Bible Questions and Answers

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In the New Testament the 'church' was not a building but a congregation. By baptism into Christ we become members of a congregation not a building. We become part of one body and our function is to edify the body.

Everything we do, the way we live, the way we speak, the way we dress, should be done from love to the members of the congregation and to honour Christ.

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

‘Dressing up’ is not the issue – wearing that which is appropriate and does not cause offence or distraction to our brethren and sisters in Christ is what matters. 

AV Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. 

On the other side of the coin we are not to discriminate between people by the way they dress. 

James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 

When a congregation is gathered together in Christ, Christ is present. 

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 

With all this in mind we choose what we think it is appropriate to wear. 

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. 

I hope this helps.

Glenn Smith
thisisyourbible.com