Why do you wear that thing on your head?", is a question which many a faithful sister has been asked, and one which we want to address in this study. The fact that so many Christians don't know the reason for the wearing of the head veiling is a sad commentary on the state of the church in this late day, especially when the inquirer claims to be a Bible believing and following Christian. With the 'religion' of humanism infiltrating every segment of society arid the church, with its inverted doctrines and egocentric mentality, It is no small wonder that many foundational biblical principles have been lost sight of and therefore their applications explained away. Survey a host of Bible commentaries on 1 Corinthians 11 and you will find that generally only since the beginning of this century has the practice of wearing the veiling been interpreted away by liberal scholars, and the church has followed their lead. Woe to the shepherds and leaders who are alluded to In Song of Solomon 5:7:

"The watchmen who went about the city found me. They struck me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took my veil away from me."

Through the influence of humanistic theories of equality, which haze over God's governmental distinction of the sexes, women are cast or enticed out of their God-given, honorable roles and positions into those of man. In this process, women step out from under their spiritual covering and head, man, arid are much more exposed to the onslaughts of the enemy. Satan, who was, as Eze. 28:14 points out, "the anointed cherub who covers" (the word cover here literally means 'entwines') can then more easily employ his covering power over them. The results are seen in the havoc that he Is causing in her sometimes deserted sphere, the home, with the alarming divorce rate, careers at the expense of mother-child relationships, reversed husband-wife roles, and all the competition, jealousy, bitterness, etc. which comes with any such disruption in God's governmental arrangement.

The woman's head veiling is not some antiquated cultural or denominational momento from another era; nor is it a relic with sacramental power in and of itself. But the veiled woman does exert authority and power in the spiritual realms if she is a submissive saint of God in her rightful position before Him. Rather, the veiling of women and what it represents, stands alongside of other essential apostolic doctrines from the earliest days of the church. It was none other than the Holy Spirit of God who inspired both the principles and their application, and who moved Paul to write of them in order that with full scriptural authority this teaching could be established and practiced until the Lord's return.

We have undertaken this study not in order to major in a 'minor' doctrine. Our goal in doing such an exhaustive study as this is to reveal, in the process, some of the foundational biblical principles which the woman's veiling represent, principles which the church is tragically losing sight of. The church is God's building, and must be according to His design. When man rejects some of it divine building blocks, then the enemy has easy access through the gap. Our prayer in sending this study fort] is that it will end up In the hands of God's faithful remnant, for it will speak only to them those who have a heart to be submissive to and obey God's Word. To such saints alone has God promised the endless riches of His Son and the glory of living in His eternal presence.

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The purpose of this chapter will be to give a brief but thorough exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:1 -16. Realizing that the Holy Spirit's Inspiration is upon the original Greek text, we will give as literal a translation as possible and concentrate on the specific meanings. grammatical constructions arid tenses of the words. Words or phrases in parentheses are not in the original, but are needed to complete the translated thought.

It is Important to keep in mind that in writing this epistle to the Corinthian Christians, Paul was speaking not only to them, but also to "all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord..." (ch. 1:2). With prophetic foresight, Paul was perhaps seeing that his letters, as statements of apostolic doctrine, were going to be widely circulated. All of his epistles had universally applicable messages even though he was also speaking to local needs and problems. With this in mind, we realize that his teaching concerning the veiling of women was not to a specific socio-cultural situation, but to all the churches everywhere, as 1 Cor. 11: 16 also clearly points out.

verse 1 "Imitators of me be, according as I also (am) of Christ."

Imitate (mimetes) - The English noun 'mime' Is derived from this Greek word and is in this case is used in the continuous tense, suggesting a constant habit or practice." (Vine's Expository Dictionary of the N.T.) In the same way that for Paul "to live is Christ", so we are to live out His life in our flesh. This is possible only as the old man is kept in death and He is released by the Holy Spirit through us. This is not cheap Imitation, but the very life and power and will of Christ being the mover and doer in and through us (Ph.2:13). It is not a humanly manufactured replication we are called to, full of inevitable imperfections, but the manifestation of Him as He is now within us. (Related verses are 1 Cor.4:16; Ep.5:1; Heb.6:12; 1 Th.1:6, 2:14.) Would that we had more models of such deep Christlikeness about us!

verse 2 "And I praise you, brothers, that in all things you have remembered me, and according as I delivered to you, you hold fast the traditions."

The first thing that stands out In this verse is that he is addressing himself to the brothers, which underscores the fact of their headship and that It is to them primarily that he needs to clarify the subsequent principles. If there was a governmental equality among the men and women, he surely would have addressed the women. However, this isn't the case, so he speaks to the men, who needed to assume their God-given role of headship over the sisters. Even when there were many reasons to rebuke his brothers in the Lord, Paul was generous with words of praise and encouragement. His caring, father's heart sought to comfort arid strengthen them even in the midst of admonishment. He deeply loved them, and that love always found a way to express Itself. This Is a good reminder to us in all our relationships in the body - agape love finds a way.

They held fast (katecho) to what he had delivered to them, which speaks of the degree of commitment they had to cling to and obey his teaching, lest they fall away and offend their dear Lord. (This is always a primary evidence of a faithful church, that they "continue steadfast in the apostles' doctrine..." Acts 2:42). We hold fast to what is precious to us. The teachings the Lord gives us are priceless and full of blessing as we obey them, because they serve to minister His life to us and thereby glorify Him.. The word 'traditions' paradosis literally means 'a handing down or over', the substance here being the doctrines ('ordinances' KJV) and teachings he had previously given them in person. The purpose of apostolic doctrine is to serve as a vehicle for the Spirit and life of the Christ. It was to encapsulate the scriptural truth of who Jesus Is, what He has done and Is doing, and how to walk by the power of His resurrection life In this place of pilgrimage. The remainder of chapter 11 deals with two foundational teachings upon which they obviously needed further instruction - the woman's head veiling and the Lord's supper.

verse 3 "But I wish you to know, that the head of every man is the Christ, and the head of woman (is) man, and the head of Christ is God."

With this verse Paul begins to lay a deep foundation- that of the authoritative governmental relationships between God, Christ, man and woman. In dealing with individual and church problems, Paul had the spiritual discernment to see the importance of going to the root principles of the matter at hand. In this way he taught his fellow believers to build their faith and its practice on a solid basis and to avoid the sinking sand of situational ethics. The fire and wind could test the building of a person whose life was thus grounded and it would stand because it was secure upon God's impregnable Word. We are challenged to inspect the foundations we are upon, and if they are faulty, we must, with a holy zeal, clear the rubble and erect a building of God upon the "foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." (Ep.2:20). Paul says that the head of every man is Christ, not just Christians--those who live under the lordship of Christ daily. In the grammatical structure of v.3, every women is implied in the same sense. In creating and dying for all, all are sovereignly Christ's, but not practically, since God respects our free will and does not impose His lordship by force.

Man's headship over woman is a relationship for this age, and has Its origin in the creation account itself. Man's headship is not just a result of the fall, but was established in the Garden of Eden in that she was created out of man and was a "helper comparable to him' (Gen.2: 18). Eve's sin in the Garden was in one sense her breaking this headship principle by disobeying God and enticing Adam, She thereby overstepped her place as helpmeet, and thus nullified her authority and influence Man's headship over woman is not abolished in the church, because it is an aspect of God's government ii this world for the effectual achieving of His purposes.

However, in the spiritual realm "there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Ga.3:28) There is a spiritual equality between the sexes which will continue beyond this age in the full consummation of the kingdom of God after the administrative arrangement of this age has come to an end.

God is the head of Christ (1 Cor.3:23; John 14:28), in that He willingly subjected Himself in His mediatorial role for the salvation of mankind. This great truth is the rock bottom basis for all that follows in chapter 11. It is through just such a voluntary subjection that man and woman cover their glory, deal a death blow to the old nature, and are then able to reveal (the word means 'uncover') the vibrant life of the Father. The teaching of the veiling (verses 1-16) speaks of the covering and crucifixion of self, while the teaching on the Lord's supper (verses 17-34) speaks of our remembrance of Jesus having done the same - His giving of Himself on the Cross for our sins. This was Jesus' way; If we would enter into His life, It Is done only by the very same means.

verse 4 "Every man praying or prophesying having (a veil or something) on the head puts to shame his Head."

Again, the all inclusive term 'every', arid he speaks specifically of times of praying and declaring the Lord's Word. By Christ's propitiatory work, man can (and must) now approach God with uncovered head. The Jews of this era worshipped arid prayed with a covering called a tallith on their heads. With the precious blood of Christ as our permanent and all-powerful covering, man can stand bareheaded in the presence of the Almighty. We can say with the Hebrew writer; "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus..." (Heb.10:19). Tertullian (153-222 A.D.) said, "We pray bareheaded because we blush not."

What Is the relationship here between the head-ship order and praying/prophesying? That can only be understood in a figurative sense. Since man is called to reveal the glory of God, when he prays and prophesies in Christ's name he must do so with uncovered head (as a type of revealing Christ), else he manifests his own glory, thereby putting his head, Christ, to shame. So too the woman in the next verse if she, representing man in general, does not cover her head in praying and prophesying, it is a type of her revealing the carnal nature of her head, man, thus impairing her prayer in the name of Jesus. The ministry of Christ through us in praying and prophesying is released as we are obedient to the governmental arrangements He has established. They are the orderly boundaries within which we are to function in the church and before the world.

In 2 Cor.3: 13-16, Paul explains that those of the old covenant still have veiled hearts In reading the O.T., just as Moses was veiled to cover God's glory, but that "when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." Therefore, both literally and spiritually, Christian men no longer had to wear a veil as the Jews of the former covenant. We put our Head, Christ, to shame, if we cover what He has covered with His own blood and glory.

verse 5 "And every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled puts to shame her head, for it is one and the same thing with the one shaven."

Again the term 'every' is used and it refers not to her own head which is being dishonored, but to her immediate spiritual head, man. As Watchman Nee has said; "Someday the whole world will know that Christ is the head of all men, for this Is God's governmental decision. Today this is only known in the church; the world has no knowledge of it.... Likewise, God's appointment of man as head of woman is also known only in the church today. Do you get the point? Today the church alone knows that Christ is the head of man and that man is the head of woman." (Unfortunately, most churches today have completely lost the knowledge of these truths, and therefore women are In leadership and do not cover their heads In the literal or spiritual sense.) This dishonoring is not only the case within the marriage relationship, as to a husband, but to all men.

This statement concerning the praying and prophesying of women in public tempers the absoluteness of Paul's directives In chapter 14:34-35 and makes it clear that she could 'speak forth publicly' (which is the literal meaning of the word (propheteia), but not in the assembly In such a way as to teach and have authority over man (1 Tim.3: 12; see also Acts 2:17:21:9). Prophecy is a public proclaiming, and clearly she is to prophesy at appropriate times. Among the Jews, an adulterous woman was to have her head shaved (Is.7:2). "Among the Greeks, only the prostitutes, so numerous in Corinth, went about unveiled; slave women wore the shaven head - also a punishment of the adulterous." (Findlay). Although the cultural context could lead one to think that Paul's directives were meant to be merely a temporary social custom so the sisters would not be identified with the harlots of Corinth, one need only remember the foundational principles which under gird the practice of the woman's veiling and that it is upon these that it transcends social customs throughout the world in any nation or culture. A sister who prays or prophesies without a veil, then, Is rejecting the authority of her head, man, by rejecting the sign of it, and in so doing is dishonoring God's governmental design arid Word.

verse 6 "For if a woman be not veiled, let her also be sheared; but if (it is) shameful to a woman to be sheared or to be shaven, let her be veiled."

If a woman refused to wear the veil, she should also cut her hair short, a practice which would have been shameful in most cultures throughout most of history until now, when the natural sense of the distinction of the sexes has degenerated and unisexism has become vogue. Shear (kiero) is the word used in shearing sheep; thus it means to cut the hair very short. But since it is a shame for a woman to shave or cut her hair short, as it is her glory, and a badge of her femininity, then she should wear a veil. The word for veil is katakalupto,, which literally means 'something hanging down which completely covers'.

Why would Paul demand that if a woman refused to wear a veil she should then cut off all her hair? Plainly it is because her glory is to be covered, and if she rejects the veil, which serves that purpose, then her hair (glory) should be sheared off. A Christian woman then has the choice of wearing the veil or having her hair sheared like a sheep, which even today Is not a popular hair style for women.

The word 'also' in this verse shows without a doubt that a covering other than the hair is in view here, and excludes any possibility that he is Implying that the long hair Is given for her sole covering. If the hair is the only covering, and she refuses to have hair (!), how could she then still have her hair cut off! Those who hold this position - that the hair is the only covering, quickly get tangled In some verbal absurdities.

verse 7 "For man indeed ought not to have the head veiled, being the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.

These words would have cut deeply to the Jews of the day, because of their religious practice of covering their heads in worship. Perhaps the Judiazers who plagued Paul wherever he went Insisted on maintaining the use of the tallith. We must keep in mind that Paul himself had done so prior to his conversion, and no doubt had felt strongly about it. Now, in the liberty he had experienced in being a new creation in the image and glory of God, he teaches that the veil must not be worn by the man. When a Christian man abandons himself fully to his Head, the Lord Jesus, his own glory Is covered in the process and Christ's glory Is then revealed (uncovered= apokalupto). The working out of our salvation Is this His-life-out-of-our-death principle. For as we put to death the flesh by the Spirit we are releasing the life and light of Christ through our mortal bodies, and are transformed into His Image.

Man is the image and glory of God and woman is the glory of man. Obviously Paul didn't consider, as many today, the Genesis account of the creation of woman to be a myth for children's story books. In originating from man, she represents God most fully as she functions in her place alongside of man, but under his authority, for she was created for man (Ge.2:20-23) and is his glory. This certainly doesn't mean that she is some sort of inferior species, but expresses that in this earthly dispensation, although she is his spiritual equal, she is yet called to be subject to man in regards to family, church and social relationships.

verse 8 "For man is not of woman, but woman (is) of man."

This verse refers again to Ge.2:21-22 as to the origin of woman. In being the last created being, one could say she is the crown and climax of God's creative work.

verse 9 "For man was not created on account of the woman, but woman on account of the man."

Again, according to the creation story, woman was created as a helper comparable to and corresponding to man. She was created to stand beside man, before God, and to be, in holy matrimony, in a one flesh relationship with one man. Ephesians 5 gives Important insight into the kind of power the man Is to have over the woman - it Is the power of agape love. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it..." (Eph.5:25). This is a calling to self-sacrifice and ministry through the Word (verse 26) for her edification and sanctification (verse 27).

In the kingdom of God, and thus in the church, headship implies the kind of self-giving which Christ perfectly manifested for us. The type of headship which domineers and tyrannizes Is of the spirit of this world. The submission (hupotasso - literally 'to be arranged under') which the wife Is to give her husband is like unto the kind that the church Is to give Christ.

verse 10 "Because of this, the woman ought to have authority on her head - because of the angels."

The woman ought to have a veiling on because it functions to represent the subjection she shows to her authority, man, and ultimately to God. The veil Is meant to represent the inner reality of her relationship with God and specifically with man as her head she has the continuous reminder of what her life should exemplify by it. Rebekah, when she was told that it was Isaac, her future husband, coming across the field to meet her, took a veil and covered herself. (Gen.24:64-65). The veiling simply serves to outwardly express the God-ordained fact that in this age woman is governmentally under man's headship and authority (Gen.3:16 "...he shall rule over you. ").

One is challenged to think this somber thought-what if Christ had rejected the sign and reality of God's headship over Him - to refuse to drink that bitter cup, to not obey even the most seemingly Insignificant of God's commands. We all know the tragic answer....

The phrase 'because of the angels', or messengers, has caused much speculation. Most likely this refers to both good and bad angels (see ch.6:3). The Jews, and Tertullian, among others, saw it as a possible reference to Gen.6:1-2 where perhaps it was the angels who were tempted to doom by the beauty of the uncovered daughters of men. Oriental Jews believed that evil spirits delight in unveiled women and good angels avoid them so as not to be tempted. Certainly there is a measure of truth in much of this.

The simplest explanation is that angels, who themselves are veiled before the throne of the Almighty, and in a relationship of perfect and total submission to Him, are present at all times, and especially during worship, and are shocked at the impropriety of unveiled women in the assembly, who are to be veiled as a sign of their submission to their head (Lk.15:10; Ep.3:10; Heb. 1: 14; Ecc 1.5:4-6). It has become clear by experience to this writer and to many others that the veiled woman has great protection from the enemy if her heart is in the attitude of the submission which the veiling is symbolizing. Many have been the testimonies of women who were protected by lustful men because the conscience of such men were smitten through the presence of the veiling. We may not get a clear enough glimpse into the spiritual realms to fully understand just why this is so, but proof of this truth has been abundantly evidenced. When a person is in their God-given position and obedient to His Word, it is then that God can commit Himself to them. By this they have power with God, and thus against Satan.

Satan and his cohorts hate the head covering because of what it represents; it reminds them and puts them to shame because of their own rejection of God's headship. Faithful, veiled sisters also represent the church, which covers Its glory, "...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places." (Ep. 3:10). What a high calling the sisters have in exemplifying the submissive, obedient church as it reproves the fallen angels!

The faithful, veiled woman can exercise and unleash tremendous influence and power In heavenly places as she ministers in prayer and Intercession before the Father. This groaning creation so badly needs the kind of church that such a sister represents, and the church likewise desperately needs such women as can truly minister In their God-ordained place of power.

verse 11 "However neither (is) man apart from woman, nor woman apart from man, in the Lord."

Paul, In order to add balance to what was previously said, expresses the interdependence of man and woman 'in the Lord'. Outside of the Lord, social convention will rarely realize the scriptural understanding of God's design and the headship order, because His truths are spiritually discerned and thus foolishness to the natural man (1 Cor.2:10-16). But 'in the Lord', where 'Christ is all in all', His lordship over each sets in order the interpersonal relationships of the members of the Body, causing them to function In their specific place harmoniously, bonding them together in love (Col.3: 14).

verse 12 "For as the woman (is) of the man, so also the man (is) by (means of) the woman, but all things (are) of God."

Again, he stresses their interdependence and that man is born of woman, the case even of Jesus in His great condescension. But all things originate in God, for "...of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Ro. 11:36).

verse 13 "Judge within yourselves - is it becoming for a woman to pray to God unveiled?"

Paul challenges the believers to reflect deeply upon the truths and their application which he had conveyed to them. Based upon the important principles he had established, could it possibly be fitting for a woman to pray to God with an unveiled head? He knew what answer they could only but give, according to his teaching, which had full apostolic authority and was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

We too are continually called to make judgments of spiritual significance for our own lives and the lives of others based upon our spiritual discernment of God's word and will. Such responsibility motivates us to seek Him, and in His word, and stirs us to maturity and further revelation in the Lord.

verse 14 "Or does not even nature itself teach you that if a man have long hair it is a dishonor to him."

The word 'nature' here (phusis) would Imply Instinct, or a native sense of what is right, as in Ro.2: 14, and negatively as in Ro. 1:26. Dishonor (atimia) means just that - a disgrace, and It stands in contrast to 'glory' In v. 15. Paul Is saying that God's perspective on the matter is that long hair is a dishonor to man. Outward distinctions between the sexes is a scriptural injunction and the length of hair is meant to be a primary witness of it. Though the definition of 'long' will vary among different cultures and times, a spiritually discerning person should be able to sense just where the line is for himself and those under his authority.

verse 15 "But if a woman have long hair, it is glory to her, for the long hair in behalf of a covering is given her."

The woman's long hair is one of her chief glories, a most beautiful expression of her femininity. As Daniel Kauffman has said, 'The long hair is the sign of the natural relation which exists between men and women; the veiling is the sign of the spiritual relation which should exist between them as men and women in the Lord."

Much unnecessary confusion has originated in this verse, in that some conclude that this must mean the long hair is given instead of a veiling. However, the confusion ends when one goes to the original text. The Greek word here for 'covering' is peribolaion, which literally means 'something cast or thrown around'. The only other place this word is used in the N.T. is in Heb. 1:12, where it says, "like a cloak (peribolaion) You will fold them up... . The verb form of the word (periballo), found about 23 times, almost always refers to being covered with a robe cast around oneself. This is a completely different word than katakalupto. which is the 'veiling' mentioned in verses 5, 6, 7, & 13, and which again means 'something covering completely and hanging down'. The word translated 'for' in the KJV, NKJV, etc. in the phrase 'for a covering' is the Greek word 'anti', which has a range of meanings. but the context clarifies its definition to be 'in behalf of or 'to serve as' - this is verified by the best lexical authorities.

So what does this seemingly obscure statement mean? Paul is saying that the glory of woman, her long hair, is given to her to serve as a natural covering to be cast or wrapped around. A deep principle is again the root of this declaration - that the woman's glory is to be cast about or wrapped up and covered with a veil to represent the covering of her self life so that Christ can be manifested in her life. Thus the covering of her glory is a sign that stands as an exquisite reflection of one of the foundational principles of the Christian life - that as we by the Spirit die to self, thus covering our own glory, His life and light is uncovered (apokalupto) in and through us and manifested to scatter the darkness of this world.

verse 16 "But if anyone thinks to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the churches of God."

With full apostolic authority, Paul emphatically states that if anyone is contentious (philaneikos - to love strife) on this matter, they had no such practice in all the churches of God. What practice - veiling, or unveiling? One has to be amazed at the commentators who imply that Paul is in this one verse abolishing all that he has said in verses 1-15. The word translated 'such' here is 'toioutos', which simply means 'such as', and not 'other' as some translations misinterpret. It is soon obvious to anyone studying this passage that 'such custom' is referring to and answering his question in verse 13, "Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with, her head uncovered?'. In the Greek, the grammatical structure of this verse is such in case, number and gender to make it agree only with the pronoun 'yourselves' in verse 13. Thus verses 14 and 15 are a parenthesis between verses 13 and 16, where he appeals to their native sense in the matter of hair length for each sex. Paul proclaims boldly that in every church the sisters wore the head veiling, and he flatly commands them to step in line with universal apostolic practice. Early church writings and pictures in the earliest Christian art in the catacombs of Rome give clear evidence that this was the case.

There can be no doubt that God expects and commands that every Christian woman wear the head veiling. Any church which claims to be biblical will recognize that the apostles' doctrine is essential to her realization, and that the veiling of women is an aspect of that doctrine. To say this is not to imply that the headship veiling is essential to one's salvation. It obviously is not to be equated in importance with such apostolic teachings as the incarnation, the atonement, etc.. However, the veiled head is an Important symbol instituted by God to express deeper spiritual principles, as Is baptism arid the Lord's supper.

We serve a God who for various reasons has put great emphasis upon symbols and their meaning. The O.T. Is full of types and symbols which point to and prepare for the fuller revelation and reality of the new covenant. Circumcision was a sign of God's covenant with Abraham; baptism corresponds to It. The head veiling serves to remind us that even though we are in a new covenant and have entered into the boundless freedom of Christ, yet God's governmental distinctions which were established in the Garden are yet in force while this creation lasts.

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Chapter 2
The hidden Power of Woman
by Roman Miller

Why all the fuss about 1 Corinthians 11 and a little piece of cloth on a woman's head? Yes, why? Quite obviously, a sincere attempt to search out the simple teaching In the passage leads one to conclude that it was a practice at Corinth.

Further, in our attempt, by God's grace, to preach the gospel of the kingdom, this issue of the woman's veiling inevitably becomes a focal point of resistance. Why? I believe it is for the reason that In a very tangible way It confronts two of the greatest demonic subversions of the church that this world has ever seen. First, it is an attack on the validity of making a conscientious commitment to a simple obedience of the Scripture as a result of a changed heart and a pure love for Jesus. Secondly, it exposes and expresses a stand against the Jezebel spirit that so pervades the church of today. The refusal to wear the veil among Christian woman today effectively weakens their power in prayer, much to Satan's delight.

A veiled head is a direct blow to Satan on two primary aspects of his fall - pride and rebellion. The veiled head very effectively deals with slavery to hair styles, and may I add, feminine pride. If you don't believe me, wear one or try to promote it in today's Christian circles. Remember that it was simple pride that turned an angel into a devil. Rebellion also is uniquely Satan's territory. He Is a legalist and knows his rights. If you dabble in the occult you must reap the results. Similarly, É Sam. 15:22-23 states that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. In other words, even as in the occult, rebellion places you in Satan's legal territory. In 1 Cor. 11, a woman with an unveiled head, or a man wearing long hair, are both employing symbols of rebellion.

Are symbols really so Important after all? Communion practices are spoken of in 1 Cor. 11 also. Why not substitute for the bread and wine, root beer floats and potato chips? Do the symbols of the bread and wine just have significance for their day?

We can have some idea of how God looks at such things by what He said when Moses 'merely' smote the rock the second time instead of speaking to it as he had been commanded. What he did was misrepresent the fact that Jesus was only smitten once to make living water available to us. And what did God say? He said, "You have despised Me!" Moses, by this one act, forfeited the promised land.

Well, that was law and Old Testament. But what about the time Jesus wanted to wash Peter's feet and Peter refused? It was clearly a symbolic washing, because when Peter wanted to be washed all over, Jesus said, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean..." But what did Jesus say when Peter wanted to refuse the feetwashing? "If I wash you not, you have no part with Me."

Am I saying, then, that any woman who refuses to wear a veiling is not a Christian? Not directly. However, I add without apology that no one is a Christian in a true sense of the word who has not sincerely repented of their own thoughts and ways and made Jesus the Lord of their lives. Jesus never saves anyone whom He does not also govern.

Simple obedience to clear scriptural commands flows basically from two fountainheads. First, from a sincere repentance from our rebellion and resistance to God, and second, out of a pure love of Jesus. In Scripture, Jezebel is the woman singled out to represent those who paint their faces and use their natural feminine powers to control men and circumstances. She was the queen of the king of Israel, the king being the one who was to be a type of Christ. She became the symbol in Scripture of the harlot church who claims to be the bride of the King but who walks in the stubbornness and rebellion of her own heart while she pollutes the church with the Idols of the world. God's word to anyone in such a situation is, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in tier sins, and lest you receive of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4).

On the other hand, 1 Cor. II is written for the benefit of any woman who wants to enter into a deeper life with God. It is the woman who wants God's best that will not passively accept her failures, but longs for victory in the areas of her personal life and experience. She wants to enter into the full power that God desires to give her.

The Scriptures give a high place of honor to a faithful, God-fearing woman. Pro. 12:4 says, "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." The crown is symbolic of the pinnacle of man's earthly aspirations. Pro.31:30 states that, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised". And also, "House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Pro. 19:14) These scriptures point out the value God places on faithful women.

Godly women also had an honorable part in the life of Jesus. His friendship with Mary and Martha is an example of this. You too, as a woman, can be a personal friend of Jesus. As you learn to enter into His areas of concern and ministry within your own Immediate circle of Influence, you will find your relationship with Him becoming richer and more meaningful. Mary and Martha were His friends and they had His interests. Further, they were open-hearted to His teachings. It is worthy of note that it was women who were last at the cross, first at the tomb, and the first to whom Jesus made His resurrection appearance.

The First 'Hidden Power'

Considering now the positive ways in which a woman is called to serve, I would like to point out areas both of strength and weakness. The first 'hidden power' of a woman is the power of wise counsel. Often the real power behind an office is a hidden counselor. Much of David's success as king was due to the counsel of Ahithophel of whom the Scriptures testify had counsel as the oracles of God.

It is very easy for one who is not in a position of leadership to come to the leader with forceful counsel. The counselor will not be held responsible for the out-come, even though his counsel may be explicitly followed.

Therefore, a wise leader w111 always maintain the freedom to make the final decision as to the direction he will personally pursue since he is the one who will be held accountable for the decision.

Let's consider a few more biblical examples of counsel. One of the most outstanding examples In the entire Scripture of both good and bad counsel and their results is found in the book of Esther.

Hamaan was a proud man. In Persia, he was second only to the king. When Mordecai refused to bow to him, he controlled himself with difficulty and went home, and called his wife and friends together to brag about his successes and to complain about Mordecai. Who was the first to counsel Hamaan to build a gallows 50 cubits high? It was his wile Zeresh. His friends gave him the same counsel. Esther 5:14 says, "The counsel pleased Hamaan and he had the gallows made." Esther 2:20 states that Esther had not yet made herself known to her kindred or her people even as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther did what Mordecai had told her as she had done when under his care. It is very Interesting to note that in this time when all the Jews were condemned to death that Mordecai, who was a man, was unable to do anything about it. God was pleased to use a woman to bring about deliverance. But it was a woman who knew the place God had for her.

When Mordecai pled with her to intercede to the king for the Jews, her first counsel was to gather everyone together for prayer and fasting. She realized that it is God who makes the final difference. She was hesitant at first to use her own influence, but then courageously consented with the words, "If I perish, I perish". After fasting and prayer, she did not rush into the king's presence with complaints, criticisms, or condemnation, but simply made herself known and then waited to be asked. When he invited her to come forward, she went up and caressed the top of the scepter with her hand, showing respect for his authority and his right over her. She then tactfully prepared the king for her request with kindness and honor, pleasing him with a delicious banquet. Certainly Esther would have gotten nowhere, and no doubt would have lost her life, if she had used the same tactics that many Christian women use today on their husbands when they want something.

When Esther finally made her request, it was a simple plea for her own life and the lives of her people. There was no hint of blame or accusation against her husband, though there would have been plenty of reason for it.

Of course, God was in all these circumstances, and it was really He who saved the Jews. However, Esther was His instrument in doing so, and because of this, women have some beautiful examples here of God's principles to follow.

Esther was quite a woman. She was keenly aware of the limits of her power and how to best exercise it. In ch. 8:3 she even used a few tears. When Esther vas given the king's signet to write whatever she wanted, which was to revoke Hamaan's decree, she once more stepped back and gave the responsibility to Mordecai.

In evaluating a woman's counsel, we must remember that there is a basic difference between men and women and the process each uses to arrive at decisions. There are general areas that each of them consider, but in different order of priority. Men tend to lean most heavily on reason, then on emotion and feeling, arid lastly, on intuition. Women tend to lean most heavily on intuition, then emotion or feeling, and lastly on reason. The primary reason for this Is that God created woman to be a complement to man, not a competitor. What Is more contrary to God's design for the companion suitable for man than a hands-on-hips, calculating, bossy woman? Such a woman stifles a man's role and effectiveness. The Scripture that every God-fearing woman will want to have indelibly imprinted on her heart is 1 Peter 3:1. It is a sermon in four words; "...won without a word".

A woman was not created for argument, criticism, condemnation, harassment, etc. Rather her role next to man is one of caring, feeling, sharing and understanding. Intuition is interesting. It is a function of the human spirit. It seems to be the avenue which the Holy Spirit uses in the gift of prophecy, which actually means to share something that cannot be known by natural wisdom. When a man receives revelation, he is wise to check it out carefully with the Scriptures to satisfy his intellect that it is right. However, if he relies on intellect alone, he is only a natural man trying to understand spiritual things, which the Bible says is impossible.

Since a woman leans more on intuition, spiritual insights often come more clearly or forcefully to her than to her husband. If she Is not careful, she will soon take the lead spiritually, and since her intuition is not always correct, this can lead to serious errors. 1 Tim. 2 teaches that the woman was deceived, not the man. This establishes irrevocably that women are to be under man's authority as a means of protection to both. This is not a count against women, because as I said before, the reasoning and decision making process is not their role. A praying, godly woman's insights are very valuable, but they should be shared and then left there. They are not to be pushed through with strong words. If the Lord Is in it, He will see that it is not overlooked or forgotten.

The Second 'Hidden Power'

The second 'hidden power' of a woman Is the power of future generations. Let's look at some N.T. scriptures on this subject. 1 Tim.5:9-10,14 says, "Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children. Therefore I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach, for some have already turned aside to follow Satan."

God established this principle of the power of future generations in the very first chapter of the Bible. Gen. 1:28 says, "And God blessed them and said to them. 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it....'" This same blessing and command was given again to Noah after the flood.

It is evident that the secular humanist's campaign to reduce family size has influenced the minds of Christian parents. Consider a few historical facts concerning the value of large families. Jacob had a large family. His last son was Benjamin, who was the ancestor of the apostle Paul. If Jesse would have had one less son, there would have been no David. In the famous Wesley family, Suzanna, the mother, was herself the twenty-second child! Her son John was her fifteenth and Charles her eighteenth child!

Aside from all this, the power of future generations is a woman's privilege arid responsibility. If it is rightly understood, it can become one of her greatest sources of happiness and fulfillment.

Titus 2:4 states; "That they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored"

1 Tim. 2:15 says; "But women shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint."

What is needed is the faith to see the almost unlimited potential of future generations. Those little ones in the cradle or clinging to the skirts are never-dying souls. Their lives will go on long after you are gone, if the Lord tarries. Their influence, either for good or bad, is incalculable. As mothers, women will no doubt mold them more than anyone in those tender, formative years. What a challenge to be the kind of mother who inspires faith, courage, diligence, and love in their little hearts! God longs for and needs the dedication and cooperation of godly women to raise up the foundations of many generations. This world is sadly in need of faithful mothers who sense the great honor of this task. Truly 'the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world'.

The Third 'Hidden Power'

The third 'hidden power' of a woman is that of prayer. This is the biblical example used in 1 Cor. 11 as a time when the veiled head for women is especially in focus. A woman comes to God In prayer from the natural vantage point of weakness and need. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is kingdom of heaven". (Mat. 5:3). Many times in Scripture, God pledges His protection and provision to three classes of people; orphans, widows, arid strangers. God Himself is the avenger of anyone who would lower himself to exploit them because of the natural weakness of their position. Our great need and faith in God's abundant provision is the heart and soul of intercession.

Scripture calls a woman the weaker vessel in 1 Peter 3:7. In today's Jezebel rebellion, many women are out to prove that this simply Is not so. A woman can do anything a man can do! The crafty enemy lures them on with thoughts of equality and greatness while he blinds their minds to the fact that they are being drawn away from the heart of an all-powerful, all-wise God to be cast back upon their own meager resources.

The church is symbolized in the N.T. by two figures- the bride of Christ, and the body of Christ. A woman finds her fulfillment primarily in the bridal role of the church. A man's calling is more directly related to the mature man Christ Jesus (Eph.4: 11-16). There is, however, an inter-association. Anyone who desires to come to Christ without the simple, trusting faith of a child can never enter into the kingdom. Where there is no maturing in faith through an ever deeper understanding in the true knowledge of Jesus, there can never be a powerful manifestation of God's kingdom. But we never 'graduate' from the simple, trusting faith. It always remains as the fundamental principle upon which we rest as our foot reaches out for its next step in God. Paul, even though an aged warrior, could say he had not yet attained; he had not outgrown his need. The more mature our faith, the larger the vista of territory which is ours to possess, the greater the battle the Lord commissions us to enter, the deeper and more real our personal weakness and need becomes.

A lack of power in prayer is a sure sign of self-sufficiency. Hand in hand with self-sufficiency walks frustrated desire, lust, covetousness, fighting and war. A woman's veiled head says; I am content to live with need, that I might experience Christ's sufficiency. Even as Ruth asked Boaz to spread his covering over her, so all mankind may come to our near kinsman, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a mighty Man of wealth and power who is well able to include us in His household. He has redeemed us back to our original inheritance and beyond. We, with Ruth, need to surrender our independence, renounce our gods, and seek Him with our whole heart. We must humble ourselves and ask.

The high place of prayer is undisputed. In the tabernacle, it was the altar placed in front of the ark and the mercy seat. Now the veil of the temple is gone and we have direct access to the Father through Jesus. Jesus Himself now occupies the high position of intercessor at the right hand of God. This is the place where spiritual battle will be won at last. Put very simply, I believe that one God-fearing woman who cultivates the inner beauty of a Christlike spirit and perseveres in prayer will exert more influence and power for good than all man's legislative power combined.

The Fourth Hidden Power

The fourth 'hidden power' is that of prophecy. This simply signifies the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God.

We have a number of examples of this In the New Testament. When Mary came to visit, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She then spoke forth a prophecy concerning Jesus (Luke 1:41-45). Immediately following, we have the song of Mary (verses 46-55). In Luke 2:38, the prophetess Anna confirmed the purposes of God conquering Jesus. In the book of Acts, we also have the example of Philip's daughters (Acts 21:9).

The gift of prophecy for the sisters Is cleanly a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29. "And it shrill come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see Visions; and also on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days."

In the other callings of a Godly woman, we have noticed that each had a hidden or behind-the-scene aspect. So what is hidden about speaking forth the mind and counsel of God? Further, why is this another occasion in the sister's ministry when the veiled head is especially in focus (1 Cor. 11:5)? Elizabeth prophesied at home, possibly only with Mary present. Anna prophesied in the temple, apparently to anyone who would listen. So, is the reference in 1 Cor. 11 to prophesying speaking of public worship service?

The answer to this question is found very specifically in 1 Cor. 14. Here the subject concerns speaking forth both by tongues and by prophecy. This passage clearly deals with a public worship service. Notice verse 19, "in the church", verse 26, "when you come together", and verse 23, "the whole church comes together in one place". Then verses 34-35 say; "Let your women keep silent in the churches (assemblies), for they are not permitted to speak: but they are to be submissive as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church ( the assembly)."

1 Timothy 2:14 teaches the same thing. "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence." These scriptures certainly are in harmony with the prescribed roles of men and women in the Word. A woman's background, supportive role clearly is the revealed will of God throughout the Scripture and church history.

There are many, many opportunities for women to exercise the gift of prophecy outside of the assembled gathering of the church. There are homes to be visited, sick to be cared for and encouraged. poor to be ministered to, hospitality to be exercised, and much more. Wherever there are people, whether many or few, there are persona] words of education, encouragement and comfort that sisters are in a unique position to give. No doubt there are multitudes of individuals to whom God would like to speak directly from His heart if He had a pure, willing sister that could be His chosen vessel for that moment.

If you have a problem with this teaching, I would caution you to further consider the words of Jesus to the church of Thyatira in Rev. 2 :18-29. "... I have a few things against you because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols .... "I recommend that you read the entire passage.

I believe that the veiled head symbolizes a willingness to forego the role of public leadership to better fulfill the call God has for the sisters. There is certainly no lack of territory to claim by faith and to enter into by faith. Why chafe at doors that God has closed to you for your own protection when there are more open doors to you than you can possibly ever enter if you only had eyes to see and a willing heart to obey? I personally have been greatly blessed and encouraged many times by the inspirational sharing of sisters at appropriate times.

Further, the fact that the Scripture so clearly teaches against the sister's prophesying in the public assembly very specifically emphasizes that the teaching on headship and the veiling is not just for the public worship service as some erroneously believe. God's call upon men and women is always to be in focus. The testimony to God's order of authority is always appropriate. Certainly the angels, verse 10, are not just present during worship!

The veiled head is God's chosen symbol to remind all of His children of some very fundamental truths which He has ordained for our personal happiness and success as well as His glory. To wear the symbol and not live the principles is to give a mixed testimony and to destroy its meaning and effectiveness. The answer would not be to remove the veil, but rather to commit oneself to live up to the life it symbolizes. Two wrongs never make one right. If you feel unworthy to wear the veiling because of deep needs in your life in this area, I would encourage you to put it on in obedience to the Lord's clear command as a testimony to what you know God wants and then strive by His grace to walk in Its message!

Much more could be said concerning the opportunities of a woman to serve in the church effectively In harmony with the principles of 1 Corinthians ll. I am excited for any church where Godly men and women are enthusiastically and conscientiously fulfilling their God-given roles; it cannot help but be a powerful, effective church.

So why all the fuss about 1 Corinthians 11 and a little piece of cloth? Simply because 1 Corinthians 11 with Its teachings on headship, order, authority, submission, and holy communion is a foundation for 1 Corinthians 12. There never will be an effective body as long as these foundational principles are ignored or neglected. If we want the church to be powerful, It will be God's way, or not at all.

Many churches today are like the shallow soil in the parable of the sower. They have no roots in themselves! There are few deep commitments, very little emphasis on personal responsibility, and the way of the cross they have not known. Therefore, when the hot wind blows, they wither and die.

But God be praised, there is a way. It is the way that few walk in because it is a hidden way - hidden from the wise and prudent, but revealed to babes: those who are single-hearted enough to receive and believe the clear Scripture and follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

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Chapter 3
Head Covering
by Watchman Nee

(Excerpts from the chapter by this title In the book 'Love One Another', by Watchman Nee. Reprinted by permission of Christian Fellowship Publishers, Richmond, Va.: copy-right 1975)

When the Lord Jesus was on earth, on the one hand He came to be Savior of the world, to deliver men from sin. This is according to the system of grace. On the other hand, God sent Him to the world that through the work of the cross He might establish His own authority and set up His kingdom so that the heavens might rule on the earth. This Is the system of government. Its work will continue until the power of the devil Is destroyed and the kingdom and the new heaven and the new earth are brought in....

Many hold to a fundamental error: they foolishly maintain that grace can set government aside. The truth is that what God does in grace never alters God's government.... Grace only complements government.... Grace is for the purpose of redeeming and restoring those who are insubordinate and rebellious so that they may be subject to God's governmental system....

Grace can never nullify government; rather, grace enables people to obey government. May I say with all Seriousness that grace gives us strength to be subject to government....

Head Covering and God's Government

The matter of head covering belongs to God's government. For those who do not know God's government, it is impossible to exhort them to have their heads covered. They will not be able to understand how much is involved in this matter. But those who have seen God's government in God's revealed Word are able to appreciate the tremendous connection between head covering and government. ...

The meaning of head covering is: I submit myself to God's government: I accept God's appointed position: I dare not nullify His government by the grace I have received; I do not even dare to think about it; on the contrary, I accept God's government. As Christ accepts God as His head, so should every man accept Christ as his head. Likewise, woman should representatively accept man as her head. In covering the head, the woman signifies that she is not head, that she is as if she has no head - for it is covered....

God calls upon the sisters to show this arrangement. It is through the sisters that God's governmental system is to be displayed. It is the sisters who are responsible to have the sign of obedience on their heads. God specifically requires women to have their head covered when praying or prophesying. Why? Because they ought to know God's government when they come before Him. In going before God to pray for people or in going before people to prophesy for God, whether In praying or in prophesying, whether in that which goes to God or in that which comes from God, in whatever is related to God, head covering is demanded. The purpose Is to manifest the government of God....

Today woman has a sign of authority on her head because of the angels, that is, as a testimony to the angels. Only the sisters in the church can testify to this, for the women of the world know nothing of it. Today when the sisters have the sign of authority on their heads, they bear the testimony that, "I have covered my head so that I do not have my own head, for I do not seek to be head. My 'head is veiled, and I have accepted man as head, and to accept man as head means that I have accepted Christ as head and God as head. But some of you angels have rebelled against God." This is what it meant "because of the angels."

I have on my head a sign of authority. I am a woman with my head covered. This Is a most excellent testimony to the angels, to the fallen and to the unfallen ones. No wonder Satan persistently opposes the matter of head covering. It really puts him to shame. We are doing what he has failed to do. What God did not receive from the angels, He now has from the church....

When many of the sisters in the church take the place given to women and learn to cover their heads, they send out an unspoken word of testimony to the angels in the air, to the effect that God has obtained in the church what He desires. Because of this, woman must have on her head a sign of authority, a testimony to the angels....

Let us remember that although m practice it is only the woman who has her head covered, yet, in reality, Christ has His head covered before God and every man has his head covered before Christ. Why is it that God only requires woman to have the practice of having her head covered? This indeed is marvelous, for it involves a very deep principle....

When a sister covers her head, she is standing before God on the basis of Christ's position before God and man's position before Christ. God wants the woman to cover her head in order to manifest His government on earth. This privilege falls only to the woman. She does not cover her head merely for her own self; she does it representatively, It is because she represents man before Christ arid Christ before God. So when woman covers her head before God, it is Just the same as if Christ covered His head before God.... Man and woman should have no head since Christ is the head. If one's head is not covered, there will be two heads. Between God and Christ, one head must be covered; so too must it be between man and woman and so between Christ and every man. If one head is not covered, the result will be that there are two heads, and God's government does not allow two heads. If God is head, then Christ is not; if Christ is head, then man is not; if man is head, then woman is not....

Regarding the Contentious

So, for man to be uncovered and woman covered is a charge that only Christian apostles have given. It is a practice the churches of God alone hold, for it is different from both the Jewish and the Gentile custom. It is something few, and it is from God.

All the apostles believed that woman should have her head covered. If anyone today professes to be an apostle and yet does not believe in the head covering of woman, he cannot be counted as one of the apostles. He must be taken as an outsider. There is no such practice among the apostles of not believing this. If any church does not believe, Paul's answer is, "We have no such custom, neither the churches of God" None of the local churches which the apostles had visited had any such custom as arguing about woman's head covering. So the answer to any who argue is that there is no such practice as arguing about It. In verses 145, Paul is willing to reason, but after that he reasons no more. If any seems to be contentious, Paul says no apostle will approve of that one's opinion. If anyone wants to argue, no church will agree with his view. You are outside the fellowship of the churches as well as of the apostles.

Therefore, let our sisters cover their heads in the church when praying or prophesying. Why? To manifest that in the church God has obtained that which He has failed to get In the world, in the universe, and among the angels.

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Chapter 4
Can History Speak?
by Dwight Strubhar

Can history speak? Can it say anything to the issues of today? Can it be trusted?

Yes, history can speak. It may report facts fairly well. But beneath history's familiar voice, one may detect a quavering note of uncertainty. History never has all the facts, and can never put all the facts it does have together completely straight.

And history comes up short in another way. While it may report what people did and said In some past time and place, it cannot tell us what God thought about what people did and said. That leaves our limited and darkened minds to judge and sort the "facts", and to try to figure out the why and wherefore of the past.

On this point history can only mumble confusion. We hear it give conflicting answers to the same questions; questions such as; "Why did it happen?" 'What motivated people?" "What was God's part in it?" 'What did He think about it?"

Of course, the confusion really centers in our own darkened minds. "The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" 1 Cor. 1:14. The natural man cannot comprehend history from God's point of view. Standing apart from the revelation of Scripture and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, history can only mumble confusion and half-truths at best. But bowing under the authority of God's Word, history can speak the truth clearly. To the mind enlightened by the Holy Spirit, history can aid the understanding of such things as human nature, cause and effect, the march of events toward God's eternal purpose, and God's ways and dealings with the human family.

So, how about an issue such as the woman's head veiling? Does history have a helpful word? The answer is both yes and no. No. We cannot ascertain God's mind on an issue by the prevailing practice of any period, past or present. For example, we cannot conclude that God desires cut hair and uncovered heads by the prevailing practice of North American women in the last 75 years or so. Nor can we conclude that God desires long hair and covered heads by the prevailing practice of another time-say, the early church. Here history has nothing to say; no authoritative word. Only God's Word can speak God's mind with authority on this or any issue.

Yes. For one thing, history can help us understand the effect that follows obedience or disobedience to the commands of Scripture. For example, let's try to look at the churches of America through God's perspective, using the head covering as a case in point.

Fact: For nearly a century, most Christian men have allowed or encouraged Christian women to uncover their heads.

Fact: Our society today is marked by moral weakness, confused sex roles, shattered lives, and broken homes. Many churches and even pulpits are overcome by a fornicating, divorcing spirit. Too much, the church is emaciated with the cancer of the world.

Now, one of our all time great challenges is to correctly link cause and effect. As strange as it may seem to some, a relationship exists between the abandoned veils and the unhappy condition of the church and society today. I believe that God wants us to see that the second set of facts above is In part a result of the first fact. God's commands are for our well-being. We disobey to our detriment.

We have rejected both the substance and the symbols of the first part of 1 Corinthians 11, and now we suffer the bitter consequences. We have displaced Christ, the rightful head, with our own exalted thoughts and ways. We have overturned God's order for man and woman. We have uncovered our fleshly glory. We have enthroned our glory and found God's glory departed. Ichcabod! 1 Samuel 4:19-24.

History can help us another way with an issue such as this. The consistent testimony of Godly men and women down through history underscores the testimony of Scripture. Even In times of deep spiritual darkness, courageous men have seen and spoken arid lived the truth. They are to us a great cloud of witnesses.

And history can help us in yet another way. Sometimes it can help clinch our understanding of given scriptures. A New Testament passage obscure or controversial today was certainly clear to the first readers who lived in the culture and the time in which the New Testament was written. Writings that come down to us from the first centuries of the church sometimes give insight Into how the first believers understood the New Testament.

Although false teaching had already sprouted in New Testament times, the excesses and errors of the new church had not yet grown to later proportions. In general, the closer to the time of the first apostles, the more closely the teachings and practice of the church followed their doctrine. For this reason, the history of the early church is of special interest to us.

Sometimes we are blessed with a particularly clear word, as in this quote from Tertullian (ca.200 A.D.). "So, too, did the Corinthians understand him" (the apostle Paul - that unmarried girls as well as married women should be veiled.). "In fact, at this day the Corinthians do veil their virgins. What the apostles taught, their disciples approve."

Several things come through clearly from this single, informative quote. The writer understood the Scripture to teach a veiling for Christian women, and that this veiling was an article in addition to the natural covering of the hair. Also, the Corinthians themselves had originally and continuously so interpreted I Corinthians 11! Paul's letter was surely correctly understood by them, and that understanding was that the women should have veiled heads, period. Of interest too is the plural 'apostles', Implying a unified, universal authoritative teaching.

This testimony from Tertullian boldly underscores what the Scripture Itself clearly teaches. Those who argue that the hair Is the only covering required may argue, if they wish, with the Corinthians who personally knew Paul, and who held and read his original letters. So we see from this example that history can speak to clarify and support the Scripture through trustworthy observers and commentators. Now, let's listen to some voices from the past which speak to some issues related to the veiling.

The Catacombs. The numerous pictures on the walls of the catacombs depict Christian women veiled and men bareheaded. (The catacombs were underground burial places used by Christians for that reason and as places to meet during times of severe persecution).

Catacomb art spans several centuries, beginning about A.D. 100.

Clement of Alexandia (A.D. 150-220.) This church leader appealed to 1 Corinthians 11 to strengthen the conviction for the veiling. He also appealed to a sense of modesty. In his prescription for the veil, he went beyond the Scripture and for the sake of modesty called for the sisters to cover even their faces in public.

Tertullian (ca. A.D. 160-215). About the year A.D. 200, Tertullian wrote an essay entitled 'On the Veiling of Virgins'. As the title suggests, he argues that unmarried girls as well as married women should be veiled. Throughout his essay, Tertullian never questions the veiling of married women. In his appeal to 1 Cor. 11, he only makes is sue with the word woman, showing that the term included the unmarried as well as the married. He seems unconcerned with such questions as: Is the hair the only covering? Is 1 Cor. 11 authoritative for Christians of every time and place, etc.? Apparently, the veiling issues of our day were not the same as they were in Tertullian's day. He opens his treatise with these words:

"I will show in Latin also that it behooves our virgins to be veiled from the time that they have passed the turning-point of their age: that this observance is exacted by truth, on which no one can impose prescription-no space of items, no influence of persons, no privilege of regions. For these, for the most part are the sources whence, from some ignorance or simplicity, custom finds its beginning; and then it is successfully confirmed by usage, and thus is maintained in opposition to truth. But our Lord Christ surnamed Himself Truth, not custom."

Near his conclusion he writes: "Herein consists the defense of our opinion, in accordance with Scripture, In accordance with nature, in accordance with discipline. Scripture founds the law; nature joins to attest it; discipline exacts it. Which of these (three) does a custom founded on (mere) opinion appear in behalf of? or what is the color of the opposite view? God's is Scripture; God's is nature; God's Is discipline. Whatever is contrary to these is not God's. If Scripture is uncertain, nature is manifest; and concerning nature's testimony Scripture cannot be uncertain. If there is doubt about nature, discipline points out what is more sanctioned by God. For nothing is to Him dearer than humility; nothing more acceptable than modesty; nothing more offensive than "glory" and the study of men pleasing."

To make his point, Tertullian argues both for and against custom; but he refuses to make custom his authority. To him, only Scripture can speak with authority.

Tertullian, like most of his contemporaries, had a deep concern for modesty. He too stressed veiled heads for modesty's sake, but he seems to apply the principle with a severity not taught in the New Testament. Also, he was concerned about the adequacy of the covering. as his words show: "...because you cannot refuse it, to take some other means to nullify it, by going neither covered nor bare. For some, with their turbans and woolen bands, do not veil their head, but bind it up: protected, indeed, in front, but where the head properly lies, bare. Others are to a certain extent covered over the region of the brain with linen coifs of small dimension.... The region of the veil is (should be) coextensive with the space covered by the hair when unbound: in order that the necks too may be encircled.. .(who) when about to spend time in prayer itself, with the utmost readiness place a fringe, or a tuft, or any thread whatever, on the crown of their heads, and suppose themselves to be covered? Of so small extent do they falsely imagine their head to be!"

Finally, it is of interest to note that Tertullian expressed a concern that the veiling be worn consistently out of the assembly as well as in it. "Identity (sameness) of nature abroad as at home, identity (sameness) of custom in the presence of men as of the Lord, consists in identity (sameness) of liberty. To what purpose, then, do they thrust their glory out of sight abroad, but expose it in the church? I demand a reason. Is it to please the brethren, or God Himself...? What cannot appear to be done for God's sake (because God wills not that it be done in such a way) is done for the sake of men - a thing, of course, primarily lawful, as betraying a lust for glory."

Hippolytus (died ca. A.D. 236). "And let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth, not with a veil of thin linen, for this is not a true covering."

The Constitutions of the Holy Apostles (ca. A.D. 250-325). This collection of writings cite 1 Corinthians 11 as authority, uphold man's headship and requires women to be covered in worship.

"Finally, let me suggest that there are fragments of the apostle's (Paul) instructions everywhere scattered throughout his epistles, such as the minute canon concerning the veiling of women in acts of worship, insisting upon it with a length of argument which in one of the apostolic fathers would be considered childish. He also insisted that his tradition is from the Lord."

Apparently the truth of the woman's need to be covered was so plain to them that they thought it "childish" that Paul spent so much time explaining the reasons for it; but then they weren't anticipating the darkness of this present generation!

Chrysostom (A.D. 344-407). In a sermon on 1 Corinthians ll, Chrysostom urged women to worship with veiled heads and men with bared heads. He warned women against "pride and undue assumption of authority."

Jerome (A.D. 345-429). Jerome confirms that Christian women wore the veil in his time in both Egypt and Syria.

Augustine (A.D. 354-430). Augustine insisted that women not uncover their hair. He also based his argument on the teaching of the N.T. as these quotes will show: "It is not becoming even in married women to uncover their hair, since the apostle commands the women to keep their heads covered." And at another place: "For she is instructed for this very reason to cover her head, which he is forbidden to do because he is the image of God."

The above testimonies lead to several conclusions:

1. Leading church men of the first centuries essentially interpreted 1 Corinthians 11 the same way, that is, that God wants Christian women to be veiled.

2. Practice in the early church generally kept with this interpretation.

3. This interpretation apparently was not opposed or exposed as false doctrine by teachers of the first several centuries.

What of succeeding periods of church history? Throughout the Middle Ages women veiled their heads. At least one of the reformers, John Calvin, clearly understood the N.T. to require a covering. "Should anyone now object, that her hair is enough, as being a natural covering, Paul says it is not, for it is such a covering as requires another thing to be made use of for covering it."

J.C. Wenger describes the veil worn in Swiss Reformed cities of the 17th and 18th centuries. He concludes; 'The wearing of this white or black veil seems to have been common in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and England - and likely in all of Europe."

Wenger also points out that the American churches in the late 19th century replaced the veil of England and the Continent with ordinary headgear. "It was usual in American Christian churches for women to have their heads at least covered in worship until the latter years of the 19th century (testimony of Bishop S. F. Coffman, 1872-1954). That which altered the practice of many American Protestant groups was the introduction of huge hats in the 1890's (these hats were nicknamed 'Merry Widows').

We'll conclude with Wenger's words: "If one reviews the historical evidence fully, it becomes evident that the bulk of the Christian church to this day believes that the command for men to worship with bared head, and for women to wear the veil, is permanently valid."

Christians of the 20th century who courageously obey the principles and keep the symbols of 1 Corinthians 11 stand with saintly Christians of all time. May their number increase, and may the Lord use them to the reviving and uniting of His church, and to the healing of our land.

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Chapter 5
The Veil in Early Christian Art
by Tom Shank

The catacombs of Rome are an extensive underground series of cemeteries where the early Christians buried their dead during the first four centuries. They consist of countless narrow passageways, along which are carved niches for burial, and which lead at times to small chambers or rooms.

The catacombs carved in the substrata rock beneath the city of Rome extend to an almost unbelievable 550 miles, are often six levels deep, and contain the room for the interment of over six million bodies!

During the various intense persecutions of the church, Christians were forced to retreat for brief periods of time for refuge in these dark and silent hand-carved caverns. Throughout the first few centuries, and even after Constantine legalized nominal Christianity, saints continued to bury their dead and to paint the likeness of their departed loved ones, scenes from Scripture, and Christian symbols, in the catacombs. Herein is the first Christian art.

On the following pages are reproductions, poor though they are, of several frescos, which give the earliest pictorial evidence of the fact that Christian women of the first centuries did veil their heads. It goes without saying that these paintings speak conclusively of the universal apostolic practice of the use of the veil as taught in 1 Corinthians 11.

The dates of these paintings cannot but be approximate - some could be considerably earlier than is mentioned, as the construction and use of the catacombs by Christians had begun even in the latter part of the first century. Also included here are pictures from an early manuscript and a mosaic from an early church building.

In surveying these pictures, a few conclusions can be drawn:

1. There is no single style of veiling used, although most are of the draping type. A couple are cap-like, and most of this style also have draping material attached.

2. Modest dress is evidenced throughout, with a conspicuous absence of jewelry and other finery. The example of the Samaritan woman at the well is given to stand in contrast with this, with her earrings, hairdo and uncovered head.

3. Of interest is the representation of the majority of the departed saints with hands raised up in worship, for they were depicted as experiencing the joy of fellowship with their Lord in heaven.

I have, in some cases, had to outline the shape of the veils for greater clarity.

Veiled woman

Early 3rd. century

Catacomb of St. Peter and Marcellinus

Pictures #1 of ancient Veils of Christian from 3rd century

Pictures #2 of ancient Veils of Christian from 3rd century

Pictures #3 of ancient Veils of Christian from 4rd century

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Chapter 6
Covering Some Basic Issues
by Timothy Heaps

Permit me to speak subjectively of the things of God; spiritual authority, men and women relations, and head covering. You see, in my own simple way, God has more often revealed Himself, or something of His character, long before He gave me understanding of the how, what, and why; not always, just most of the time.

Before I met the Lord, like most, I had bought into the ways of the world. Foremost in this 'package deal' was the distorted concept of the equality of the sexes. It is all around us, mostly exalting women and debasing men. This is not to say that we (men and women) didn't deserve it or have it coming to us. It's just that since the world does not know the Lord, this wasn't the true spiritual equality through grace spoken of in Gal.3:28, but instead, the denial of God's government; His order in the universe, if you will (Rom.1:25). I suppose it was my reaction in attempting to make two wrongs equal one right.

With this reaction, and without the blessing of God upon me, I was rather weak; spiritually impotent would be more honest. But then I had an unwritten agreement with my wife that I could pretend to be the head of the house while I relied on her feminine strengths in the area of intuition arid 'spiritual things'. I didn't like it, but then I had to be honest - I definitely lacked God's power and she had a measure of it. And besides, as if in reaction to the male chauvinism of the past generation, this appeared much more honorable and 'equal' to both of us; and of course, it was applauded by most of our 'liberated' peers.

This seemed to work well (?) for awhile; that is, until we had an encounter with Jesus Christ. Then gently, but suddenly, things began to change. Sensitivities and perceptions into spiritual things began to develop in me, and much to our surprise, this happened by a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit - not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord (Zech. 4:6). Now, as if this weren't enough, It clearly appeared to both of us that gifts, strengths, and spiritual receptivities were on the wane in my wife. It was as if the Lord was testifying to us both of His government, His ways, and His order of things, calling her to lay things down and me to pick them up. I might add that this arrangement did not decrease my wife's spirituality, but In fact, increased Its usefulness.

Since that process began years ago, the Lord has continued to work in the same way. While it appears to happen as a sovereign, miraculous act of God, I know it Is Invited in by our obedience to His government and order. 1 Samuel 26:23 states the principle; "May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness." His transformation of us begins with our submission to His ways, by our being not conformed to this world but by being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom.12:2; 2 Cor.3:1 6-18). This transformation begins on the day of our salvation and must continue as we die daily to "the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life." (1 John 2:16). I've heard it said that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman arid that He'll never push His way into our lives, but must be invited in. Our lives, like the wine containers at the wedding feast, must be emptied before He can do a miracle in us. It really is quite simple-the more we die to self, the more He will live in us.

In the same way in which we view the relationship of Christ, man, and woman (1 Cor. 11), we will then bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Once again, it is in the form of a life poured out for Him. As woman submits to man, and man loves his wife (Eph. 5). this is a testimony of obedience to God's government, and in that we are both able to honor God arid be blessed. This Is the order of creation established from the beginning (Gen. 2). Only when Eve was deceived (1 Tim. 2:14) and did not submit in this fashion was the serpent able to sneak in. She stepped outside of her covering and provision in God. Should we not all fear both God and Satan when we act in such a manner? Rather than resisting God's way, we must search diligently how we might submit to God and resist the devil (Jam. 4:7). Shouldn't we rush headlong into the ways in which we might lose our lives rather than be preoccupied with saving them? (Mat. 10:39).

One such way in which we have recently been convicted by the Holy Spirit relates to the woman's head covering. This speaks of obedience and dying to self, and not to a mere legal requirement; it is an Issue of obedience to God, and not man. For the woman is not only covering her glory to reveal Christ's, and submitting to man, but is also testifying to the angels of her obedience (1 Cor. 11: 10). Considering our past history and relationships, this was a necessary testimony of commitment to God (and His angelic hosts) and of our understanding and obedience to this most basic aspect of His government.

While initially many questions and struggles arose (mostly from the flesh), it was rather simply and supernaturally a next step in the transformation into His image that we have been called to from the beginning. In a sense, it represented a completion for us, a graduation, thus freeing us to better humbly serve and obey so that the Lord might be able to use us and reveal even more to us (John 16:12). I shudder to think how long we tarried on this one principle, but thank God for His long-suffering for us. How often the Lord longs for our faithfulness in small things that He might say; "Well done good and faithful servant: you were faithful over a few things: I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the Joy of the Lord." (Matt.25:21). As Watchman Nee concluded when speaking on this subject; "Head covering in itself is a small matter, but it constitutes a very great testimony." So be it!

[Illustration of Moravian women at worship in book]

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Chapter 7
Praying and Prophesying
by Delbert Headings

"Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his Head. But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying, disgraces her head; for she is one and the same with her whose head is shaved." (1 Cor. 11:4-5, NASB)

Others have written on the meaning of the word 'covered' in this study, as well as the last phrase of verse 5. It is necessary to also focus on the meaning of the phrase 'praying or prophesying', as set forth In these verses.

Praying: the Greek word here is 'proseuchomai', which literally means to pray to God (ie. supplicate, worship), to will, to wish.

So we ask ourselves - when do I as a man need to be unveiled? Or, when do I as a woman need to be veiled? (I use the word 'veiled' here instead of covered as this Is the proper translation and gives the thought of a sign-type covering and not just any covering.) When am I making supplication to God? Many times through the week as I go about my work, the Holy Spirit will suddenly remind me of a need in my own life or in someone else's, so as I continue to work, I lift up a supplication to God for that need.

I may come home from work and my wife might say, 'While I was doing dishes this morning, Mr. Jones suddenly came to mind, so I prayed for him while I finished the dishes."

Why would someone who you had not thought about for a long time suddenly come to mind? The Holy Spirit is trying to tell you, "Hey, this person needs to be prayed for. Do you say to yourself, 'Yeah, I'll try to remember to mention him for prayer on Sunday or at prayer meeting', or 'I'll pray for him when I have my special time with God today.' No! He was brought to mind now, and needs to be prayed for now. The destiny of a soul could depend on whether you make supplication to God now for this person. We talk about being in tune with God, which includes being ready to pray to Him no matter what the circumstances are.

Another aspect of prayer is worship, and I want to ask just one question regarding worship through song:

How often do you praise God throughout the day with a song or chorus in your heart? And yet another question comes to mind in terms of the meaning of prayer - how often during the day do you will or wish God to do something, in your life or others?

Prophesying: The Greek word here Is 'propheteuo', which literally means 'to speak under divine inspiration'. So be it a word given during worship service, or while visiting another believer, or sharing the Lord to an unbeliever; it all can come under the category of prophesying.

What it boils down to is this - are you, dear sister, committed to being a vessel that God can use anytime, any place, for any word to share from Him? Perhaps you are convinced that you should be veiled when praying or prophesying. So in light of what we have already discussed, if you are a committed Christian woman, then you are praying and/or prophesying most of your waking hours. In that case, you would certainly want to be veiled all the time if you truly believe in a total obedience to God and His Word. A consecrated Christian woman wears the veiling not out of respect to a person or a group, but because God has asked her to in His Word. And if you are convicted to wear it but refuse, you will be grieving the Holy Spirit arid possibly bringing your spiritual life to a standstill.

I would like to clarify one more word here, and that is the word 'church'. I have seen sisters wear the veil to what they call 'church' but no other time (apparently they think that is the only place to pray and prophesy). The Greek word for 'church' is ekklesla. which literally means 'the assembly of those called out or forth'; in other words, believers. So let's remember, 'church' is not a building nor does it need to refer only to the whole congregation, but is any time two or more believers are gathered together. That is church.

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Chapter 8
Testimony of Sisters That Truth Prevail in our Lives
by Margaret Huckeba

Recently, my sister, who was having trouble with her teenager, came to visit us. The problem was so extensive it had actually become life threatening.

She was quite surprised to see my sister, Elizabeth, and 'wearing the head veiling. We shared with her how and why we had come to that decision. As É shared with her, I related how I had been quite angry with the idea of wearing a head veiling, and had been very defensive of my position, but had finally asked the Lord to show me what He wanted regarding 1 Corinthians 111.

The Lord helped me to recall a teaching I had heard concerning the difference between men and women - that women are always seeking security, and so naturally move into a leading position in order to feel more secure, even though that doesn't really make them feel secure either. Men, on the other hand, are visual and are therefore more vulnerable to the physical manipulation and seduction of women.

I could then understand why the majority of men today are either domineering and tyrannical (which is not of God, but satanic), or spineless and controlled, which is also not God's plan for men. The problem is overwhelming in scope! I could see why so many churches and the world were in the mess they are in. The truth can be staring us in the face but we are so blind to it.

I could also then understand that if women would step down and allow men to take the lead with gentle strength, which Is Godly, then things would come under God's control through a properly established headship. It also seemed that this drive in women is so strong that we need a constant reminder - so the Lord gave us the head veiling. As I put it on, I asked the Lord to do a work in my heart daily. I can see that He is doing it, but I think I have a long way to go.

I was so blest to see at the church where we had learned these truths and had begun to fellowship that the men were taking the spiritual lead and baring their hearts, which is not natural for them to do, and the women were stepping down not taking the spiritual lead, which is not natural for them, as it is easier for them to be leaders and to bare their hearts. It is clear that God wants what is natural in us to be put to death so we can truly come under His control and authority.

Well, to make a long story short, my sister went home and told her husband (who was at his wit's end) that she would submit to his decision regarding their son. He was overwhelmed and said at last he felt he had a real wife, a helper at his side. This change totally transformed their marriage. She was overjoyed as she related all the wonders this change of attitude did for them!

I praise God for this, arid I also thank precious brothers and sisters for being such a beautiful example of God's truth. Bless each one Of you who are faithful in this!

Never!

by Elizabeth Heaps

"I'll never wear one of those things!", were the words from my mouth years ago to some Mennonite friends. "Where does it say that in the Bible?" They told me where.... My prayer became "Oh Lord, why me! You convict my heart if it's true and I'll obey."

They were only words. But in time, the need for obedience was to follow, and that's where it got very difficult. Every fleshly argument prevailed. My husband laughed at each one and said, 'Why don't you stop fighting and just obey!" It was not the head veiling Itself that was my stumbling-block, but all the things it represented - dying to the flesh, and to the desire to be accepted; 'standing out'; being judged for religious bondage, for real submission to my husband, and in spotlighting different areas that weren't submitted - ouch!

I had to ask the Lord to deal with and cleanse my rebellious heart and to help me simply obey Him, despite all the circumstances, and the emotions and feelings that were so intense. He gave me 1 Peter over and over again through my struggles.

Yet it was so very simple and peaceful once I put it on physically and spiritually! And following my obedience God has blessed to reveal much more fully the deeper meanings of His own covering over me personally and through my husband. Instead of 'religious bondage' it has meant spiritual freedom, for God so blesses a simple obedience to His Word. In such obedience He gives us a glimpse into some of the mysteries and ways in which He covers His faithful children from both the enemy and ourselves. And I praise God for that. Amen!

Ugly Self Covered

by Barbara Miller

I'd like to share a little on what the woman's head veiling means to me. I know that for most of my life (and that was until I was almost thirty years old) the only understanding I had of the covering was that a woman must have her head covered when she prays or reads God's Word. I used to think God wouldn't hear me if I wasn't wearing it.

I praise God that my shallow understanding has deepened, but wish that It had happened a lot sooner. That it didn't was partly due to a lack of solid teaching on the subject and partly due to my own lack of interest and ability to study God's Word deeply. His Word cannot be understood rightly by just a casual reading without the Holy Spirit within to reveal it to us personally, or through God's ministers, it does not become living to us.

"For man ought not to have his head covered since he is the image and glory of God ; but the woman is the glory of man." (1 Cor. 1 1:7). This verse shows us God's order in human relations. Since God is the Creator, the Almighty and Supreme, and worthy of all the glory and honor that we as His creatures can give Him, we should be uncovering or exposing His glory and worthiness. Man represents Him in human form as His image, and so his head is to remain uncovered.

Just as man represents God, so woman represents man in general. We are to be vessels through which the glory of God can shine. We cannot keep any glory and honor for ourselves, as that is the essence of pride. Humans cannot handle glory in a right way - what righteousness and goodness we do have is only as filthy rags in comparison to the divine righteousness in God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus our glory or goodness must be covered, and the woman represents this through the wearing of the head veiling. She also represents her to husband the submission she seeks to have towards God.

Therefore, the meaning of wearing a veiling has taken on a new depth and thrill to me. As I wear it, I express the desire to be totally emptied of self and sin to be only a clean vessel that can let the glory of Christ shine through. It testifies that I commit every aspect and detail of my life to Him in true submission. As the Lord reveals our own imperfections to us, we can be deeply encouraged by seeing Jesus' perfection and that with Him in us we can have the victory.

"Brethren, 'do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and looking forward to what lies ahead I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect (mature) have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you.." (Ph.3:12-15 NASB).

It is with joy that I wear the sign of having my own glory covered. How I despise it when ugly self even tries to lift its head again.

May Jesus be glorified!

The Power of the Covered Head

By Kay Miller

I would like to share a testimony concerning the power of the veiling as it Is worn in obedience to and for the glory of God.

As a church, we had been working with a young teenage girl who had been attending our services and visiting in our homes for several months. She had come from a broken home, had been abused as a child, and was deeply Involved in rock music. She had also had a nervous breakdown a few years before. Although she made partial commitments and seemed open to the truth of God's Word, there seemed to be a hopelessness about it all. I often wondered if she had the mentality to understand what Jesus had done for her. When she would spend the night with our daughter, her conversation was erratic and foolish, and I often had a sense of uneasiness in leaving them alone together. Our daughter had the same feeling, but we prayed for God's protection over us and rested in Him, knowing that He loved her too.

One weekend we were all gathered together for a time of special meetings. She responded at one of the invitations and her repentance was undoubtedly genuine. There was a brokenness in her that we had never seen before. Her childlike joy was a blessing to all of us, and we praised God for His power to bring her to true repentance and conversion.

Later, throughout the following day she was asked about wearing the head veiling - would she want to yield herself in this way to God's authority over her life, and have the protection of the angels over her? She was full of doubts and fears at the very suggestion, so we didn't press the issue.

But the turmoil within her continued. One moment she wanted to, and the next moment she didn't. Somehow she couldn't seem to lay the thought aside. Finally, on her own, she asked for a veiling, and when one of the sisters was putting it on her she began to cry. She cried so hard they came to ask the rest of us sisters what to do.

I asked her, "Don't you want to wear it?" She insisted that she did, so I asked her, "Then why are you crying?" She didn't know why - only that she felt so frightened. We asked her if we should take It off, and she said "No", and then "Yes", and then she didn't know. We decided to pray for her, and as we did we asked the Lord to give her a peace and even a joy about this - like the joy she had when she first realized her sins were forgiven. But her crying continued and her sobs became more violent. We were perplexed.

Finally we decided to take the veiling off, thinking perhaps that the trauma of her conversion made this too much for her to handle at this lime. We explained to her why we were taking it off and told her to forget about it at this point and just concentrate on Jesus and what he has done for her. Her violent crying stopped, but she was not at all happy; in fact, she looked simply miserable.

After talking to her for awhile, I gave her a hug. She began to cry again, and clung to me almost frantically. I didn't know what to do. I said to her bluntly, "You will just have to tell Satan to leave you alone in Jesus' name!", not knowing why I said it, or that I was going to. She took me literally and said it out loud. Then she began to scream it out with such violence that some of the sisters went after the brothers to help us.

While everyone gathered in prayer, she was delivered that evening from Satan's control. Her joy was so contagious and so complete, we couldn't help but rejoice with her. She was a different person. And before we had scarcely adjusted to this new young woman, she asked for the veiling again. This time her face was radiant as she wore it, and there was no fear.

The point I would like to bring out In this testimony is the rewards of a simple, uncomplicated obedience to God's Word. The power of wearing the veiling is evident. Even the demons tremble before it! We praise God for the way He used the veiling to bring out the evil roots that we had no way of knowing were there. If these inner bondages had not been exposed by the turmoil of putting on the veiling, she certainly could not have gone on with the Lord. And of course, God receives all the glory!

Peace - Agreeing With God

by Susie Hofer Strubhar

I've found it thrilling to come to a deeper understanding of the many beautiful meanings God has for me in wearing a head veiling.

I am saying when I wear it that I agree with God's order of headship. I agree to submit to Him first and then to my husband and the other leaders he has set over me. This spiritual covering is really a security every woman craves.

My veiling reminds me of the hidden life of prayer and victory I am called to. The love, Joy and peace that comes from my communion with Him is essential in our frustrating world. It also reminds me that I am Christ's bride, and of the longing He has for me to be pure, arid to have my own expectations fulfilled in Him.

The 'hidden glory' speaks to me of covering my ideas and laying down my feelings, so I can hear His voice, and so His glory can be revealed. It reminds me to be instant in prayer and alert to His leading; to remain at rest In Him, and in those He has placed over me. For only then can we be under His control and prophesy for Him.

I believe it does me no good to wear a veil if my life is not in accord with what It symbolizes. We women need special protection. I've experienced the protecting power of being covered. The angels are our ministering spirits against the enemy. There is tremendous power in a quiet, restful spirit and devoted prayer life. Mountains do move!

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord. 'Who are you, O great mountain?" (Zech. 4:6-7a)

A Witness to the World

by Loretta Headings

"Is there any significance to the way you wear your hair?"

Yes, I'm a Christian and it's a witness to the world of my life in Christ. I've had many opportunities this past year during the different times Delbert, my husband, was in the hospital to share about why I have my head veiled. It became a real blessing to me because in the process of testifying to others it became more meaningful In my own understanding.

It Is hard to know exactly what to say when we meet people in passing and they ask mainly out of curiosity. I began to realize that often they were seeking to find out my identity - a nun, Mennonite, what? That is what prompted the answer given above to a man I once met on an elevator. This exchange of two sentences was all that time allowed us, and also, once he knew my identity, he seemed anxious to be on his way!

Other times, we meet people who really are interested in hearing more and we must trust the Spirit to direct as to how we should share with them. I remember a time when a young Catholic man, who knew his Bible, asked me about my veiling. He knew about I Corinthians 11, and said, "Oh yes, St. Paul talks about a woman being covered when she prays or prophesies", and then questioned me about wearing it all the time. Then I had the blessing of sharing how that personally by wearing the veiling all the time I was continually in the position to pray or share Christ with others.

However, the joy of wearing the head veiling goes much deeper than this. I can wear it with joy as I understand that I am who and what and where God wants me to be. It tells me that He wants me to give up my own ideas, my own desires, my own selfish nature and to come under His authority and plan for my life, expressed to me through my husband and the other leaders He has placed over me. God has chosen my covered head to show the world that man's glory is to be covered and man's uncovered head is to show that His glory is to be revealed.

Living this way brings such joy, peace, and security!

Because of the Angels...

by Judy Headings

Recently, as I was sitting in my Sunday School class listening to the teacher's comments on angels, I suddenly had a new understanding of the verse: "For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels." (1 Cor. 11:10).

Since that time, the significance of it has become more exciting to me as I have pondered over it and shared it with others.

Angels are not omniscient beings. They are wise, they are powerful, they are both invisible and visible at times, they are immortal, and they are holy. But they are not all-knowing.

Angels operate by signs. On that long ago, eventful night in Egypt, when the death-angel passed through the land, claiming the firstborn of every household, the Israelites were protected by a sign - the blood that was painted on their door posts.

The power and protection of the veiling is that it is evidence that I am under the authority of another. As the angels recognize this sign, they are ministering in my behalf and protecting me from the attacks of Satan. I'm sure that I cannot begin to comprehend all of the warfare that is going on in the spiritual world and the tremendous protection that is mine; not only in wearing the veiling, but also in being covered by the authority God has placed over me.

I thank God for His many blessings in wearing the head veiling.

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Chapter 9
In Answer to Common Objections
by Tom Shank

To almost every one of God's truths, there will be people who object, and for any number of reasons. Consciously or unconsciously, it is usually in order to rationalize not having to obey some application of it. Certainly, that is the most 'convenient' way to avoid His commands - to convince yourself and others that you know that is just not what the Word is saying. The sister's head veiling is a prime example of this. Following are the most frequently encountered objections to this scriptural injunction.

1. It was only a local custom of the day and not meant to be practiced perpetually.

Let's take a glimpse at just what the historical data tells us. Among the Jews, the men and women covered their heads in worship: it was an expression of humility, just as the angels in Isaiah 6. However, 'The Greeks (both men and women) remained bareheaded in public prayer..." (Robertson's Word Pictures of the N.T.; see also Pulpit Commentary, etc.). Corinth, of course, was a Greek city, and reflected this custom.

In public, only the harlots went about with unveiled heads and cut hair. So although it is true that Paul was, by his teaching, commanding that the Christian women not be identified by appearance as harlots in public, it is clear from the headship principles he takes pains to establish that the Christian women's head veiling stood for much more than just that. He never mentions that they should wear the veiling in order to not

be identified with harlots. One realizes too that he meant for the veiling to be worn in public at all times, or they would have been identified with them.

In the carnal church at Corinth (l Cor. 3:1-3), the sisters had apparently abused their freedom in the gospel in this area. Those of Jewish background would have been used to this practice of worshipping with veiled heads (the men too, however!), but not the Greek women. Paul too would have spent his entire life as Saul worshipping with a covered head. Therefore, it wasn't a general custom for all to worship in such a mariner, until Paul had taught God's principles on the subject.

We remember too that in writing this letter Paul had in mind "all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ.." (1 Cor. 1:2). This included Jewish Christians in Israel and other places where harlots didn't necessarily go about unveiled (Tamar, when she wanted to appear as a harlot, and of course disguise her identity, put on a veil in order to seduce Judah. Gen.38: 14f.).

Quite obviously, the veiling of women was not a local custom to which Paul was enslaving the sisters for the sake of cultural conformity, convention, propriety, or the like, but because God commanded that His governmental headship principles were to be exemplified by the sisters of the church as a testimony to the world and the heavenly powers.

2. The woman's long hair takes the place of a veiling.

(See exposition on verse 15).

In verse 15 of 1 Cor. 11, Paul is, in part, appealing to an illustration from nature (the long hair for women versus the short hair for men) to clarify the necessity of the veiling. Certainly he isn't contradicting everything he had said thus far in verses 3-13 about the importance of the veiled head. Again, the word translated 'covering' in verse 15 is peribolaion, which means "something cast around", as opposed to the word translated covering, uncovered, etc. in the previous verses - katakalupto, which means "something which covers completely and hangs down". Paul obviously used an entirely different word in verse 15 so as to not confuse the natural hair covering with the veiling.

If one thinks that her hair is the only covering implied in this chapter, they need only replace the word 'covering' in verses 4, 5, 6, 7, and 13 with the word 'hair', and they will quickly see how absurd such a notion is.

The final blow to this argument is found in verse 6, where Paul says "If a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn". The word 'also' (kai) can't but be implying an artificial covering besides the hair. To paraphrase this verse with this assumption in mind, it would read, "If her head is not covered with hair, then let her hair be cut." How can you cut something that isn't there?!

The long hair alone is not the sign of authority spoken of in verse 10 since anyone, male or female, Christian or non-Christian, could have it.

3. This was just a temporary custom and therefore to command it for today is the bondage of legalism.

An important principle in Bible interpretation is that one must discover, if possible, exactly how particular verses were understood by those to whom they were written, therein discerning their true meaning. Certainly, Paul's teachings were not confusing to his hearers (readers).

Tertullian was able to testify about 150 years after this epistle was written that the Corinthians still faithfully practiced the wearing of the head veiling. There can be no doubt as to how they had interpreted his teaching an this subject.

Again, the principles upon which the head veiling is based are part of the Word of God which will stand "until heaven and earth pass away". To not believe this reflects a low view of the inspiration of the Scripture, for it is a tradition (lit, something handed down') and ordained of God, and we are told to "...stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (2 Thes. 2:15). Later on, Paul said to the Corinthians; "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Cor. 14:37; see also I Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 3:16; Tit. 2:10).

Is it legalism to obey the clear and simple command of God? No! In fact, it is sin and idolatry not to obey the Lord. The commands of God are not options to Christians, and it is a harlot system that says they are. Through obedience to His Word one enters into His life; partakes of His life. Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." He asks for a heart obedience, motivated by pure love, which far transcends the pharisaic legalismwhich attempts by its own righteousness to earn favor before God.

Every faithful sister who wears the veiling out of such a loving obedience can testify of the blessings that are inherent in so doing. However, one can only fully understand the deep principles it represents when they are experiencing them in their heart and walking them out in their daily life.

4. I see the need to wear it only during worship.

Paul does not necessarily have a church gathering in mind in 1 Cor. 1-16, because in verses 17, 18, and 20, as he changes his subject to communion, he says "when you come together". This makes it clear that he did not have just the assembly in mind with his previous instructions on the veiling.

The primary purpose of the sign of the veiled head is to show God's headship order, and the faithful sister's submission to her part in it. Although it is in focus in praying and prophesying also, that is not its primary function, else one could assume that perhaps its use could be limited to worship services alone. However, if a sister was to keep silent in the assembly, how could she then prophesy, even with a veiling? This would imply an unlovable contradiction in Paul's teachings, which were from the Lord.

Even so, God forbid that the few hours one spends a week in the assembly is the only time a sister is praying and speaking forth God's Word. The Lord also commands that we pray without ceasing and to always be ready to confess to others of the hope that is within us - if a woman is to be covered at such times, then let her be covered at all times.

One could also briefly mention that the grammatical structure of the phrase "let her be covered" is in the present, active, imperative form, which would literally translate "let her continue to be covered."

5. My church, as most, does not practice wearing the head covering.

Unfortunately, this is not the only command of God that most churches fail to practice... The enemy has blinded countless churches to any spiritual discernment of these things because the desire to simply love and obey the Lord at whatever cost is lacking.

James said that to him that knows to do good but does it not, to him it is sin (Ja. 4:17). If your church is disobeying God by failing to teach and practice any essential biblical truth, and refuses to repent, perhaps you had better find a church that does teach the whole counsel of God (2 Cor. 6:17). Jesus had commanded His apostles to teach the believers all that He had commanded, and a church that fails to proclaim the fullness of His truth Is inviting the judgment of a righteous and holy God.

In the sometimes popular quest today for a return to the New Testament church, many don't realize that the veiling of women and other practices mentioned are essential elements of that renewal and return. The early church in Acts "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). Paul mentions too in 1 Cor. 11:16, in concluding the discussion on the head veiling, that all the churches of God of his day practiced it.

Some would say that wearing the head veiling is just a tradition within some denominations. True, it is practiced only by a few groups, but it was also practiced by another church - the church of the New Testament. The fact that it is so little practiced today does not speak to its lack of importance, but rather to the lack of faithfulness to God's Word among so many churches.

6. I would be embarrassed to wear the head covering.

As Scripture says, a woman's hair is her glory - all woman instinctively know this, whether they have read and believed it in the Bible or not. Billions of dollars are spent each year in this country alone for the primping and prettying of woman's hair. To cover the hair under a veil is one of the best opportunities a sister has to strike at the root of pride and vainglory in her life. Some would say the head veiling is bondage; how about being bound to the hair styles and fads of the world? If there is any bondage one should be concerned about being freed from it is the idolatry of bondage to the prideful old self, which seeks continually to grasp for glory through the vanity and lust of the flesh.

If a Christian woman truly loves the Lord, will there be any cost too great in her abandonment to Him? No - in fact, she will have an enthusiasm for anything which deals with that self-root in her life; a passion to be rid of any obstacle to a deeper love and relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus.

If one feels embarrassed to wear the head veiling, they should recognize that it is due to a fear of man. When a sister puts on the veiling, she must realize that she will be persecuted; what hurts the most is that this persecution will come primarily from other Christians who don't share the conviction. Only a sister who has been through this will know how hot that persecution fire can get, and how brutal it can be. This is because the veiling is a direct threat to the fleshly spirit which frantically clutches for what it considers to be its rights. However, a faithful sister never needs to apologize for her obedience to God's Word.

7. I just don't feel the conviction to wear it.

That is too bad, but then one must remember this foundational truth- we aren't to depend on or trust our feelings, but rather depend on and trust God and His revealed Word and will.

In the process of growing to greater maturity in Christ, there will be many times when He will ask us to do something on faith, not feeling, and as we are obedient, He then blesses that faith obedience with a deep and solid conviction. In our faith-and-not-sight walk with the Lord, He can purge out our self-sufficiency and dependence on self-polluted feelings.

When it comes to obeying the clear command of Scripture, what is crucial is not that the Spirit has been able to develop a conviction in our hearts for it, but that we simply obey. There were many things in the O.T. which God commanded the children of Israel to do for which the only reason was that it was God who commanded it. If we have a heart for the Lord, and have surrendered our own will to Him - in other words, if He truly is our Lord, then we will obey simply because of who He is. If God says it, do it! In that step of faith and obedience He will honor you with something much more dependable than fleshly feelings - a deep, heart-felt conviction, based on His Word.

8. The husband, or the pastor of the unmarried, is the women's covering.

There certainly is some truth to this statement, since the man is head of the woman (v.3) and as her head, his responsibility includes his covering her in the sense of protection and the accountability of his God-given authority. So, positionally, he is her covering.

Nevertheless, there is no feasible way to interpret 1 Corinthians 11 to allegorize away the simple and plain teaching of the necessity for a visible sign of the headship order. Our Lord taught principles and their accompanying signs. Thus we believe in the cleansing from sin and receiving the Spirit and practice its symbol, baptism; we believe in remembering Christ's death and resurrection and its symbol, holy communion; we believe in humbly serving our brothers and its symbol, feet washing; we believe in the headship order and its symbol, the head veiling. We don't hold to the principle but reject the symbol. In maintaining the signs and symbols instituted by Christ, the church is able to witness of the government and grace of God to the world and the heavenly powers.

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Chapter 10
Ten Principles of Headship
by Roman Miller

Man and woman in 1 Corinthians 11 each represent primarily their individual callings. Secondarily, they represent the calling of all mankind before God, each from different perspectives.

* * * * * * * * * *

1. God's design for man and woman is in many ways similar to the relationship of Christ to the Father. John 5:19,30, 6:38, 8:28, 12:49,14:10,24,17:1; 1 Cor. 15:27-28.

2. The headship and authority of Christ are absolute because He is in total submission to His head, God. Likewise, the head ship and authority of man and woman are limited to and dependent upon their submission to their respective heads. Matt. 8:8-10; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 4:19, 5:29, 42; 1 Cor. 11:1, 3; Heb.13:17. (The word obey in this last passage means 'to persuade, to win over'. The obedience suggested is not by submission to authority, but resulting from persuasion. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.)

3. All mankind, but especially men symbolically, are to exalt and expose the glory and wisdom of Jesus. Rom 8:19; 1 Cor. 11:7; 1 Thes. 2:12; 2 Thes. 2:14; 2 Pet. 1:3

4. All mankind, but especially women symbolically, an to cover and conceal the glory and wisdom of mankind. ] Cor. 11:7, 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:8-15.

5. The ability of mankind to accomplish the supernatural is the hidden power of God operating through the human instrument. John 14:10-14; 1 Cor. 1:25-31.

6. The principle attitudes which release God's power are first, a realization of personal weakness and need, and secondly, faith in God's power and provision. Matt. 5:3; Cor. 12:7-10.

7. Man and woman are interdependent, as also are Christ and mankind, and the Father and Christ. John 14:10,20; 1 Cor. 11:11-12, 15:27-28.

8. Man's pride, causing him to fail to seek God's glory and wisdom, and to prefer his own, will always cause division and strife. 1 Cor. 1:11-17, 11:17-19 (Verses 18-31 explains a cause of divisions. Note especially the concluding verses.

9. A woman's covered head says for her personally:

a. I will not use any outward power, such as beauty, words, or withholding favors to manipulate or control men. 1 Pet. 3:1-6

b. I will put my full trust in God for security and provision. Matt. 6:25-34

c. I am no longer deceived by Satan's lie that equality is a thing to be grasped. Gen. 3:4-5: Phil. 2:5-6.

10. A man's uncovered head says for him personally:

a. I will forego the honor and glory of mankind so I may seek the honor and glory of God. Luke 16:15; John 5:41,44; Rom. 2:6-8.

b. I will lead out in following God's order by submitting to my head, Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1,3.

c. I will be a self-giving instrument of Christ's love and provision to all those who are under my authority, demonstrating to them all the virtues of Christ. Eph. 5:25; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:2-4.

[The following was part of an illustration from the book--the pictures are missing]

Man was made to image the glory of his head (God), so his literal head remains uncovered. Man's uncovered head symbolizes the uncovering of the glory of his head, God.

"Man is the image and glory of God" "The head of man is Christ." 1 Cor. 11:3

1 Cor. 11:7

Man must not reveal his vain, sinful glory. So woman, because she is "the glory of man" covers her literal head. Her veiled head symbolizes the covering of her figurative head, man.

"The woman is the glory of man." "The head of the woman is man." 1 Cor. 11:3

1 Cor. 11:7

Both men and women are called to veil the vainglory of humankind and to unveil the glory of God in their daily walk of life.

Glory: Of God: God's hidden excellence manifested | uncovered | imaged in man

Of Man: Man's vanity and sin | covered | imaged in woman

Of Woman: The long hair | covered | symbolizes the vainglory of man.

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Chapter 11
In Conclusion
by Tom Shank

1. Does the Bible clarify a specific form that the head veiling should take?

Not specifically, but in a technical study of the words used in 1 Corinthians 11, several conclusions regarding the form can be drawn.

According to the literal meanings of the original Greek terms, the woman's hair, which is her glory and serves as her natural covering, is to be cast around, which is the definition of the word peribolaion in verse 15. The term 'veiling' is the word katakalupto, which means something that covers completely and hangs down.

The picture one can easily visualize here is that a woman put her hair up (cast or wrapped around) in such a way that her veil can cover it; for the sign is the covered head, not just the covering itself, and it is meant to cover her own glory which, in part, is her hair. Another possible picture from these words is that a woman have her hair cast about (down her back), but with a veiling sufficient enough to then basically cover it. It seems from early Christian art and other sources that this latter style was the most common way of veiling the head in the earliest centuries of the church, from the New Testament times on.

A true covering, then, wouldn't be a self-glorifying hair-do with a little doily perched on top! A draping (hanging down) type of veil seems to best represent what the Word is referring to here. However, certainly a cap or bonnet type covering fulfills the scriptural injunction.

One point to keep in mind is that the material of the covering should be opaque, so as to truly cover the hair.

Frilly, see-through gauze seems to serve more to draw attention to the hair underneath and is a feminine supplanter of the sign God would intend.

Should the veil cover every hair? No - the long hair is her glory, not just her hair alone; therefore, the veil should cover the length or bulk of her hair, not necessarily every single strand.

2. Can one specify a certain age at which girls or young women should begin wearing the head veiling?

This is a very debatable question, and only a few thoughts will be mentioned. It would seem the time of accountability and the time when a young lady first begins to wear the veiling should basically correspond. We are speaking here of young persons who are under the authority of Christian parents. Tertullian, writing about the year 200 A.D., said, in his treatise on prayer, several things regarding the veiling of virgins (later he wrote an essay on the subject in particular). He says in chapter 22; "...that period of life which is unaware of its own sex should be excused. Granted that it should retain the privilege of its innocence; for both Adam and Eve, when realization came to them, immediately covered what they had come to know."

There are often several factors which greatly influence when a young person feels led to put on or not put on the head veiling, peer pressure being probably the most powerful. Head covering is not necessarily meant to correspond with conversion and a decision for the Lord. The head ship principle and her responsibility to it is meant for all women (1 Cor. 11:3). Scripture says nothing about the veiling being for Christian witness, except indirectly in the sense that it will only be among Christians that God's governmental headship will be exemplified. Therefore, the veiling does not correspond with conversion, but rather with the awareness of God's government and our needed submission to it. This is why, at some point, Christian parents will ask their daughters to submit to this command of God.

3. Should the local church body require that each sister wear the exact same style of veiling?

True uniformity has as its only source the deep spiritual unity we can have in Christ - one body and one Spirit.. .one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.... (Eph.4:4-5). If this is not the living foundation of the body, no amount of artificial or law-made uniformity in outward things will stand in peace for long. Nor can the rigid rule and definition of what an outward form must be serve to create the spiritual unity which the body should have in Christ. In fact, it actually militates against it, because it is an attempt to use the law to implement what only the Holy Spirit can create as each have the same Head; the One in whom we have become dead to the law through His body (Ro.7:4).

The unity a church has in the Spirit will not necessarily bear the fruit of a precise uniformity of practice and form in appearance. Why? Because there is no scriptural basis for it. It is man who would desire to see replication among the saints regarding this or any other outward thing. The stamp of Christ's person upon His children is not unlike what we see in nature. Among a certain species there is a clear witness of the common genes and bloodline, but each individual is a perfectly unique representation of that basic family. So it is in the church - in the encounter with Christ, individuality is not destroyed (as in eastern religions) but is transformed in the direction of His nature. In outward and inward matters, that individuality will uniquely reflect the image of the New Man Christ Jesus.

********** ********

Now that this study is concluded, the Lord would have us apply, in the simplicity of a child, the truths of His Word and get on with the essentials of the kingdom of God. The enemy would have a person or an entire church major in a doctrine such as this, as a mint and cummin type ordinance, and ignore the weightier matters of the faith. Head covering is biblical, it is to be obeyed, it is to be taught; but it is not be majored in at the expense of certain other commands of great importance which the church is in fact disobeying. How many of us are being fully obedient to confess Christ before men? How many pour large amounts of their time and money into reaching souls for Jesus? Disobedience to these two clear and essential commands alone is probably the reason our lives and the church are so often powerless. God will commit Himself only to an obedient people! He would have us search His Word and come to faithful obedience in every area. Only then, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, will we as individuals and corporate bodies be able to effective bear witness of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He alone be glorified!

O Lord, how
manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made
them all: the earth is full
off thy riches