Outward holiness
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[edit] Outward Holiness
According to some Christian denominations that are still firmly rooted in the doctrines of the Holiness Movement, Biblical requirements for Outward Holiness, or External Holiness, come from 1 Peter 1:15:
"He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation."
These include:
1. Modest clothing (1 Tim. 2:9), which is defined as loose covering from the neck to below the knee in all normal body postures (Exod. 20:26; 28:42-43). This would also include the strict prohibition of mixed bathing or public swimming.
2. No use of jewelry or ornaments of gold, silver, and jewels for personal adornment (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:1-6); some denominations will only allow the use of a wedding band or ring.
3. A distinction of the sexes in clothing, forbidding such style as slacks and pant suits for women (Deut. 22:5).
4. Christian men are to wear their hair short and Christian women must never cut their hair wearing it long (1 Cor. 11:14-15).
5. Outward Holiness can also include the following which reveal an inward character:
- * Impeccable honesty (Prov. 11:1; Rom. 12:7).
- * Civil obedience (Rom. 13:1-7).
- * Subjection to parental authority (Eph. 6:1).
- * Submission to the spiritual authority (Heb. 13:17).
- * No profanity or vulgar joking (Eph. 4:29; 5:4; Col. 3:8).
Outward Holiness is almost extinct in theology and practice. However, denominations that still practice Outward Holiness are: Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) (some), New Testament Christian Churches of America, House of Prayer Christian Church, Independent Holiness Church (Canada), Calvary Holiness Church, and the Pentecostal Fire-Baptized Holiness Church.
