – preach this as THE WORD of God, when it it is so far from the truth I do not know where to start. First off let me address a few of the comments above. Bill S. – good point. Enough said. Robi Mac – I am with you. Jeans and t’shirts girl for the most part. Shorts in the summer. AND NO!!!! God is not disappointed in women for dressing in pants, jeans, shorts, etc. Now moving on. If we look back into biblical scripture ALL people (male and female) wore robes. That would in today’s speak be “a dress”. So when exactly did pants come about? Not sure. That would require some research that I do not have time for this morning. I do remember my father, born in the early 40’s at a time when all little boys wore dresses until they were about 4 to 5. Then they graduated to short pants. My grandmother had pics of him in a dress. Too cute little boy, my Dad. Somewhere along the way some puritanical sexist must of had the idea that women should be seen in dresses. These garmets were limiting, cumbersome, and impossible to do anything in. Long, swaying, lots of undergarmets – just awful. Thank the Lord, that somewhere along the way, someone wised up and said – Women should and can wear slacks, jeans, etc. Oh, and around that time it became ok for a woman to vote, and then eventually own property. Wow, we have come along way. Does the Lord God mind? NO! I think the concept of this message may mean (AND I HOPE) that there is a “butch” dress some women are adopting and a “Gay” dress some men are adoptinig (high heels, ladies lingerie, etc.) and this is cross dressing. Also – just the appearance and mannerisms of some would show they lean toward the opposite sex. This to me is wrong. But, not to get off on that subject now. Now I look very feminine in my slacks and t-shirts/shirts at my office. Make up, jewelry, cute sandles and I am nothing masculine. Also I enjoy being a woman. Doesnt mean I need a man to take care of me. Also my husband and I are equal partners in our marriage, although he leaves the running of the house in those decisions to me as he feels I am better organized and handle things better than he does. Plus he has two kids to worry about raising. So never have I felt out of place with the Lord, or sinning to wear “regular” clothing. And I hope the rest of the “confused” readers on here will get some clarification now. Female Born Again Christians do not need to wear dresses.
RobiMac
Thank you, Sandra, for a sensible answer. I was hoping someone would. Was never confused about the dress code but I do get tired of people in certain beliefs insisting that women shouldn’t do this or shouldn’t wear that. An old friend of mine who happens to be a hippy grandfather with long hair and earrings, is a great man of G-d and one of the worlds most amazing comediens. When he talked and joked about this subject, he said, “Jesus didn’t come down here to change my shirt.” I knew then that it was okay to quit listening to others who disagree with that statement. I cannot stand to put on a dress. And the nylons, om my gosh! So, obviously, I would not bode well as a muslim woman.
Elder Isaiah Kayode Ajisafe
Thank you Pastor for bringing into our remembrance this seemly little forgotten doctrine of the Christian church, may the good Lord give us the heart and the spirit to accept this teaching for the growth of the church, for presently it is regarded as a misnomer teaching not fit for present day, for the world had entered the church and the church entered the world, we desired God mercy to survive this wicked and polluted world
Jim
I think Sandra is on to something here-although in perhaps an overly descriptive way.
It is not so much the particular type of garment (suit, dress, etc)- as indeed she has shown do change through the years -as the care that is taken in presenting oneself in God’s house. For instance, if a suit is soiled or wrinkled, or a dress is old and inappropriate. One can wear, perhaps, nice jeans and a shirt (and look very feminine as you have shown)and look more formal and caring as a person that wears old “formal” clothes.
By the way, this is an discussion that you hardly ever hear anymore-the old timers called it “dry goods doctrine”. I think it’s one of the more interesting ones, however, and should be continued to be debated.
Patrick
There is an organized effort by the shapers of society to promote homosexuality and “gender-bending”. It is a type of mind control being done overtly and covertly, emanating from media, fashion designers, public schools, paganism, errant churches and government. Why do I think this is being done deliberately? Because their master, Satan, wants to destroy the family, God’s model for multiplying human society. Those at the top of world affairs who have a great influence on cultural trends, the wickedness in high places, want to limit population growth so it will be easier for them to initialize their global antichrist empire and gather more souls for a devil’s hell. They plan to use robots to replace the commoners, laborers and peasants while they produce refined humans by selective breeding in laboratories as needed. It is very important to have the mind of Chrise and wear God’s armour every day because many professing Christians are falling prey to the enemy’s mind control tactics.
Francine V. Mcmillan
In the Psalm we see this language of “King’s daughters” and “thy father’s house,” showing the covenantal headship that is transferred in marriage. The father is not considered merely as biological happenstance, but as a type of the eternal Father calling the Bride to her Groom. The Psalm also lays out the Father’s role in preparing the daughter for the bridegroom. The father makes her beautiful, he makes her glorious, and clothes his daughter in gold. Earthly fathers have the same calling, preparing their daughters and clothing them in godliness. American Christians have been conditioned to believe that fathers raise their daughters to adulthood, and on their eighteenth birthday they become independent women. Many young women choose to leave their father’s home to pursue careers and higher education in entirely different cities, establishing their own independent households. These women do not have the King’s palace walls to protect them abroad. From these foreign homes they are unable to seek the good of the father’s home and the young woman’s clothing becomes tarnished as she seeks to be her own covering.