THIS IS SHOCKING TO ME. I have heard different explanations but this one beats me!
Friend: Pastor, why is the church against the use of jewelry by his members.
Pastor: Though there is no biblical theory to support our views on this but the problem is, those who wear jewelry as Adventists are rebellious against church standards and that is when it becomes a sin, because rebellious spirit is a sin against God.
When I heard this, i went back to read the church's 27 Foundamentals again to check whether this is included in the Church's Foundamental beliefs and whether these individuals who wear jewelry are trully rebelling against the church standards and doctrines.
22. Christian Behavior:
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)
What I can deduce from the above statement is to be modest in our outward appearance and that includes clothing etc. Having said that, I have seen members with no jewelry on but very revealing in their dressing and entertainment?. (That's by the way).
So the question on my mind is, according to this Pastor....REBELLIOUS AGAINST WHAT OR WHO? Can someone out there make it clearer to me....!
Please let's be truthful and clear in our message. Let's stop the double standard. It is destroying and confusing our children. Let's share the word in truth and in spirit.
Brethren, on the issue of wearing jewelry, much can be said for or against. However, I would like to remind us of counsels given on this issue. Please find below an excerpt from the 1972 Autumn Council of the GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:
General Actions
October 14-29, 1972, Mexico City, Mexico
Return to Adventists and Jewelry.
DISPLAY AND ADORNMENT
The basic philosophy of Christian standards as understood by Seventh-day Adventists is set forth on page 221 to The Church Manual (1971 edition):
“Standing amid the perils of the last days, facing a judgment that will culminate in the establishment of universal righteousness, and bearing the responsibility of speedily carrying the last offer of salvation to the world, let us with true heart consecrate ourselves to God, body, soul, and spirit, determining to maintain the high standards of living that must characterize those who wait for the return of their Lord.”
In the light of the above declaration the one who has a personal and loving relationship with the self-sacrificing Christ, will abstain from the wearing of jewelry and all adornments that give evidence of pride and are not in keeping with the Christian principles of humility, self-denial and sacrifice. Christ will adorn his heart and life with Christian virtues, and he will gladly heed the counsel set forth in 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, which, while addressed specifically to women, contains principles applicable to all Christians:
“Women again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hair styles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.” (NEB)
Peter enunciates similar ideals in 1 Peter 3:3, 4, “Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment—the braiding of the hair, or jewelry, or dress—but in the inmost center of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God.” (NEB)
These principles are summarized in Testimonies, Vol. 3, page 366:
“To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.”
The following statement adapted by the General Conference Spring Meeting (April 1, 1971) further amplifies the basic philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Christian standards.
“According to divine plan the remnant church is to separate itself from the world in its unique role of preparing a people to meet their Lord. As the great controversy between Christ and Satan comes to its climax, the forces of evil will attack the church and its standards.
“If the church follows the low standard of the world in such matters as dress, music, reading, eating, drinking, or recreation, it will become separated from the channel of divine power. ‘Christ’s followers are to seek to improve the moral tone of the world, under the influence of the impartation of the Spirit of God. They are not to come down to the world’s level, thinking that by doing this they will uplift it. In words, in dress, in spirit, in everything, there is to be a marked distinction between Christians and worldlings. This distinction has a convincing influence upon worldlings. They see that the sons and daughters of the Lord do separate themselves from the world, and that the Lord binds them up with Himself. . . Who is willing to be raised to the highest level?’—E. G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 305
“Seventh-day Adventist Christians are therefore under obligation to study carefully their conduct, personal appearance, and attitudes in order to attain to this highest level of living. In these days of extremes in conformity and nonconformity each individual may find in the guidebooks–the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White—a clear understanding of life patterns that will properly reflect the Saviour.
“While we acknowledge that the quality of an individual’s Christianity cannot be gauged solely by external criteria, we do know that his outward appearance will reveal either conformity to the world or to the Word. ‘The external appearance is an index to the heart.’—Ibid, p. 312. The Seventh-day Adventist Christian will strive to reach the standard set by the Word. He will recognize that true conformity to that Word will be revealed by a progressive transformation of life based on a deepening and lasting relationship with Christ. In sharing the life of Christ he comes to accept a different life style which involves his whole person. He will give evidence of this by his conduct, personal appearance, and his attitudes. ‘Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.’ (Romans 12:2, NEB).
“Because the family is a God-appointed unit, we believe that a Christian life style is best born and nurtured in the family setting where children learn early that true love encourages willing obedience and self-control. Physical growth is then accompanied by commitment to the Christian way of life, development of character, and acceptance of Biblical ideals.”
On the basis of such counsel with regard to Christian display and adornment,
VOTED
1. That the principles of self-denial, economy, and simplicity should be applied to all areas of life—to our persons, our homes, our churches, and our institutions.
2. That in the area of personal adornment necklaces, earrings, bracelets, jewelled and other ornamental rings* should not be worn. Articles such as ornamental watches, broaches, cufflinks, etc., should be chosen in harmony with the Christian principles of simplicity, modesty and economy.
3. That our pastors, evangelists, and Bible instructors present fully to the candidates for baptism the Bible principles regarding display and adornment; point out the dangers of clinging to customs and practices that may be inimical to spiritual development; press the claims of the gospel upon the conscience of the candidates, encouraging careful self-examination concerning the motives involved in decisions that must be made; and acquaint the candidate with the inspired counsel given by Ellen G. White.
As Seventh-day Adventists we believe in the priesthood of all believers. Each soul has direct access to God through Christ, and is accountable to Him for his life and witness. The spiritual condition of the church is basically the sum of the spiritual experience of each individual. In view of this, we urge all our members to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the principles set forth above.
Beyond this, and because of the special opportunities that rest with leadership to help the church reach its full potential of spiritual power, we expect our church officers, ministers and their wives, teachers, and other Seventh-day Adventist workers to strongly support these principles through their public testimony and example.
In this final hour of earth’s history, the church must not lower its standards, blur its identity, or muffle its witness, but must with renewed emphasis give strong support to the standards and principles that have distinguished the remnant church throughout its history and have kept it separate from the world.
* “In some countries the custom of wearing the marriage ring is considered imperative, having become in the minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and hence is not regarded as an ornament. Under such circumstances we have no disposition to condemn the practice.” –Church Manual, 1971 edition, p. 212.
Further unbias explanation on this issue has also been given by different Church leaders and the one who seek such may find the article on the following link interesting:
http://www.adventistreview.org/2000-1551/story5.html
May God help us, especially in these last days, to hold on to principles that will strengthen us for the coming crises. Maranatha!
General Actions
October 14-29, 1972, Mexico City, Mexico
Return to Adventists and Jewelry.
DISPLAY AND ADORNMENT
The basic philosophy of Christian standards as understood by Seventh-day Adventists is set forth on page 221 to The Church Manual (1971 edition):
“Standing amid the perils of the last days, facing a judgment that will culminate in the establishment of universal righteousness, and bearing the responsibility of speedily carrying the last offer of salvation to the world, let us with true heart consecrate ourselves to God, body, soul, and spirit, determining to maintain the high standards of living that must characterize those who wait for the return of their Lord.”
In the light of the above declaration the one who has a personal and loving relationship with the self-sacrificing Christ, will abstain from the wearing of jewelry and all adornments that give evidence of pride and are not in keeping with the Christian principles of humility, self-denial and sacrifice. Christ will adorn his heart and life with Christian virtues, and he will gladly heed the counsel set forth in 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, which, while addressed specifically to women, contains principles applicable to all Christians:
“Women again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hair styles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.” (NEB)
Peter enunciates similar ideals in 1 Peter 3:3, 4, “Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment—the braiding of the hair, or jewelry, or dress—but in the inmost center of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God.” (NEB)
These principles are summarized in Testimonies, Vol. 3, page 366:
“To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.”
The following statement adapted by the General Conference Spring Meeting (April 1, 1971) further amplifies the basic philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Christian standards.
“According to divine plan the remnant church is to separate itself from the world in its unique role of preparing a people to meet their Lord. As the great controversy between Christ and Satan comes to its climax, the forces of evil will attack the church and its standards.
“If the church follows the low standard of the world in such matters as dress, music, reading, eating, drinking, or recreation, it will become separated from the channel of divine power. ‘Christ’s followers are to seek to improve the moral tone of the world, under the influence of the impartation of the Spirit of God. They are not to come down to the world’s level, thinking that by doing this they will uplift it. In words, in dress, in spirit, in everything, there is to be a marked distinction between Christians and worldlings. This distinction has a convincing influence upon worldlings. They see that the sons and daughters of the Lord do separate themselves from the world, and that the Lord binds them up with Himself. . . Who is willing to be raised to the highest level?’—E. G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 305
“Seventh-day Adventist Christians are therefore under obligation to study carefully their conduct, personal appearance, and attitudes in order to attain to this highest level of living. In these days of extremes in conformity and nonconformity each individual may find in the guidebooks–the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White—a clear understanding of life patterns that will properly reflect the Saviour.
“While we acknowledge that the quality of an individual’s Christianity cannot be gauged solely by external criteria, we do know that his outward appearance will reveal either conformity to the world or to the Word. ‘The external appearance is an index to the heart.’—Ibid, p. 312. The Seventh-day Adventist Christian will strive to reach the standard set by the Word. He will recognize that true conformity to that Word will be revealed by a progressive transformation of life based on a deepening and lasting relationship with Christ. In sharing the life of Christ he comes to accept a different life style which involves his whole person. He will give evidence of this by his conduct, personal appearance, and his attitudes. ‘Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.’ (Romans 12:2, NEB).
“Because the family is a God-appointed unit, we believe that a Christian life style is best born and nurtured in the family setting where children learn early that true love encourages willing obedience and self-control. Physical growth is then accompanied by commitment to the Christian way of life, development of character, and acceptance of Biblical ideals.”
On the basis of such counsel with regard to Christian display and adornment,
VOTED
1. That the principles of self-denial, economy, and simplicity should be applied to all areas of life—to our persons, our homes, our churches, and our institutions.
2. That in the area of personal adornment necklaces, earrings, bracelets, jewelled and other ornamental rings* should not be worn. Articles such as ornamental watches, broaches, cufflinks, etc., should be chosen in harmony with the Christian principles of simplicity, modesty and economy.
3. That our pastors, evangelists, and Bible instructors present fully to the candidates for baptism the Bible principles regarding display and adornment; point out the dangers of clinging to customs and practices that may be inimical to spiritual development; press the claims of the gospel upon the conscience of the candidates, encouraging careful self-examination concerning the motives involved in decisions that must be made; and acquaint the candidate with the inspired counsel given by Ellen G. White.
As Seventh-day Adventists we believe in the priesthood of all believers. Each soul has direct access to God through Christ, and is accountable to Him for his life and witness. The spiritual condition of the church is basically the sum of the spiritual experience of each individual. In view of this, we urge all our members to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the principles set forth above.
Beyond this, and because of the special opportunities that rest with leadership to help the church reach its full potential of spiritual power, we expect our church officers, ministers and their wives, teachers, and other Seventh-day Adventist workers to strongly support these principles through their public testimony and example.
In this final hour of earth’s history, the church must not lower its standards, blur its identity, or muffle its witness, but must with renewed emphasis give strong support to the standards and principles that have distinguished the remnant church throughout its history and have kept it separate from the world.
* “In some countries the custom of wearing the marriage ring is considered imperative, having become in the minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and hence is not regarded as an ornament. Under such circumstances we have no disposition to condemn the practice.” –Church Manual, 1971 edition, p. 212.
Further unbias explanation on this issue has also been given by different Church leaders and the one who seek such may find the article on the following link interesting:
http://www.adventistreview.org/2000-1551/story5.html
May God help us, especially in these last days, to hold on to principles that will strengthen us for the coming crises. Maranatha!
John 4:23-24 (New International Version)
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Hebrews 6: 19-21 did this not happen before 1844?
Hebrews 8: 1-3 Did this not happen before 1844?
ACTS 7: 55 DID THIS NOT HAPPEN BEFORE 1844?
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
please click on links below.
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4751129279045091059&ei=pIWRS-jUHJbt-Qb9v8nYAg&q=sda+false+teaching&hl=en#
http://www.truthorfables.com
Reply
Anonymous on Apr 02 2010 @ 02:17am (anonymous from cpc1-lewi3-0-0-cust146.bmly.cable.ntl.com)
Wearing Jewels
Wearing Jewels
I am Christian and I believe in the word of God totally. As there is no biblical injunction not to wear ANY form of jewelery, i do not condemn those who wear and those who do not wear. I believe we should all strive to modest in our dressing. when i say modest, neat and non-revealing is what i mean. I do not like it when christians get finicky about those who have adorned themselves or applied make up. if they have not revealed any part of their bodies, why should we allow the devil to bring such factions among us? I hear some say oh she was born adventist or not born adventist, I dont believe God accepts us only when we are outwardly stripped of all adornment, anyone could do that but certainly keep a heart of dirt. let us not encourage this division at all. I have seen some faithfully not wear any jewelries but have not dressed decently too. now, that i think is what should be addressed firmly but with wisdom and love. I have always been modest with jewelries and do not like it when folks notice i wear a tiny stud and make such a big fuss by pulling faces or quoting scriptures. I do not wear jewelries anymore but that i do only to please those who are not happy with me, not because God said so or I want to do so. may God help us all.
i pray that God in His infinite Mercy will forgive us of our "plain hypocrisy". We have successfully become a player who majors in minors and minors in majors (pardon my english, but i do hope it conveys the message). the scribes, saducees and pharisees widely missed Jesus because of this same problem. Where does wearing jewel or not wearing jewels take us to????? Ive seen people who vehemently oppose wearing jewels, put on ornamental laces, golden wristwatches, broches, etc. does it matter where you wear it on your body???? As Xians, let us advocate for MODESTY and nothingesle. let us concentrate more on the real issues that will make us miss heaven and address them accordingly through the Holy Spirit
Prove all thing from the word of God, if there be no word on this issue from the bible then be silent and not let the deceiver lead you into the spirit of rebellion. However the scripture does speak to the issue being talked of: 1 Peter 3:2-4 (New International Version)
2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, 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. - please read this entire chapter lead by the Holy Spirit the only interpreter of the word of God after all it was He that inspired it to be written.
I would implore you all to be lead by the scriptures rather than by your academic and intellectual knowledge.
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