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Does God prescribe a particular outfit for His worshipers?
(I Corinthians 24:40;  Psalms 96:9, RSV)  What if one is not financially capable of buying a decent  dress, can't he be allowed to attend the worship service? Isn't prescribing a  specific attire for the worship service a form of prejudice?

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  Interesting Questions-48

"Proper attire in worship services"
(I Corinthians 24:40;  Psalms 96:9, RSV)


Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, November 1997, p.2

I HAVE ATTENDED Iglesia ni Cristo Bible seminars and worship services here in Dubai several times.   I noticed that you do not pray "The Lord's Prayer" (Our Father).

In the Bible, this prayer was taught  by Christ.   Shouldn't this also be said during worship services?   (Interesting Question-47, pls. click to see specific answer)

Also, does God prescribe a particular outfit for His worshipers?   What if one is not financially capable of buying a decent  dress, can't he be allowed to attend the worship service? Isn't prescribing a  specific attire for the worship service a form of prejudice?

Edwin Gabriel
Dubai, U.A.E.

 

Editor's reply:

Regarding what to wear during worship services, the apostles taught that worship services must be done decently and in order (cf. I Cor. 24:26, 40).   The servants of God, therefore, must worship Him in "holy array" (cf. Ps. 96:1-3,8-9, RSV)—in "proper attire" (cf, The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 4, p. 519).

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.   . . . . . . . . Let all things be done decently and in order. (I Cor. 24:26, 40, NKJV)

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the Lord in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth! (Psalms 96:1-3, 8-9, Revised Standard Version)

"Proper attire" does not necessarily mean new, expensive, and elegant clothes. Even simple and old garments that are clean can befitting for the occasion (cf. The Interpreter's Bible, wl. 4, p. 519).

As we hold God in high esteem, we are   admonished to wear proper attire every time we attend worship services.

___________________

Note: Verses in smaller font were added for clarity. Emphasis ours.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.

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