Makeup is seen as conflicting with spiritual truth, often tied to vanity and seduction rather than internal righteousness. In Ezekiel 16:16, it is linked negatively to harlotry through Israel's misuse of God's gifts by coloring her face. Similarly, Queen Jezebel's use of cosmetics reflects deceit and manipulation. Makeup is considered futile, failing to glorify God or align with His purpose, as it focuses on external appearance over a godly heart. Historically, its increasing use marks a loss of innocence and a shift toward worldly values, distancing it from the childlike purity Jesus taught. Ultimately, it is regarded as a vanity that hides reality and does not honor God's standards of modesty and reverence.

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Matthew (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The issue of makeup serves as a striking example of how preconceived ideas from the world can clash with spiritual truth. It was a shock to many because it did not align with prior concepts of acceptability. Yet, the response to this challenge was commendable, as the ladies, though perhaps reluctant, chose to comply by removing it. This act, even if not always with the best attitude, reflects a willingness to align with the teaching received, demonstrating a step toward overcoming worldly influences and building on the foundation of truth.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's perspective on makeup, as reflected in the biblical illustrations, reveals a critical view tied to the heart's condition and outward expression. In Ezekiel 16:16, Israel, portrayed as a woman, is described as coloring her high places, interpreted as her face and hair, which is presented negatively in the context of harlotry and misuse of God's gifts. This suggests that cosmetics, when used in a manner that reflects vanity or seduction, are contrary to honoring Him. The use of makeup is further associated with deceit and seduction in the example of Queen Jezebel, a Gentile known for her manipulative heart, where it carries an entirely negative connotation. This reinforces the idea that cosmetics can symbolize a focus on external vanity rather than internal righteousness. Moreover, the broader biblical narrative on attire and adornment indicates that makeup, like clothing, should not be used to draw attention to oneself in a worldly or seductive manner. It is seen as futile and useless in regard to God's purpose, failing to glorify Him or prepare one to be in His image. Historically, the increasing use of makeup in society is linked to a loss of innocence and a shift toward cosmopolitan values, further distancing it from the childlike innocence Jesus taught. In summary, the perspective presented is that makeup, when viewed against the backdrop of biblical evidence on attire and adornment, is considered a vanity that does not align with God's standards of modesty and reverence. It is portrayed as a means to hide reality rather than reflect the godly heart He desires.

Matthew (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the context of making decisions based on the teachings we receive, a significant example of deception within the church involved the issue of makeup. Certain individuals, while a key leader was out of the country, manipulated a communication regarding a single scripture, Isaiah 3:16, in which the leader conceded a point. However, they went further by adding content not authored by him, forging his signature, and presenting it to the ministry as if it were his complete statement. This act of deceit misled many, including the ministry, demonstrating how subtle and deceptive false teaching can be. Though the deception was initially successful due to the trust placed in the leader's name, it was later revealed as false. God does not hold such deception against those who were sincerely misled, but once the truth is uncovered, it becomes our responsibility to reject the false teaching and return to the truth. This incident underscores the importance of discernment and the need to carefully evaluate the teachings we receive, even within the church, to ensure they align with the truth.

Making the Right Choice

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

The Bible is dogmatic about certain core doctrines, but we are left to decide how to understand other issues with principles we glean from His Word.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Clothing and hair length signal and reflect areas of rebellion, defiled attitudes, and spiritual health, providing a barometer of a person's character.

Matthew (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.

The Ninth Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot measure how much evil the tongue has perpetrated, for falsehoods disguised as truth have destroyed reputations and even nations.

Forty Years On

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Herbert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, forty years ago. After sixty years of building a worldwide work, it took just a few years to tear it down.

Penalty of Death

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Gossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.

What does CGG believe regarding cosmetics? dress lengths? hair lengths? men wearing earrings? tattoos?

Frequently Asked Questions

As we grow in the grace and knowledge of God—becoming more humble, modest and holy—our involvement with such questionable practices should disappear.