May
31
Possessing the Truth In Unrighteousness
Filed Under Christianity, Moral virtue, The kingdom of heaven, Women's rights movement
Before we examine this matter of cosmetics as stated in the last posting, we will first examine two other matters. To begin with, we will consider a most relevant and revealing message found in the opening three chapters of Romans. This will be followed by a short address as to how feminism is so entirely destructive.
In Romans 1:18, Paul says something that is immensely relevant to the church today. Here we read:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who possess the truth in unrighteousness ….
In these three chapters, Paul contrasts the Jews and the Gentiles. But for us today, the Jews are really not an issue, as in the time of Paul, but rather the issue is regarding the believer. You will notice in this verse that the focus is on those who “possess the truth in unrighteousness.” Unfortunately, many translations use the word “suppress” instead of “possess”; in other words, “men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The old King James version is one that, in this case, actually has this right: “who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
The Greek word in question here is “katecho,” which means to either “hold fast,” or conversely, to “hold back.” For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:2 Paul said they would be saved “if you hold fast the word which I preached to you.” Or in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, they were urged to “hold fast to that which is good.” Similarly, it is translated “possess,” as in 1 Corinthians 7:30 where we read, “those who buy, as though they did not possess.” Out of the eighteen uses of katecho, excluding the verse in question here, it is used only three times pertaining to holding back. In all other cases it means to hold or possess. (You will notice in katecho the preceding portion “kata,” which, as with katastole [the woman’s long dress], strengthens “echo,” which means “to have or hold.” Thus, katecho is the strengthened form, “hold fast.”)
It is clear when examining this account in Romans 1-3 that “possess” is what is being said here in 1:18. As you read these three chapters, the focus is regarding the Jews, who did indeed possess the truth, even the Law. As stated in Romans 3:1-2, they were “entrusted with the oracles of God.” But the translators seemed confused regarding this since the truth was possessed “in unrighteousness.” However, this was precisely the point! In examining these three chapters, one finds that this was in fact the very issue and message at hand.
In Romans 2:24, Paul noted, “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you [Jews] ….” Why? Because, though they possessed the truth, the oracles of God, their lives evidenced unrighteousness. This statement was preceded by Paul’s like comparison, “for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves …” (Romans 2:13-14). And even in Romans 11:12, here being identified as Israel instead of Jews (verse 7), Paul clearly states concerning them, “Now if [Israel’s] transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!” Again, the issue here is that those who possessed the truth, the oracles of God, failed because of their unrighteousness!
Does this sound familiar today? Paul was contrasting the Jews, or even the Israelites, with the Gentiles; but this is precisely what now takes place between the Body of Christ and the Bride. Thus, appropriately replacing this contrast, and even looking to the fulfillment, in the verse we just read we see: “Now if the Body of Christ’s transgression is riches for the world (as mystery Babylon) and their failure is riches for the Bride, how much more will their fulfillment be (when they are eventually restored)!” As much as Paul had left the Jews and gone to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), today we must depart from Christianity and go to the Bride.
This comparison of the Jews and the Body of Christ is entirely appropriate. As we have seen many times, the Body of Christ occupies the place of Judah, the Jews. Not only is this true in such matters as the rod—the wilderness and the first Passover meal—but we are told in Hebrews 7 that priesthood, which is the church, is no longer in Levi but in Judah. In fact, it is in this portion of Romans we see that the believer is a Jew by virtue of Yahshua (Romans 2:28-29).
Furthermore, and this is important to understand, the way of Yahweh is to continually take creation to ever higher dimensions. (Read Seedtime and Harvest ….) Briefly, Yahweh began this course with the blood descendants of Abraham—the eventual twelve tribes—and gave them His Laws. But the blood descendants of Abraham were never intended to be the fulfillment, but were merely a type or shadow of that which would be—the church. This first work was relative to the first four natural dimensions of space and time.
The church began as the higher fifth dimension; and as stated in John 1:12-13, these are the sons of God by faith, “born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” This higher dimension work is the Body of Christ, which has existed for essentially two thousand years. However, like the five foolish virgins, these first five dimensions do not have sufficient oil that will get them into the marriage of the Lamb. This is reserved for the even higher dimension works, beginning with the sixth dimension of the Bride that comes out of the sleeping and dead Body of Christ. Certainly, if Yahweh passed over the disobedient Jews, would He not also pass over disobedient Christianity? Indeed so. Remember, and this is very important, both of these preceding works were early, before the time in which the Millennial kingdom could even be established. Both were short-fall flesh works, a state that insures corruption, defilement, and loss.
We see then that there was first the natural offspring of Abraham—the Jews/Israelites whom Paul spoke of. But as he also wrote, they failed, and their failure meant the blessing going to the spiritual Body of Christ. But Christianity repeats this stated failure, and the transfer process once again takes place with the riches going to the fulfilling Bride. As is His way, He passed over the first (natural Israel), He passes over the second (spiritual Judah per the Body), and He takes the third (spiritual Israel per the Bride). (To understand this divine principle, read The Passing Over Principle.)
Also, the repeat of this transfer follows that which was written in Ecclesiastes 1:9: “That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.” Therefore, that which Paul wrote of in Romans 1-3 is repeated in the church. This is shamefully most evident when we look at Christians and see Romans 1:18 all over again: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who possess the truth in unrighteousness ….” Clearly, the church has been the responsible repository of truth for two thousand years, but they too shamefully possess it in unrighteousness. Furthermore, verses 21 through 32 continue to address this guilt, seen here in verses 21 and 32:
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
… and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Remember, the Body of Christ is Christ’s crucified and afflicted body. On their heads are the cares of this world. Their eyes are blindfolded and they cannot see. They are afflicted by the world/worldliness to the extent that they do not even resemble the true Christ. Instead of rejecting “the kingdoms of the world and their glory” as did Yahshua when being tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-10), they have not only accepted but sought them. Furthermore, they are the three measures of meal that are leavened by a woman, and are completely leavened (Matthew 13:33). Because of their worldliness and unchecked sinful practices contrary to righteousness, as it is written, “the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of [them]” (Romans 2:24). How resoundingly true this is today.
The reality and guilt of this iniquity of Christianity is addressed in “Rightly Dividing the Word: The Deception of Worldliness.” You will recall that a list of some of these worldly practices included: from the accumulation of wealth and materialism, to women forsaking their place. If Paul came back today and saw the shameful worldly condition of the church, he would be so sorely vexed as to rend his clothes and sit mournfully in sackcloth and ashes.
In this series we are concentrating on this matter of women. Why? Because, as we have noted, the woman is in the place of the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7) who is easily deceived (1 Timothy 2:14) and has a tremendous propensity for vanity. She is the Eve who represents the created that continually does wrong. Remember, it was specifically stated that it was a woman who added the leaven that leavens the entire three measures. But it is not just the woman per se who brings this destruction—though, like Eve, she facilitates and pursues it—but Eveonian feminism destructively affects men and women alike with a spirit evidencing the same course and characteristics. This is fittingly evidenced particularly in politics, which is governance, the very place the woman iniquitously and wrongly desires. Because she is not designed for that place, as in the Garden her results are assured to bring death and destruction!
Today, Eveonian feminism is destroying this nation, and even the world, and must be exposed for what it is—death! We will address the man per se in a later posting, but because of the iniquity of the woman, as well as the immensely destructive spirit of feminism that pervades the world, affecting both male and female, we must address the female.
In 1 Timothy 3:11, we read from the New American Standard (NAS):
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
In Titus 2:3 we find like instruction:
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good ….
Let us now read another passage, 1 Peter 5:8:
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
So, you ask, what does this last passage have to do with the first two? All three share an identical Greek word. Can you guess what words above are from the same Greek word? Study these and see if you can find them. Maybe dignified, reverent, and sober? They seem similar. No, each of those are in fact from three different Greek words. Here are the words with the common Greek source: “malicious gossips” and “devil”! The Greek word here is “diabolos,” and means “accusatory, or to bring charges, usually with hostile intent.” How the NAS came up with malicious gossips is a wonder. (Young’s Literal Translation more accurately says “false accusers.”) Thirty-four times in the New Testament diabolos is translated “devil.” Only three times is it translated otherwise, and only as “malicious gossips”—in these two verses, and in 2 Timothy 3:3, having to do with men in the last days, today: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be … unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good ….”
Considering the predominant translation, we could thus say, “Women must likewise be dignified, not devils, but temperate, faithful in all things.” What is the quality of the devil and the nature of women that in this Greek word is warned to be avoided? It is having an accusatory attitude, making false accusations, finding fault so as to carry out a destructive intent.
It is most remarkable and highly relevant that this warning that is twice given to women, is the same quality that will be evidenced by men in the last days. Today, all one has to do is open their eyes and they can see this feminine diabolical (diabolos) spirit operating. The spirit of feminism that brought us the Curse of 1920 through the women’s rights movement has totally permeated society, to the extent that it is like having the vomit of drunkards on everything (Isaiah 28:7-8)—in our homes, in the schools, in the church, in the media, in our courts, in society, in the workplace, in the military, in government, everywhere.
This feminine spirit is often called political correctness, and in America is rampant in the Democrat political party. They deliver a constant barrage of emotion-driven criticism. They used this spirit of the devil to win the presidency in 2009, and through the House, Senate, and the President are now literally destroying this nation, just as the Garden was destroyed. They constantly stand in the place as the accuser with diabolical hostile intent. Today the Democrats and all male feminists clearly fulfill 2 Timothy 3:3. Democrats are female, and they thoroughly evidence it; while Republicans are male, and they cannot get away with the same behavior. If they tried to do so, the feminine Democrats would use it against them. Yet as a sign of the complete corruption of today, Republicans even support women in governance and voting, not realizing it is the very source of their problems.
Democrats are feminine, and as with the curse on the woman their main objective is to obtain power—to stand in the governmental place of the man. With that power they get others to be dependent upon them by establishing a nanny state. Also like many women, they do not restrain their spending, but assume that the money will always be there. Because the people of America have allowed feminism to prevail, taking root via giving women the right to vote and to be involved in governance, they have released and fed the spirit of feminism that is destroying us. As quoted in the last posting, it is as written: “Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray and confuse the direction of your paths” (Isaiah 3:12). This destruction is certain for any nation that embraces feminism. The cause of the economic failure of nations today is summarized in one verse from the Scriptures: “Because you have listened to the voice of your woman” (Genesis 3:17). Once again, that which has been, is that which will be.
The woman listened to the devil, and today she, and the feminine spirit she evidences, has become diabolos! Feminism destroyed the Garden, it destroyed man, it destroys families, it destroys individuals, it destroys the church, and it is destroying this nation and many other nations. Men and women are not equal, no matter what Eveonian feminism and lying political correctness try to tell us (even from Republicans). Their diabolical lie is trumped by the only solution to the curse that is placed upon the woman: “Your desire is for the place of your husband, and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16). The man is the head of the woman (1 Corinthians 11:3), and the only solution to the deadly fate of feminism is for the man to rule in every area of governance—in the home, in the schools, in the work place, in the courts, in civil government, and in the church.
Is this matter regarding the woman and feminism being exaggerated? I wish so; but Yahweh God has placed a spirit of blindness on people so as to not even see their enemy until they are destroyed. As stated and addressed in The Curse of 1920, feminism, with its women’s rights movement, is without doubt the most destructive force on the face of the earth today! Let us now examine this matter of women’s cosmetics.
In the last posting we saw how believing women are entirely deceived and shamefully follow the way of the world regarding dress. Sadly, Romans 1:18 is most certainly evidenced once again by Christian women regarding both their dress and cosmetics—they “possess the truth in unrighteousness.”
There are numerous testimonies—from the Scriptures, from the early church writers, even from the root meaning of the words used to identify cosmetics—that confirm their unrighteousness and inappropriate usage for any woman making a claim to godliness. As we have already seen, “it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.” Without question, if a person’s walk does not match the high goal of their calling—seeking “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”—then they prove themselves mere hearers and not doers.
Today is not a time to play games and to be a compromiser! As it is written, “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). One cannot afford to play games and roll the dice with their fate at this time. This is a time to be very cautious, discerning, uncompromising, and extremely circumspect in what they do. It has been aptly said that we have been subnormal for so long that when someone becomes normal, they are abnormal. In today’s fallen world, being abnormal is essential to righteousness. Let us thereby walk with holiness and in truth. As it is written, we must judge ourselves, that we may not be judged (1 Corinthians 11:31).
We will now begin this examination regarding cosmetics by first considering what the Scriptures say concerning them. It is highly significant and revealing that in every case where the use of cosmetics is mentioned, it is a testimony of wickedness, fittingly associated with the likes of Jezebel, harlots, and adulterers. We see here that cosmetics attest to committing adultery with the world.
In 2 Kings 9, the deplorable character, Jezebel, heard that Jehu was coming. What did she do? In verse 30 we read:
When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out the window.
This action on her part was her end, for she was then pushed out the window to be crushed under the wheels and horse’s hooves of Jehu’s chariot. This is the woman who vowed to kill Elijah, but later violently died after painting her eyes. This is the woman you identify with, ladies, when you paint your eyes.
Next we find two additional witnesses as to the meaning of cosmetics, here with the clear association with harlotry and adultery. In Jeremiah 4:29-30 we read:
At the sound of the horseman and bowman every city flees; they go into the thickets and climb among the rocks; every city is forsaken, and no man dwells in them. And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Although you dress in scarlet, although you decorate yourself with ornaments of gold, although you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you make yourself beautiful. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.
Then in Ezekiel 23:39-41, 43-45, and 48-49 we read:
“For when they had slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary on the same day to profane it; and lo, thus they did within My house. Furthermore, they have even sent for men who come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and lo, they came—for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments; and you sat on a splendid couch with a table arranged before it on which you had set My incense and My oil.
Then I said concerning her who was worn out by adulteries, ‘Will they now commit adultery with her when she is thus?’ But they went in to her as they would go in to a harlot. … But they, righteous men, will judge them [her] with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their [her] hands.”
“ ‘Thus I will make lewdness cease from the land, that all women may be admonished and not commit lewdness as you have done. Your lewdness will be requited upon you, and you will bear the penalty of worshiping your idols; thus you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.’ “
In both of these passages, the issue is desolation and profanement. This is the desolation of the church that has taken place for two thousand years. Cosmetics are just one more of the abominations that make the kingdom desolate. Women defile themselves by being friends with the world, taking on the appearance and ways of the world, making themselves an enemy of God as evidenced here.
Finally, though not specifically speaking of cosmetics, in Proverbs 6:23-25 we read yet another testimony relative to a harlot:
… reproofs for discipline are the way of life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with her eyelids.
These are the painted eyes of the adulteress, and this is precisely what women become when wearing cosmetics—they commit harlotry with the world, becoming one flesh with it. And there are always the smooth tongues of those who will justify this sin. Ladies, do you see any righteousness whatsoever in any of these testimonies from the Scriptures regarding cosmetics? To the contrary, they speak of Jezebel, harlots, adulterers, profanement, and desolation.
Furthermore, what do the words associated with cosmetics reveal? To begin with, from where does the word “cosmetics” originate? It is from the Greek word “kosmos,” which we have already seen means “world.” Ladies, you are putting the world on your eyes and face when you use cosmetics. These alterations are not neutral to Yahweh God, but clearly attest to your actions of committing adultery with the world.
Likewise you call this evil practice “makeup.” It is most revealing that when a person tells a lie, they make something up. This is quite fitting, for the woman’s face is now equally a lie. The early church writer, Tertullian, who wrote around 198 AD, made the same obvious conclusion: “Whatever is born is the work of God. So whatever is plastered on, is the devil’s work. … How unworthy of the Christian name it is to wear a fictitious face—you on whom simplicity in every form is enjoined! You, to whom lying with the tongue is not lawful, are lying in appearance” [Tertullian, 4.21].
Furthermore, one of the best known makers of cosmetics and the sixth largest, with sales of over five billion dollars a year, is Avon. Again quite fittingly and revealing as to what women participate in when wearing cosmetics, “Avon” is the Hebrew word for “iniquity”—the absence of moral or spiritual values! This again reveals the iniquitous nature of the Eveonian woman who wears kosmos.
Finally, where do women sit when applying this paint? They sit in front of vanity mirrors. Ladies, how much more evidence do you need that cosmetics are an adulterous relationship with the world that is a vain iniquity that leads to death? Every evidence in both the Scriptures and by the very words themselves, without exception tell you that wearing cosmetics is wrong and cannot be practiced by any woman making a claim to godliness.
We have just seen one testimony from an early church writing regarding cosmetics; let us now consider even more. It is quite revealing that immediately after the beginning of the church, leaders were already having to correct women regarding many moral issues, including dress, hair coloring and styling, adornments, and of course cosmetics. Women for all times have had an iniquity for vanity in appearance. As early as the Garden, Eve looked at the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and it appealed to the very sense that she draws attention to—her eyes!
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes …” (Genesis 3:6).
It is most revealing that the sin she gave herself to—the “delight to the eyes”—is continually her iniquity in that she wants others to delight in her eyes, and once again in a sinful and vain way. The woman draws attention to her eyes in an adulterous manner, fulfilling these Scripture passages we just read.
As you will see, this Eveonian iniquity was already at work immediately upon the church’s beginning. Also, these early writers presented valuable truth that Christianity as a whole completely ignores today. Oh that there would be the same conviction and instruction today. Reading these should all the more compel women today to put away these “wicked arts” and “deceptions,” as Clement called them, and apply the truths set forth here. Following are some of the statements of these early writers. Read them carefully and thoughtfully.
He [God] takes away anxious care for clothes, food, and all luxuries as being unnecessary. What are we to imagine, then, should be said about love of embellishments, the dyeing of wool, and the variety of colors? What should be said about the love of gems, exquisite working of gold, and still more, of artificial hair and wreathed curls? Furthermore, what should be said about staining the eyes, plucking out hairs, painting with rouge and white lead, dyeing of the hair, and the wicked arts that are employed in such deceptions [Clement of Alexandria, about 195 AD, 2.264]?
Those women who wear gold imitate the Egyptians. They occupy themselves with curling their locks. They are busy anointing their cheeks, painting their eyes, dyeing their hair, and practicing the other pernicious arts of luxury. The truth is that they deck the covering of their flesh in order to attract their infatuated lovers [Clement of Alexandria, about 195 AD, 2.272].
What does God think of spurious beauty, rejecting utterly as He does all falsehood [Clement of Alexandria, about 195 AD, 2.274]?
Nor are the women to smear their faces with the ensnaring devices of wily cunning. But let us show to them the decoration of sobriety [Clement of Alexandria, about 195 AD, 2.286].
For those women sin against God when they rub their skin with ointments, stain their cheeks with rouge, and make their eyes prominent with antimony. To them, I suppose, the artistic skill of God is displeasing [Tertullian, about 198 AD, 4.20]!
Let us only wish that we may be no cause for just blasphemy! But how much more provocative of blasphemy is it that you, who are called modesty’s priestesses, should appear in public decked and painted out after the manner of the immodest [Tertullian, about 198 AD]?
I will then see whether you will rise [at the resurrection] with your ceruse and rouge and saffron—and in all that parade of headgear. I will then see whether it will be women thus decked out whom the angels carry up to meet Christ in the air! If these things are now good, and of God, they will then also present themselves to the rising bodies [Tertullian, about 198 AD, 4.22].
“Now Susannah was a very delicate woman.” This does not mean that she had flashy adornments on herself or eyes painted with various colors—as Jezebel had. Rather, it means she had the adornment of faith, chastity, and sanctity [Hippolytus, about 205 AD, 5.193].
She is not a modest woman who strives to stir up the fancy of another—even though her physical chastity is preserved. Away with those who do not really adorn their beauty, but prostitute it instead. For anxiety about beauty is not only the wisdom of an evil mind, but belongs to deformity. … Why is the color of hair changed? Why are the edges of the eyes darkened? Why is the face molded by art into a different form [Novatian, about 235 AD, 5.591, formerly attributed to Cyprian]?
You wish, O Christian woman, that the matrons should be as the ladies of the world. You surround yourself with gold, or with the modest silken garment. … You affect vanity with all the pomp of the devil. You are adorned at the mirror, with your curled hair turned back from your brow. Moreover, with evil purpose you put on false cosmetics. You put antimony on your pure eyes, with painted beauty. Or you dye your hair, so that it will always be black. … But these things are not necessary for modest women [Commodianus, about 240 AD, 4.214].
It is not right before God that a faithful Christian woman should be adorned. … God’s heralds … condemn as being unrighteous those women who adorn themselves in such a manner. You stain your hair. You paint the opening of your eyes with black. You lift up your hair, one by one, on your painted brow. You anoint your cheeks with some sort of reddish color laid on. … You are rejecting the law when you wish to please the world [Commodianus, about 240 AD, 4.215].
Both sexes alike should be admonished that the work of God and His fashioning and formation should in no manner be adulterated—either with the application of yellow color, black dust, rouge, or with any kind of cosmetic. … God says, “Let us make man in our image and likeness.” Does anyone dare to alter and change what God has made [Cyprian, about 250 AD, 5.434]?
In their manners, there was no discipline. … In women, their complexion was dyed. Their eyes were falsified from what God’s hand had made them. Their hair was stained with a falsehood [Cyprian, about 250 AD, 5.438].
Do not paint your face, which is God’s workmanship. For there is no part of you that lacks beauty. For God has made all things very good. But the wanton extra adorning of what is already good is an affront to the Creator’s work [Apostolic Constitutions, about 390 AD, 7.395].
Finally, Tertullian set forth a most poetic, beautiful, and proper exhortation to ladies, like unto that of Peter, who wrote: “Let not your behavior be the external plating of the hair and putting on gold jewelry or putting on worldly garments; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3-4). Tertullian thereupon continues:
… drawing your whiteness from simplicity, your ruddy hue from modesty; painting your eyes with bashfulness, and your mouth with silence; implanting in your ears the words of God; fitting on your necks the yoke of Christ. Submit your head to your husbands and you will be enough adorned. Busy your hands with spinning, keep your feet at home, and you will please better than by arraying yourselves in gold. Clothe yourselves with the silk of uprightness, the fine linen of holiness, the purple of modesty. Thus painted, you will have God as your Lover [Tertullian, about 198 AD, 4.25]!
Ladies, what prevents you from obedience regarding this? Oh, oh for women who would choose this righteous behavior as their goal and purpose—living for that which is eternal, and not for vain fleshly momentary gratification; choosing to do that which is pleasing to God, and not pleasing to the flesh; rejecting the iniquity of the woman, and living for righteousness instead; choosing not to live by the “delight of the eyes,” but by the delight of living “righteously and godly in this present age”; choosing not to give in to the sin that “is crouching at the door, and its desire is for you,” but rather to master it (Genesis 4:7); choosing to clothe yourself in modest full-length dress that covers and conceals your form; choosing to put away lying colors on your face and on your hair; choosing to not adorn yourself with the world’s ornaments; choosing to be the woman whom Tertullian spoke of; choosing to be worthy of being a godly Bride who seeks after righteousness, even now while here on this earth! If you want to ascend alive into righteousness, ladies, so as to put off this flesh and be covered in immortality, then live today in a way that evidences that hope and purpose. If you want to inherit righteousness tomorrow, live for it, prove it, today.