The Doctrine of Modesty and Christian Appearance

At LAPC, we believe that holiness is not just an internal condition of the heart, but something that should be reflected in our outward appearance. We believe that a child of God should be easily distinguished from the world, honoring God in how we present ourselves to others.

The Principle of Distinction

From the beginning, God established a distinction between the genders. We believe that men should look like men and women should look like women, honoring the unique identity God gave to each. This distinction is a hedge of protection for the family and a testimony of our submission to God's created order.

• Deuteronomy 22:5: "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."

• 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."

Modesty in Apparel

We believe that our clothing should be modest and "shamefaced," meaning it does not draw undue attention to the body or provoke ungodly thoughts. This applies to both men and women. We choose to dress in a way that emphasizes the "hidden man of the heart" rather than the outward flesh.

• 1 Timothy 2:9-10: "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

• 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning... 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."

Separation from the World

We believe that the use of makeup and jewelry (including rings and earrings) is rooted in worldly pride and "the lust of the eyes." Following the biblical pattern of separation, we choose to present ourselves in our natural, God-given state, rejecting the vanities of a fallen culture.

• 1 John 2:15-16: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Our Motivation

We do not dress modestly to earn salvation, but because we are saved and want to honor the One who bought us. Our appearance is a silent witness to the world that we belong to Jesus Christ. We strive to be "holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Peter 1:15), which includes the way we carry ourselves and the way we dress.

1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."