11/17/2025
Come as you are we do not have a dress code
PRIDE SOCIAL DIVISION AND LEGALISM
This is the text from the last message I preached
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”
James 2:1-7 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/jas.2.7.KJV
The idea that dressing up for church is a requirement imposed by the church, and thus a heresy, is a debated topic with historical and theological roots. Some argue that the practice of dressing up for worship is not biblically mandated and may stem from cultural or historical developments rather than divine command. For instance, the early church did not have a uniform dress code, and the notion of dressing up for worship is not explicitly required in Scripture. Instead, the Bible emphasizes the heart attitude over outward appearance, stating that true worship is in spirit and truth. The concern is that focusing on clothing can lead to pride and social distinctions, which the Bible warns against, such as in James 2:1-7, where favoritism toward the wealthy is condemned.
The practice of dressing up for church is often traced to the 19th century, particularly with the publication of an essay titled "Taste and Fashion" in 1843, which promoted the idea that refinement and sophistication in dress were attributes of God and thus should be emulated by Christians. This cultural shift led to the widespread adoption of formal attire in churches, especially among the middle and upper classes, despite earlier Christian movements like Methodism and Baptism opposing such displays of wealth. John Wesley, for example, taught that fine clothing was sinful and recommended plain dress as part of a "gospel of plainness," even going so far as to deny admittance to those who wore expensive apparel.
Critics argue that requiring formal dress can be a form of legalism, placing undue emphasis on external appearances rather than internal devotion. They point out that God values humility and modesty over ostentation, as seen in Paul’s instruction to women not to adorn themselves with gold, pearls, or expensive clothing. Furthermore, the idea that one must wear a suit or dress to worship is seen by some as a form of image management or pride, which contradicts the New Covenant’s emphasis on access to God at all times and in all circumstances.
However, others argue that dressing up for worship is not inherently heretical but can be a sign of reverence and respect for God, especially in formal worship settings. The Bible does show sensitivity to context in clothing, such as David dressing in a "robe of fine linen" and a "linen ephod" when worshipping God, even though he was a king. The principle of dressing appropriately for the occasion—such as wearing royal garments for a royal event or special attire for worship—is supported by biblical examples like the "holy attire" called for in 1 Chronicles 16:29. The key distinction is not between "dressy" and "casual" but between modesty and reverence versus ostentation and pride.
In conclusion, while the church has historically encouraged dressing up for worship, this practice is not a biblical mandate and may be seen by some as a cultural tradition rather than a doctrinal requirement. The heresy, if any, lies not in the act of dressing up itself, but in the potential for it to become a source of pride, social division, or legalism—factors that contradict the spirit of Christian humility and equality. Ultimately, the heart attitude toward God is what matters most, and outward appearance should reflect reverence rather than a desire to impress others.
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
