A Clean Vessel
Book
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"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean
the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of
extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is
within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also"
(Matt 23:25-26).
Jesus did not say to cleanse only the inside, or just the outside, but
both are to be cleansed. He also did not say that if you cleansed only
the inside that the outside would be clean, but he did say to cleanse first
the inside, which upon the doing of this the outside is washed.
Reach the heart, the affections, if the heart is not touched the actions
will not be clean, even though they may be made to appear clean. It is
not hard to get someone to correct their dress habits if their heart is
set on things above. When the attitudes are pure, the motives right, the
person will change appearance to conform to the Bible.
It seems that the Pharisees worked hard to appear righteous, but that
is never a substitute for actually being righteous. It is not the doctrine
of Jesus to ignore the outer appearance, he specifically left the impression
that he wants the vessel to be clean, to appear so.
On the other hand, if the outward man is all that we are concerned with,
if inner feelings are not set in order those impulses will make their way
to the surface. It is a dead and formal religion where all men speak about
or pay attention to is the outward man. Just to look beautiful, the Pharisees
could do that, they appeared as whited sepulchers. Boast of a man's appearance
and he will react, but when you discern his heart problem, then he is apt
to sulk.
Both Paul and Peter left us with the admonition to adorn the person
with modesty and the grace of God, they gave sound advice on caring for
the outer man, but no less did they tell us how to care for the inner man.
We are to clean up the person, for it is a meaningful saying that cleanliness
is next to godliness, but that S not the sum total.
Our body is not to be polluted, we are not to be cigarette sucking,
or snuff dipping people, it is not in the least comely for a saint to be
filthy in his habits. Drunkards will have their part in the lake of fire,
not in heaven. You can see by this that God looks on the outward man no
less than on the inward, for if the inner man be affected with righteous
principles, that light will shine out to the world around.
There are not a few religious folks around who think nothing of adorning
their physical person with gold and silver, fancy clothing, expensive garments,
painted faces, and nearly nude bodies. Their religion does not require
much of them, nor does it offer them much in return. All they appear to
have is a faint hope of heaven some day, though admitting to rebellion
in their heart against God in the form of pleasurable sins.
Apparently some folks have not yet discovered what the lusts of the
flesh are, or on the other hand they excuse them as necessary evils which
they suppose the Lord just overlooks in love. Such is an affront to the
precious blood of Christ which as shed to cleanse and free from sin
This treasure we have in earthen vessels, the gift of salvation with
the giver himself indwelling. How is it that we should cast such a wrong
impression upon our guest by allowing ourselves to be careless in our outward
appearance. But, excuses are plentiful for the comfort of the body, and
so men and women undress, or dress contrary to holiness.
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves
in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair,
or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing
godliness) with good works" (1 Tim 2:8-10).
The apparel with which men and women are to adorn themselves is itself
to be modest, it is to avoid either extreme. It should not be rich clothing,
overly bright In colors and mixtures, neither expensive. It is to sufficiently
cover the body which means the neck area and proper portions of the legs
and arms. By the neck area I do not mean the high necked attire of pride,
but certainly there should not be low necked dresses which expose part
of the body by lack of sufficient material, or material too thin, neither
should the clothing be hanging indecently loose in those areas.
The saints are to avoid dressing in any clothing that is sexy in suggestion,
that is, that which is too tight and revealing of the contours of the body
to the extreme. There are some whose clothing is so tight it appears they
were almost poured into them, that is indecent!
The standard which Paul established was, that "which becometh women
professing godliness" or God likeness. If the clothing is modest before
it is put on, and the proper fit, then the one wearing it will be modest
in appearance.
Women who sit around carelessly expose parts of their body which ought
to remain covered. Then they resent being told, some of them do, because
they do not possess shamefacedness. Part of this problem stems from the
lack of clarity in preaching for it is not preached on enough in some places,
while in others it is used as a hobby horse to the neglect of other important
subjects. When the dress lengths are not adequate there 'will not be sufficient
covering when the wearer sits down. Women who are heavier need to allow
for the extra length so that when they sit, stoop, or move about they will
not be Indecently exposing their body.
To make light of that which is the standard does not require the use
of words, for one need merely shrug the shoulders and that plainly speaks
the sentiment of the heart. There are many who close their ears to the
truth on this subject, and Paul describes it by saying they turn away their
ears unto fables.
How can you tell if people are really listening to the gospel? By the
way they react, it shows up in what they do with what is taught.
You see the fruit they bear and by that you know the stand they are taking.
a great message is spoken without them saying any thing, yet you can tell
they have rejected'. the counsel.
But the Bible teaches also against the wearing of gold, or silver, or
pearls, and so we may gather from this that the Bible teaches against wearing
jewelry of any kind, or for any reason. Men and women do not need wedding
bands or rings as some suggest, for if they conduct themselves as they
ought no one will question their status. Rings of any kind and necklaces,
just plain jewelry of any kind does not belong on the saints, all such
things are for show to display the flesh and have no spiritual values.
Peter, in addressing the wives, admonishes them to have chaste conversation
and reverence, that is, their daily conduct is to be such that it will
not reflect any evil tendencies in them, even toward their unsaved husbands.
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be
the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price" (1 Pet 3:3-4).
In both cases, that of Paul and Peter, in dealing with this subject
of adornment, both the men are to dress in modest apparel, that is, in
simple and not expensive clothing. Gaudiness attractsattention to the flesh,
it puts self on display, and fancy clothing is more of a lure than any
thing else.
Neither should the people of God, believers, dress in shabby clothes
for the purpose of making some kind of impression. There are times when
people do have to wear what ever is given to them, some not having the
means to purchase for themselves, and in all such cases there is no pretense
involved. But to select clothing just to look affluent, or poor, is contrary
to sound judgment.
Modest suggests not going to either extreme in dress. Does not the word
of God condemn excesses? It surely does! On the thought of women wearing
men's clothing1 such as pant suits, slacks, such is not proper,
it is not becoming women professing holiness. The principle of the thing
was recorded in the law, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth
unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that
do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God" (Deut 22:5).
From the knee and upwards, including the whole knee which is part of
the thigh, and the body, from the neck downward, including parts of the
arms next to the shoulders, should not be exposed as they are of the trunk
of the body. Sleeveless and near sleeveless dresses are not the attire
of saints. Those little fake sleeves are not becoming the saints either.
The wearing of shorts or of swimming suits does not become the saints,
although such fits in well down in Babylon.
There has to be a limitation, some restraints on what we wear, and all
who indulge in the wrong kind of dress are a reproach to God and his cause.
We are not of the world and therefore are not to dress or act like the
world.
Not only should women wear dresses, but they should make them so as
to cover the entire body, extending the hemline far enough below the knees
that whether stooping; bending, or sitting they will be properly covered,
and that should be held as the minimum standard for holiness. I am well
aware that some do not do this, but I take it they are not sincere as they
ought to be in the things of God.
Now some might wonder why we go to such great lengths to spell this
out so plain. With the adversary so cunning, and the weaknesses in humanity
ever present, some things cannot be left up to the individual's discretion.
People are always looking for exceptions to the rule, and if they do not
know of one they might tend to think one up.
I recall once when a certain preacher who did not like to deal with
specifics made the statement that he dealt in generalities and let the
Holy Ghost show each individual. It we are the mouth pieces for God we
will speak the mind of God regardless of who accepts it or resents it.
When we spell out what God requires there is no room left for bickering
and second guessing. If God's Spirit is able to show the minister what
is the standard, and puts him as watchman on the wall, if he sees something
not normal for the saints, it is his place to cry out against it, and if
it be something practiced by a person in a leading position, if they do
not correct their fault he is to remove them, he has that power vested
in him by reason of the office he holds.
The Corinthians were a people of variety, and Paul, knowing that some
of the women had developed a taste for finery in dress, rebuked such. It
is needful that we all in the one body of Christ speak just one sound doctrine.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
YE ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you;
but that ye be PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER in the same mind and in the same
judgment" (1 Cor 1:10). Is Christ Jesus who is the Word of God, the Doctrine
sent down from God the Father, divided? If we cannot as the people of God
hold the same standard of dress, on what issue can we all see alike, or
to what standard can we hold?
If something is essential to the body of Christ in any area on any matter,
if it has cause to be an issue, it applies equally to all alike as a standard.
Required of one, it is likewise required of all. There is no standard short
of application to every member of the body alike!
God does not run a loose organization in which each person selects the
way they are going to look and act. He put the stars in their place and
appointed the bounds of the sun, moon, seas, and habits of animals. Every
thing goes under Divinely appointed laws, referred to as laws or nature.
We call them laws of nature because it is natural for every thing to follow
a set pattern generation after generation. The course has been set and
the things appointed for that course follow therein. Seeing that God was
that detailed that which is to perish1 how much more in things
pertaining to eternal values.
It is the world, those living in sin who want to put the flesh on display
and make a mock of sin. Once people get salvation their life style is far
different, and as Paul said, Old things, habits, desires, are passed away,
and behold, all things become new and meaningful. Any person who picks
up a profession without some drastic changes in their life, being more
pronounced in those who have gone deep into sin, is to be held in question.
Take into consideration what God the Father has done for every one of
us in sending his Son to earth to live and die to redeem and deliver us
out of sin, for we who are saved can say he "hath delivered us from the
power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear
Son" (Col 1:13).
To change kingdoms, from the carnally minded to the spiritually minded,
is to change customs and affections. The first kingdom into which we are
born is carnal, it is earthly, and sensual, devilish, full of darkness,
it spawns evil appetites and brings about ungodly deeds. That is the state
of all who have not been born again!
The other kingdom is the kingdom of God into which we enter through
the new birth, and upon entering see it as being vastly different from
that out of which we have newly come. It is a kingdom of light, and within
it is happiness, joy, peace, true love of God, clean habits of life, and
the power to restrain one's appetites so that the heart follows after that
which is good and right. It is not normal for a child of God to want to
deck out their body with jewels and worldly garbage, scanty clothing or
suggestive apparel. ?;'either do they indulge in mannerisms foreign to
the light shed upon their path by the Spirit of God.
God's people are different, they are NOT OF THE WORLD! Worldly people
who are religious are false, they are in a deception that leads nowhere
but to hell. Without a change of heart and affection one is still of the
world. (2 Cor 5:17).
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us CLEANSE OURSELVES
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God" (2 Cor 7:1). The flesh is the outer man, and the spirit is
the inner man - both are to be made clean, purified. It is necessary that
this vessel in which we live, and into which the Spirit of Christ comes
at repentance, and the Holy Ghost indwells through sanctification, be clean,
both in its appearance and actual being. Every one who looks upon you should
see the effects of the Spirit of Christ upon your life. You should be hid
away with Christ in God!
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having
our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with
pure water" (Heb 10:22). You should not go about smelling like a hog's
pen, looking like a scarecrow, when you are a child of God.
What is it that effects such great changes as this? Preaching the Word
of God in its unadulterated form and those hearing it measuring to all
of its mandates. When God's word is taught in its purity, that is what
constitutes the STANDARD! This is what every believer is to live by. Allowing
deviations, making exceptions, disregarding certain parts, those are things
which void the simplicity of the gospel and breaks up the standard until
there is no certain sound going out any more, and the people do as they
please.
"husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy
and without blemish" 4 (Eph 5:25, 27) And how was he to accomplish this?
"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
Word" (Eph 5:26).
The gospel when preached in the correct manner, under the anointing
of the Spirit of God, will effect a cleansing both of the soul and body.
There is also no less of a need for believers to continue sitting under
the sound of the gospel to keep them clean. The enemy of the soul is always
trying by some means to overthrow the faith of the saved, and to take them
in some kind of snare.
Saints are not glorifying God when they go about looking crabby, sour,
unhappy, or deserted. They are to be a praise unto God, an example to all
who see them of victory over sin, the world, the flesh and devil. They
are not to look tickle either, or to dress gaudy, nor be worldly minded.
Although the world is made up mostly of sin loving people, yet the saints
as the salt of the earth are having some effect on the way they dress,
and did so in a greater way when the church was a burning light. So even
if they do tend to dress indecently, yet the examples of the believers
is before them and wields some weight.
When the church becomes affected by worldly dress the whole lot sinks
down into the mire of corruption. We who are believers have a great responsibility
to keep ourselves free from the world and clothed in garments becoming
people professing to be the children of God.
To the Jews the following message was addressed in prophetic tones,
"Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen
upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness
the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be
seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to
the brightness of thy rising" (Isa 60:1-3). What a grand and glorious heritage
the Israelites rejected! But to those who did receive Christ as the Savior
this came to pass, and the glory still lingers on in the hearts and lives
of these who receive a love of God and of his truths.
If the world looks like the church, or the church looks like the world,
where are the marks of distinction? God's people are marked, they are shining
lights to a lost world out in sin, they are lifted up for the world to
see, and in them is seen the beauty of holiness, which is the glory of
God. Thus the words of the Lord, "Let your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"
(Matt 5:16).
Here then is the proof that when we get the light of God in our hearts
there is such a change that the world has no trouble seeing there is a
difference. Our conduct, dress, and manner of walk is changed, our habits
are cleansed and changed as becomes the gospel. Shortly after getting saved
a believer begins to shuck off worldly things, they get a new wardrobe
in some instances. They do not keep going to the same places of worldly
amusement, and their once perverted appetites are cleansed.
A clean vessel means a clean body, which is normally the fruit
of a clean heart. God expects and demands this truth to be taught! As further
proof, in the experience of sanctification the physical body becomes a
living sacrifice, presented by the seeker in the manner Paul instructed
the Romans. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACTRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE unto
God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom 12:1). From a state of justification
before God one is to advance on into an experience of perfection, properly
called sanctification.
When one is not yet sanctified there may be occasions when the lack
shows up in one's dress. The body is still wanting to display some likeness
to this worldly attire, proving there is still depravity around. The real
problem is not in the physical body, but in the heart. The soul that is
sanctified can give God a wholehearted service.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect will of God" (Rom 12:2). Strangely enough, a believer is not to
be conformed to the world, that is, to the rebellious element common to
a depraved heart. Those who are of this world are self seeking, presumptuous,
lovers of sinful and forbidden pleasures. They who are strangers to God
will deck out their bodies with paint, jewelry, scanty clothing, and any
thing that is a reproach to their Maker. Saints are to have a different
mind, their desires are to be clean.
Even so, a code of dress alone does not make one to be part of the body
of Christ. Nevertheless, the church is to have a standard of dress and
it is modesty. It may be argued that customs change with time, and to an
extent that is true, but never is modesty to change, nor holiness. In any
generation decency must be maintained by all lovers of truth.
When men and women dress alike, cut their hair alike to look the same,
that is an abomination to God, it is detested in his sight, and those who
do such are under a curse. But in a world that is highly religious you
can expect perverted living because of the perversion in people's hearts.
Those who worship as pleases them will rebel against God's standard. They
will eat their own bread, that is, they will formulate a creed of their
own to go by, be it ever so contrary to God's word, and they will establish,
if it can be called that, a dress code which is to do as one pleases. Such
poor deluded souls are motivated by a spirit, but it is not the Spirit
of God.
There is discipline in the church of God for all of its members alike.
God has appointed pastors who are to oversee the worship services, and
to enforce the standard of God's Word upon those who profess. When there
is need of reproof he is to give it in the Spirit of love.
To be a clean vessel one must be of the right temperament, attitudes
and disposition must be right. It is not just our outward appearance, but
our tone of voice, our motions, our life is to be seasoned with grace,
which means our words spoken must convey the Spirit of Christ.
Only a soul that is saved, justified, is able to present its body as
a living sacrifice. Sinners cannot do this! God gives the Holy Ghost to
them that obey, those who are walking in the light of justification. The
act of consecration is that of a complete sell out, a total submission
to God to do his whole will in all things. The body that is placed upon
the golden altar in dedication must be holy, it cannot be a body that is
foul with the sins of the world. The power of sin is broken in the first
work of grace, and when that soul is convinced of its need for sanctification
it can meet all of the requirements of God to be sanctified.
The religious cult that emphasizes the gift of tongues as evidence of
having the Holy Ghost, many if not all of them live in sin, they dwell
in darkness. The light of God soon sheds conviction upon a soul to get
out of such places and to come to Zion.
There are some people who want to be accepted, and they can act so nice,
until the judgments of God fall upon their idol, then they show what sort
of spirit they are of.
It is in order at this point to say that when every soul who is saved
by the grace of God, is on fire and in the light of God1
is
united together for the world to see, that their manifestation of love
to each other convinces of the grace of God. But so long as the hearts
of professors are deceived and spoiled by divisions, and they are unwilling
to submit to the truth, there will be divisions, which are a reproach to
the intelligence and holiness of God. Having the same mind and same judgment
does not belong to people of the world so far as truth is concerned.
A preacher that can please those in his midst who profess and dress
like the world, it is because he is not a man of God, but a worldly preacher.
No Holy Ghost anointed preacher will be making allowances for people to
live like the world, for those are made by hypocritical blind dogs.
Back under the first covenant God commanded Israel on what they could
and could not eat, where they were to live or not live, and some in particular
what they could or could not wear. He put upon them many restrictions,
and it displeased him if they did not abide therein. Why then do we think
it should be so vastly different in this our day? Even in the very beginning
after man fell in the garden, having chosen for himself a fig leaf apron,
God rejected that and provided him with an animal skin for a covering,
and his wife also. To say that how we dress makes no difference is to abide
in the worst kind of deception.
The only reason a person would think that God doesn't care how they
dress is because they want to dress like the world and will not allow that
God will be displeased. Their heart is not right with God, it is not in
line with the gospel. God does not leave it up to every one's own decision
or taste as to what they do, say, wear, or the places they go. If they
go their own way it is because they are not children of God, for his children
obey him!
The people of God are as described by Peter (1 Pet 2:9), "a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;" and it is these
people alone who can show forth the praises of God by how they adorn their
physical bodies, and how they manifest a right spirit, all of which is
visibly seen in their conduct. God has called souls out of darkness into
the glorious light of his Son, and those who go right on living like the
world are still of the world, not converted.
I have laid great stress upon the necessity of proper outward adornment,
which without doubt needs to be emphasized, but there is also a need to
go farther and point out the other evils associated with the outward man
besides how he or she is clothed.
Believers, men and women alike, are not to drink alcoholic beverages,
or use tobacco in any form. They are not to attend movies, or watch them
at home on a TV, for it is not pro-per to even have a TV, and someone with
strong convictions will not be guilty of possessing one. Then they should
not read obscene or perverted books either. Some books are full of the
filth of the flesh, they are not fit to be read by saints. This is part
of our appearance before the eyes of the world. We are not of the world!
You ought to comprehend by now that it takes more than a profession
or going by the right name to be in the church of God. A new birth is a
must if one is going to have spiritual
life. One's affections must be made pure. It is self deception to think
or convince one's self that it doesn't make any difference with God, we
can go our own way, do our own thing or make our own creed to live by.
Another area in which there has been too much leaning toward the world
is in the area of how men and women do, or take care of their hair. You
can find about any opinion that men and women look for who do not want
to follow after the Bible. Some of the modern styles are suggestive, too
loose, too worldly. We should avoid all extremes for so the word modest
implies. Apostasy and super spirituality are to be shunned as neither will
benefit the soul.
Paul the apostle and Peter both told women how not to fix their hair,
and that should suffice to teach women of today to keep clear of worldliness.
Simplicity resulting from the preaching of a simple gospel is what it takes
to please God.
The Bible should be kept simple and to the point, but the many interpretations,
opinions, theological turns and twists all add up to justify the many splits
and divisions which are nothing less than carnal outcroppings of the flesh.
Pure doctrine is vital to a pure church, and to pure lives. As a man believes,
so will he practice. People do get to the place they think they can get
by and still go to God's heaven, though out of step with God's word.
I would have to say that women who are unable to live with the gospel
requirements for dress and appearance, and men as well, have a problem
with the "lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life."
(1 John 2:15). What the Bible does say is that it is the glory of the woman
to have long hair, and a shame for man to have long hair. To add too much
to the word perverts it and brings in commandments of men in place of the
pure Word. Traditions are easily started when men without a clear vision
work to erect some kind of monument to their name that has some strangeness
about it. They mistakenly think that God is going to reward them for their
efforts to erect a church after their own liking, and imagination of what
God's church ought to be like. Often they build up another sect instead
of the great church of God.
It is acceptable for men and women to be modest in every respect, neat
and clean - the Bible does teach us cleanliness, but to use excesses in
adornment is not sound doctrine. All of our actions, standing, sitting,
walking, or what ever, if it be done with a wrong motive behind it, then
it is immoral, it is sinful.
As ministers begin to cool off in their own spiritual life, they begin
to make allowances, they gradually and craftily lower the standard of the
Word. They will ease off on the pressure to be holy, and such moves is
what takes groups down into the depths of apostasy.
Our change of views from what we received at and immediately following
conversion becomes a serious matter. If we were at first informed wrongly,
the Spirit will teach us the way of truth. But to see someone spiritual,
zealous, and on fire for God, begin to ease off, taking a lesser position
on matters of external appearance only to gratify the flesh, death is in
the pot, they are feasting on carnal vanities, not the truth.
The reason there is some uniformity in the church of God is because
of its uniformity in doctrine. It is not "to each his own," but all have
a commitment to each other to live by the Word of God, meaning that we
imitate Christ.
Some have developed, no doubt by the help of the devil, the attitude
that it doesn't matter what you believe, so long as you are sincere. That
attitude makes every man the originator of his own creed, his religion
is a product of his own making, with nothing in it being divine.
Our salvation is of God, therefore our standard must also be of God.
A clean vessel, cleansed by the blood of Christ through faith, else God
will not dwell within! It is by the grace of God that we are saved, and
by which we also stand. That same grace is a constant issue from the Holy
Ghost, not a come and go thing that is seasonal.
If man subscribes to God' clan of salvation, why should there be, and
how can there be a variety of opinions? Paul made no allowance for the
many differences of opinion, he said to the Corinthians they were to all
speak the same thing, be of the same mind and same judgment. That is the
standard for God's church!
The idea that people of foreign nations are to keep their own customs
and do their thing is not gospel. If they are idolaters, or adulterers,
or thieves, or liars, they are to be changed by the gospel. So if they
go about indecently dressed, there is still one gospel, clean up the vessel
and adorn it according to the Bible. The idea that a person is saved while
still wallowing in their sins is not sound doctrine. If the truth will
produce a church in this country of the USA, it will produce nothing less
in any country, if the truth is properly proclaimed. A clean vessel for
the truth is the lowest standard taught in the Word.
© Copyright February 1985
A. K. Chancellor