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Is It a Sin to Wear Jewelry?

Bible Questions & Answers

It is not a sin to wear jewelry when done in moderation and in a wholesome manner. God compares His children to jewels in Malachi 3:17, suggesting that wearing jewels is not inherently wrong. However, if jewelry is used improperly or excessively in an immoral or vain manner, it is frowned upon by God. The attitude and motive of the wearer are crucial when adorning oneself with jewelry. The true beauty lies in the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The concept of treasure, as taught by Jesus Christ, holds profound value in shaping a Christian worldview. Treasure implies something we place high value upon, and its significance lies not in universal agreement on its worth, but in our personal recognition of its importance. We must individually decide what constitutes our treasure, making a voluntary choice to prioritize God and His calling as our ultimate value. This decision cannot be made for us; it is a personal commitment that draws our attention and compels us to protect and enhance this treasure. If we choose God as our treasure, His purpose for our life becomes the focal point, automatically guiding our actions to safeguard and increase its worth. This principle operates as an unyielding law, directing our focus toward what we value most. Jesus Christ's teaching emphasizes that this treasure will subtly force us to serve either God or worldly pursuits, portraying both as slave owners demanding our allegiance. We must choose to serve God with single-eyed devotion, ensuring that He is not merely an occasional consideration but the central focus of our life. Furthermore, the church itself is depicted as God's treasure, highlighting how He values us highly and willingly offers His protection. This significance is reinforced by the understanding that the church is not a passing phenomenon but a permanent entity in God's eyes, planned from the very beginning. As members of this treasured body, we are specifically called and chosen, adopted into the Father's family, and considered His possession, the Israel of God. This intimate relationship underscores the immense value of our calling, urging us to place it at the forefront of our worldview.

The Faithfulness of God (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God perceives us as treasures, set apart from the ordinary, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 7:6. We are not treated carelessly by Him; instead, He gives us particular attention and care, ensuring our safety. Beyond being mere treasure, He considers us special treasure, a term that carries an emotional quality, indicating His deep love for us. This sense of being cherished is reinforced in the New Testament, where we are described as a special people, complementing the concept of treasure. In Malachi 3:17, this perception deepens as we are seen not as a single entity but as individual jewels of great value. These jewels, plural in number, signify many distinct individuals, each treasured by Him to the extent that He will spare us as His own son. Each jewel within the body of the church is the focus of His warm and caring attention, emphasizing that we are not merely parts of a whole but individuals whom He personally values and loves.

Knowledge and Wisdom (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

Solomon urges us to seek wisdom as we would seek for buried treasure. Wisdom is more valuable than any physical treasure chest full of gold Eagles.

Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.

God's Pearls

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

Our spiritual development is like the creation of a pearl. Just as the oyster coats an irritant with a mother of pearl, we begin as an irritant in God's creation.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The church constitutes Christ's treasure, hidden in the world, purchased and redeemed with Christ's blood. The Pearl of Great Price depicts a rich merchant (Christ), the only one who had the means to redeem His church. The Dragnet symbolizes the scope of God's calling while the separation process indicates God's high standards of selection, indicating a time of righteous and impartial judgment. The Householder parable shows the responsibility of the ministry to be authoritative interpreters of scripture, using what they have learned and experienced to instruct the people.

A Priceless Gift

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.

God's Love and Teachings for His Children

Sermon by Kim Myers

God lovingly teaches His children, just as a perfect parent. As children cry out to their parents, so human nature drives God's people to complain to Him.

Supreme Permanence and Value

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Our offerings must reflect the radiance of Christ. Only God can assess the quality of light in the precious stones He has called.

Living Stones in God's House

Article by Staff

Solomon's glorious Temple must have been a sight to behold. God's church, however, is His Temple now—and each of us living stones in it.

Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Loyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.

The Fear of God (Part Four)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The fear of God is the first line of defense, keeping us from profaning God's name, tarnishing the image of the Lord, and defending us from pain and/or death.

The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.

Why Are We Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Affliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.

Do We Remember Who We Are?

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

Though we are the weak in the world, in God's eyes we are precious. Although we are right now lower than angels, we will be set over the works of His hands.

The Whirlpool of War

Article by John O. Reid

In God's vast experience, He knows that war produces hatreds that last for generations and destroys people's lives, reputations and potentials.