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During a recent Sunday School class, the battle of Armageddon came up for discussion. Someone remarked that during the Millennial Reign, Christ will ask His followers to do what He had told them not to do in the New Testament – go out on a physical battlefield to fight and kill wicked people who hate Him.

I disagreed, “I cannot believe that Jesus will ever ask us to act contrary to His written Word. The Gospel is called everlasting (Rev 14:6); it’s the Word of Truth which endureth for ever (1Pet 1:25). Jesus said, My words shall not pass away (Mat 24:35). He’s not going to come back and undo what He has already said by “preaching another Gospel” (Gal 1:8). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim 2:13).

A brother then asked an interesting question. “So if Jesus returned and personally asked you to take a sword and join His army to kill His enemies you wouldn’t obey Him?”

I paused before answering because I’ve learned by embarrassing experience that the quick, simple response is often not the right one. Yet the longer I pondered the question, the stronger my intrinsic reaction grew. “No.” I said. “I would not.”

He looked at me with a shocked expression, “You wouldn’t obey Jesus’ direct command?”

“No,” I said. “Because Jesus would not command us to act contrary to His own Word and works. Whoever comes saying such a thing is not Jesus. It’s someone else. In fact, He warned us that this would very thing would happen, that imposters would come misrepresenting Him.”

Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Mat 24:4-5; 23-27).

Satan the evil Magician

From the very beginning, Satan has been a master of deceit and persuasion. The very first act which caused Sin to enter the world was Satan deceiving Eve with beguiling lies. She believed him. Listened to his lies. And then sinned by doing what God had told her earlier not to do. In the passage we just quoted, Jesus answered the disciples’ question about the sign of His coming by forewarning that the same crafty deceits would be multiplied at the end of the Age. Take heed that no man deceive you. We tend to read over those verses without really stopping to let the weight of His warning sink into our minds. Take heed – beware, be vigilant, watch out – because the Devil’s persuasive deceptions will rise to never-before-seen levels during his little season just before the end of time. Will he come pretending to be Christ? According to Jesus’ own prophecy the answer is yes.

Now, I have always understood Jesus’ warning here to refer to false teachers instead of actual people or angels that present themselves and say, I am Christ. Down through the centuries of time since the Apostles, millions and millions of people have been deceived by many false and poisonous doctrines that church leaders have so confidently preached as the true Gospel (2Pet 2:1-3). These teachers will bear their punishment for the spiritual deaths of those they have deceived.

The sheep however, are not excused for innocently listening to the voice of their shepherds. Just ask Eve. She innocently listened to the sweet talk of the snake and look what happened. She didn’t blatantly disobey, she was tricked. Deceived to act upon something she thought was true when it was actually a big fat lie. Yet the consequence of her sin of being deceived was just as severe as Adam’s sin of rebellion. So beware! This is exactly what the Scriptures warn that Satan will be doing in the last days – very slyly tricking people to sell their own souls. He will get people to live contrary to God’s Word and will deceive entire nations to do things that Christ said not to do.

Really, this is no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2Cor 11:14). An angel of light. That’s a sobering picture! The Devil’s primary tactic is to pass himself off as a preacher of truth, to masquerade as a minister of righteousness. He came to Jesus in the desert quoting the Holy Scriptures, pretending to be who he was not, claiming to have the authority to give Him all the kingdoms of the world. Unlike Eve, Jesus was not deceived. He refuted Satan’s shady Scripture-quoting with other Scriptures.

I am convinced that the only reason Satan has not transformed himself more powerfully into an angel of light is because God has set limits on what he can do (Job 1:7-12; Rev 20:1-3). Will the time come that He permits the Devil to display himself more deceitfully? Yes (Rev 20:7-9). I believe we are now in that final era which will culminate at the Great White Throne as the One whose very face causes the heaven and earth to flee away will judge the secrets of men (Rev 20:10-12).

The Revelation describes the great deception at the end of time in searing terms, saying that Satan himself will be loosed a little season and will go out to deceive the nations as never before. He will gather them together to battle against the camp of the saints (who are not told to fight). These faithful few that are living at the time of the end will be miraculously delivered from the surrounding armies of the world when fire suddenly falls from heaven and consumes those wicked hosts (see Rev 20).

This scene of deception and spiritual danger is further described in Rev 16:13, And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon…they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty….And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon…And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Now that is a sobering picture – spirits of devils which are able to work miracles so convincing that the whole world will be deceived into fighting against God. I say then, it is super-imperative that Christians intimately and fervently acquaint themselves with the Word of God so that they will not be deceived at the end, because Satan will be going around masquerading as an angel of light. He will utterly deceive many.

So, we must know what sayeth the everlasting, eternal Word of Truth, for Jesus Christ and His doctrine will never change; they are the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Heb 13:8). This verity cannot be over-emphasized nor can it be repeated too often. Jesus the living Word is revealed in His written Word of Truth. It is essential that we read it, study it, believe it, receive it and live it, for the Devil is trying to steal your crown by high trickery and cunning deceits (Rev 3:11). He is trying to get you to distrust the words of Christ just like he did in the beginning with Eve: Yea, hath God said…? (you fill in the blank).

The warning to not be deceived has never been more crucially important, for during the little season at the end of time, God will allow Satan more latitude in his wicked persuasions and doctrinal sleights (read why in 2Thes 2:9-12). The strongest words that the Apostle Paul ever wrote were on this topic. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (eternally damned). As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (Gal 1:7-8).

It is a striking feature, an angel of light descending from heaven preaching a different Gospel. But what did Jesus warn us? Many shall come in My name saying, I am Christ. So, if a Jesus descends saying, “I am Christ,” but teaches a different Gospel, DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. He is a false christ. There is only one Gospel and it will not change.

The Last Days

The Scriptures say that Jesus took on human form and spoke to Mankind in these last days (Heb 1:1-2), or these last times (1Peter 1:20). The apostle John said, Little children, it is the last time (1John 2:18). This means that since the time of Christ’s resurrection, God’s plan for His creation is in its final stage. There is no plan for a modified covenant, for some new Gospel, some alternate way to salvation. We are in the last epoch of God’s will and plan for Mankind. From before the foundation of the world, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the design and plan of God for Mankind (Rev 13:8). Accordingly, the Lamb of God came and finished the work (John 17:4; 19:30). The Apostles correctly proclaim that it is the last time, that upon (us) the ends of the world are come (1Cor 10:11).

The end of all things is at hand, Peter said, but went on to call for patience in waiting for Christ’s appearing: for one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day (1Pet 4:7; 2Pet 3:8). He then says that the waiting will be long enough that scoffers will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? All things continue just as they always have” (2Pet 3:4). The Holy Spirit precisely predicted what the “intellectual” scoffers of our day are now saying. Preterists, for instance, claim that Christ returned in A.D. 70 and at that time He ushered in the eternal heaven and earth.  

There are other Scriptures which indicate an extended period of time between Christ’s first coming as a babe and His final coming to close the book of time forever (see Mark 13:33-37; Mat 24:3-14; 2Thes 2:1-12). The parable of the talents speaks of long years, and the ten virgins wait so long that their lamps run out of oil (Mat 25). These fit the picture of Revelation 20, that during this extended Age of Grace the dead in Christ will reign with Him in Paradise for 1000 years (Rev 20:1-6). It is a fitting representation of the Church Age – a long but indefinite period of time. The actual length is not given for us to know. Indeed, the date of Christ’s return is the greatest secret in the Universe (Mark 13:32).

I recognize that my Millennialist friends think those thousand years refer to a future era that will take place on earth after Christ has ended the Gospel Age, but based on the Scriptures we cited at the beginning, how can that be? Another Gospel, another covenant? I challenge you to read Revelation 20 in harmony with John’s other visions; as parallel descriptions of the Church Age instead of one continuous chronology which extends beyond Christ’s return to include two proposed future earthly eras that are not part of the present Age of Grace (the reestablishment of the Jewish covenant and the physical reign of Christ on the earth for 1000 years). Surely Revelation 20 does not describe some new, future Age, but is a prophetic description of the present Age as it exists both on earth and in Paradise. Accordingly, the vision ends just as the other visions of Revelation end, with a description of Christ’s return in final Judgment.       

The never-ending Gospel of the Kingdom

Millennialists believe that Christ will end the Gospel Age at His appearing in the clouds and will set up a new physical Kingdom based in the land of Israel which will endure for 1000 years in great blessing and peace. There will be no death, no injustices, no false religions, etc. At the end of that era however, a great revolt against Christ will provoke the nations of the world to gather for a terrible, final battle and that is when we will be supposedly summoned to fight. I remember a conservative Mennonite preacher announcing over the pulpit that he would bring his 30-06 rifle for the occasion.

Why would the Jesus who taught us to love your enemies…resist not evil…pray for them that persecute you…overcome evil with good, suddenly command us to do the opposite? He doesn’t need our help anyway – just the breath of His mouth is powerful enough to consume His enemies (2Thes 2:8; Rev 19:15; Is 40:15). More than others, Anabaptists should recognize immediately that this is another gospel, which really is no gospel at all, but there be some that…pervert the Gospel of Christ (Gal 1:6-7).

Yet, some might say, “But what about the Old Testament? In that age God commanded the Jews to go and kill their enemies, so why not in some future age?”

First, it’s called the OLD Testament for a reason (see Heb 8:13). Now that the long-awaited Desire of all nations (has) come (Hag 2:7), we live under His eternal statutes and rule. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people through priests and prophets under a provisional guardianship called “the Law” to bring us to the era of Faith (Gal 3:23-25). The Old Covenant ended with God speaking once and for all through His own Son (Heb 1:1-2), who then commended His eternal precepts and rules of the New Covenant of Faith unto the Apostles to record in the New Testament. We hold His written Word in our hands and we also have the Holy Spirit to help us understand it. These are two powerful witnesses that were not commonly available before, but have been poured out in power at the beginning of the Gospel Age (see Acts 2:14-24).

By His own written Word, God is not going to return to the first covenant nor is He going to implement a third covenant. The Old Testament itself testifies that it is not the final will of God for Man. Instead, it contains many prophecies of a better, last Covenant that God would make with all men – the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. In many visions and revelations, the prophets of old described this present Age of Grace, but always in eternal terms. God told David that He had given the Kingdom to him and his sons forever by a covenant of salt (2Chr 13:5; 21:7; Luke 1:33). Jesus is the last son of David to take the Throne of the Kingdom. He is now reigning and will reign forever and ever (Heb 8:1). Daniel saw a stone cut out without hands – the Kingdom of Christ which shall never be destroyed…and it shall stand forever (Dan 2:45). Isaiah foretold of a coming Government…the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom…to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even forever (Is 9:7).  

The Kingdom which Christ came to earth and established in the hearts of Mankind will never cease. Nor will it be “interrupted” by some future, superfluous Age. The Kingdom of God came in power when Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, where His throne and scepter will continue forever (Heb 1:8). Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end (Eph 3:21). Yes, there will be a terrible purging at the end of time, when the Son of Man comes to gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend (Mat 13:41) and then the glorious Church of Jesus Christ will be translated in perfect, wonderful harmony (Php 3:21). But the crucial point is that Jesus came and accomplished exactly and completely what God had sent Him to do. He has established the Kingdom and preached its constitution and charter; He has taken its Throne and He will reign on forever and ever and ever. This is the constant testimony of the Scriptures.

Second, the rationale that since God once commanded the Jews to kill their enemies He might someday so command again fails to appreciate the eternal nature of Jesus’ new set of rules for His Kingdom. We say “new,” but in truth the laws of Christ in the New Testament all have a firm basis in the Old Testament statutes of the Law. Jesus took those temporal commandments and refitted them as eternal statutes in His Kingdom charter. They are altogether high and established in perfection forever and ever.

Jesus forbade killing in His Kingdom – there will be no death in heaven. Jesus abolished divorce – there will be no divorce in heaven; we will be married to the Lamb forever. Jesus outlawed oaths – there will be no lies or deceitful speech in heaven. In every aspect, the Law of Christ was established with an eternal eye; it is the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever (1Pet 1:23). The Sermon on the Mount is far and away the loftiest, holiest, strictest Rule ever conceived in the history of the world. And that’s because it was written by the finger of God on eternal tables that cannot be erased.

The notion that Jesus will countermand His own eternal Word is baldly false and perilous to the extreme. God cannot lie. What He has said is eternally true and will not fail.

To Deceive the Nations

As we have noted in this paper, the idea that Jesus will someday ask us to fight His enemies springs from the Premillennialist notion that after the Rapture, Jesus will leave His heavenly throne and come down in person to Jerusalem and re-establish a covenant with the Jews. This belief is based on the faulty idea that God has not yet fulfilled His promises to Abraham. They say that Christ originally came to do just that, but when the Jews refused Him, God decided to postpone the fulfillment. Therefore, He interposed the Church Age as a “parenthesis” in His real plan which has always been with the Jews. God will return to the Jewish Covenant after the Church is removed from the earth. Many Christians do not know that this is the fundamental premise of Pre-millennial Dispensationalism. The whole scheme rests on this “Postponement Theory.” Without it, that eschatological system must collapse logically.

Take heed, you who think that Jesus will someday undo His Gospel and issue commands contrary to it. You are helping Satan advance his secret, personal strategy of deception by literally putting reasons in the minds of Christians to believe and accept an angel of light who comes preaching a different Gospel.

I really wonder if God will let it go that far. Will He allow the Devil to actually come down and present himself to Mankind as Jesus Christ? Do miracles, pretend to care for people, walk about in sheep’s clothing? (Mat 7:15). I don’t know. But if Satan were to come in such fashion, the scary fact is that he would find a large crowd of Christians ready to receive him. They would be taken in by this beautiful angel of light showing off his amazing powers, signs and lying wonders (2Thes 2:9). Why not? They have been deceived into believing that the times change, that Jesus needs to adjust His eternal Word now and then, that there are different eras with different laws.

“Christian, walk carefully; danger is near!” The words of the song have never been more real. Be watchful, alert, suspicious – not as gullible Eve, not as foolish Adam. The day is approaching. The deceptions of Satan are increasing as time is declining. The very elect are in danger of being deceived and for that reason God will shorten the days (Mat 24:22). The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1Tim 4:1). Doctrines of devils!?. What could those be? If we love the Truth we will not be deceived and can stand confident on that day.

“Por lo cual la mujer debe tener señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza, por causa de los ángeles.”

Resumen

Este es un estudio de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura y el formato es una exposición versículo por versículo de 1 Corintios 11:1-16. El objetivo es buscar entender la mente del Espíritu en entregarnos esta ordenanza y fijar sus motivos y así animar las iglesias de Cristo a no ignorarla. Si bien el propósito principal es afirmar esta doctrina, un objetivo secundario es considerar los argumentos en contra.

Cuatro recursos contribuyeron al material de este artículo. El primero es una serie de sermones sobre el velo de las hermanas por Finny Kuruvilla, y el segundo es un ensayo escrito por Bruce Terry con título, “No Such Custom”. Estos eruditos de alta calibre merecen ser escuchados sobre este tema porque no vienen de la tradición anabaptista como yo. En tercer lugar, el libro de E.H Skofield, “Sunset of the Western Church” (en castellano, “El Atardecer de la Iglesia Occidental”) es un recurso revelador. Finalmente, la Homilía XXVI de Juan Crisóstomo del siglo IV sobre 1 Corintios 11 es de mucho valor.

El registro histórico es que desde la época de los Apóstoles hasta el siglo XX, la práctica común en el cristianismo era que las mujeres se cubren la cabeza con algún tipo de velo. El arte y los grabados en las paredes muestran esto desde los primeros años de la Iglesia. De hecho, era una práctica tan universal que en un principio los escritores de la Iglesia no abordaron el tema en profundidad. Simplemente reconocieron que las mujeres usaban velos como regla estándar. Sin embargo, en África un padre de la iglesia primitiva, Tertuliano, escribió un libro sobre el asunto en el siglo II (“De Virginibus Velandis”). El título en español sería, “El Velo de las Vírgenes”. No he encontrado una traducción española, pero existe en inglés (“On the Veiling of Virgins”).

Esta doctrina cristiana, que antes se practicaba en todo lugar, ha llegado a ser un punto de controversia, no solo en el cristianismo general, sino también en las iglesias anabaptistas que han conocido y guardado esta ordenanza durante siglos. Es necesario volver a la Palabra y buscar sinceramente la verdad de este asunto y así despejar las dudas y mal entendimientos. La calidad de una casa no puede exceder la calidad de sus cimientos, entonces debemos estudiar bien para poner buen fundamento bíblico a nuestras creencias y prácticas en la vida.  

Introducción del autor

Las perspectivas y creencias de una persona están formadas en gran parte por medio de las experiencias e influencias durante su crianza. Después, tendemos a filtrar nuestra manera de pensar y escribir a través de ese marco de predisposiciones. No es una actuación incorrecta, por decir, porque el autor que falta una creencia firme del tema también falta motivación para escribir. Sin embargo, el escritor honesto ha fijado un principio esencial por sobre sus predisposiciones, que es el compromiso absoluto de buscar toda la verdad del asunto – no simplemente dando evidencias a favor de una creencia ya determinado, sino buscando honestamente la plena verdad.

Desafortunadamente, muchos no valoran la Verdad en estos días, ni es el criterio que buscan. Es que ya han elegido su versión de “la verdad”, entonces se preocupan solamente en gritar sus pruebas – sin importar que sean ilógicas y caprichosas. Pero eso es propaganda, pura y simple. El buscador honesto no está interesado meramente en explorar los puntos a favor y en contra, sino en llegar al fondo del tema y entender la anchura, la longitud, la profundidad y la altura, por así decirlo (Ef 3:18).

El motivo principal al abrir la Biblia y leerla es escuchar de Dios. Es deshonesto simplemente compilar las pruebas para una creencia ya formado, o tomar en cuenta solo aquellos versículos que apoyan tus ideas e ignorar los que no apoyan. Muchos engaños y falsas enseñanzas han surgido al seguir ese camino.  

Mis propios años de formación y prejuicios se desarrollaron en la tradición menonita conservadora. Aunque nací y crecí en iglesias anabaptistas, he pasado toda mi vida lejos de sus famosos centros. Mis primeros 20+ años, viví en Missouri, Minnesota, Montana y Belice. Luego me casé con una chica de Maryland y nos mudamos a Idaho en una obra nueva de la iglesia. Vivimos allí por 20 años. Parece que heredé de mi padre el susto de permanecer mucho tiempo en el mismo lugar, porque después del nacimiento de nuestro último hijo, nos mudamos al sur de Chile para ayudar en otra obra nueva de la iglesia. Ya pasamos 15 años en la Patagonia, donde aprendí el castellano conforme al hablar de los chilenos.

Mi experiencia en la iglesia y en la vida ha sido una de muchas bendiciones. Crecí en una familia de buenos padres que cuidaron de nosotros niños. Eran ejemplos de integridad en la vida cotidiana, así como miembros solidarios en iglesias sinceras que honraban a Dios. No tengo heridas ni experiencias apenadas que me afectan. No es que vivo en mundo perfecto, pero agradezco una vida tremendamente bendecida. Tengo una esposa maravillosa y cinco hijos que sirven al Señor, lo que cuento como la mejor bendición de todos. El testimonio de mis antepasados en los siglos del anabaptismo y su ferviente celo por la Verdad me ha hecho fácil creer en Dios, Fe, Tradición, Familia e Iglesia. Así explico mis prejuicios y predisposiciones.

La pregunta de los corintios

(1Cor 11:1-2) Sed imitadores de mí, así como yo lo soy de Cristo. Ahora os alabo, hermanos, porque os acordáis de mí en todas las cosas, y guardáis las ordenanzas, como os las entregué.

El apóstol Pablo escribió la epístola a los corintios en respuesta a una carta que le enviaron pidiéndole aclarar varias doctrinas de la Iglesia, por ejemplo, si fuera licito comer carne ofrecida a los ídolos, si deben contratar matrimonio los jóvenes o quedarse solteros, el hablar en lenguas, la resurrección, etc. La carta que mandaron a Pablo ya no existe, pero el capítulo 11 aborda dos de sus preguntas. La primera tiene que ver con la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura y la segunda tiene que ver con la ordenanza de la santa cena.

Los estudiosos han intentado reconstruir la consulta de la iglesia para comprender mejor la respuesta del Apóstol. Tal vez era, “¿Es lícito que una mujer cristiana ande sin velo?” Porque sí, al leer el pasaje, es fácil inferir que entre las hermanas en Corinto, algunas pensaban en quitarse el velo, y por lo tanto la pregunta de la iglesia a Pablo, el apóstol que llevó el evangelio a la ciudad.

Por otra mano, es posible que la pregunta de los corintios hacía referencia a los hombres: “¿Deben los hermanos cubrirse la cabeza al orar y profetizar?” Porque durante esos siglos en el Imperio Romano, tanto hombres como mujeres solían cubrirse la cabeza por motivos religiosos. Por lo tanto, el mandato a los hombres de no cubrirse la cabeza les afectó más a las iglesias de Cristo que el mandato a las mujeres de cubrirse la cabeza. En la sociedad actual, la situación es al revés. Las hermanas se ven más afectadas que los hermanos.

De todas formas, queda notorio que el Espíritu da la instrucción en forma alternada – primero el mandamiento para los hombres y luego el mandamiento para las mujeres. La ordenanza rige en igual medida a ambos.

Parece que solo unos pocos en Corinto no seguían bien esta doctrina. Lo digo por la declaración distinta del Apóstol al cambiarse de tema: “Os alabo, hermanos, porque retenéis las instrucciones tal como os las entregué (v2)… Pero al anunciaros esto que sigue, no os alabo” (v17). Guardaban la ordenanza de la cabeza cubierta/descubierta en mejor forma que guardaban la ordenanza de la santa cena.

El carácter de la revelación divina

La palabra griega para instrucciones en el versículo 2 es paradosis. Se encuentra en el Nuevo Testamento en una docena de ocasiones. En la Reina Valera 1960 se traduce, “tradición, doctrina, instrucción, enseñanza” (Mar 7:3-13; Gal 1:14; Col 2:8; 2Tes 2:15; 2Tes 3:6). Los Apóstoles, al escribir la Biblia, no inventaron palabras nuevas sino que usaron las que todos ya conocían. Puede que arrojan connotaciones nuevas al ser usadas en contextos bíblicos, pero en el fondo sus significados quedan sin cambios.

Estudiar las palabras griegas es un trabajo valioso para entender los significados y connotaciones de términos bíblicos. Porque la traducción de una carta a otro idioma no es como la matemática, que tiene una sola respuesta correcta. A veces, el traductor tiene que elegir entre varias opciones que podría afectar la oración. Entonces, él toma en cuenta lo que piensa es la intención del escritor. Por eso hay varias versiones del Nuevo Testamento. Claro, la mayoría no son tan diferentes, pero el punto es que existe la posibilidad de insertar sutilmente la idea de los traductores al hacer la traducción.  

Ofrezco como ejemplo el sub-título que sale en la versión 1960 de la Reina-Valera al inicio del capítulo de nuestro estudio. “Atavío de las mujeres,” nos dice. Es la idea de los traductores que este pasaje habla del atavío de las mujeres. Los sub-títulos no fueron traducidos de la lengua antigua, sino que fueron puestos por los traductores. Justamente por eso sale otro sub-título, bastante diferente, en la Nueva Versión Internacional: “Decoro en el culto.” Esas dos ideas distintas sobre la intención del escritor con este pasaje seguramente van a resultar en diferencias de traducción.       

Por eso es tan valioso estudiar y comparar los usos de una palabra en otras partes de las Escrituras. Nos ayuda entender la intención del escritor. El Nuevo Testamento fue escrito en un plazo corto y entre sus libros aborda un tema común. Quiere decir que es una base confiable para el estudio de palabras. La Septuaginta, que es el Antiguo Testamento en la lengua griega, también es una fuente buena para estudiar los significados de palabras griegas. La Septuaginta data de unos 300 años antes de Cristo, pero era la versión que Jesús y los discípulos citaron en el Nuevo Testamento. En cambio, los libros seculares de los griegos antiguos no son de mucho valor para estudiar las palabras del Nuevo Testamento, ya que no fueron escritos por los mismos autores y sobre el mismo tema.    

La palabra paradosis se usa en el Nuevo Testamento en tres contextos:

• En referencia a la “ley oral” de los judíos, una interpretación de la Torá según los fariseos. Jesús criticó la ley oral porque con ella quebrantaron los mandamientos de Dios (Mateo 15:1-9).
• En referencia a las doctrinas y enseñanzas de Cristo y los Apóstoles en el Nuevo Testamento. Así que, hermanos, estad firmes, y retened la doctrina (paradosis) que habéis aprendido, sea por palabra, o por carta nuestra (2Tes 2:15).
• En referencia a las obras malas de los mundanos. Mirad que nadie os engañe por medio de filosofías y huecas sutilezas, según las tradiciones (paradosis) de los hombres, conforme a los rudimentos del mundo, y no según Cristo (Col 2:8).

En cada uno de estos contextos, el significado de paradosis es consecuente – quiere decir doctrinas y enseñanzas. En el pasaje de nuestro estudio, el contexto es la doctrina de la fe cristiana y por eso el Apóstol los alaba por seguir la paradosis tal como él les había entregado. Habéis obedecido de corazón a aquella forma de doctrina a la cual fuisteis entregados (Rom 6:17).

La importancia de la paradosis de la Fe es evidente en 2Tesalonicenses 3:6, Pero os ordenamos, hermanos, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que os apartéis de todo hermano que ande desordenadamente, y no según la enseñanza (paradosis) que recibisteis de nosotros. Es un mandato de peso, dado en la autoridad del nombre de Cristo, que no deben asociarse con aquellos que no viven según la paradosis de los Apóstoles. Estad firmes, y retened la doctrina (paradosis) que habéis aprendido (2Tes 2:15).

Así sucedió: el apóstol Pablo recibió las doctrinas de Cristo por revelación divina (Hechos 1:3; Gal 1:12) y las entregó (griego –paradidomi) a las iglesias. Es la forma verbal de paradosis y quiere decir, “entregar, encomendar, enseñar.” Más adelante en el capítulo Pablo les dijo, Porque yo recibí del Señor lo que también os he enseñado (paradidomi). Y después, Si alguno se cree profeta, o espiritual, reconozca que lo que os escribo son mandamientos del Señor (véase 1Cor 11:23; 14:37; 15:3). Es el testimonio constante de los apóstoles con respecto a sus epístolas a las iglesias. Recibieron la paradosis de Cristo y por medio del Espíritu Santo escribieron la Palabra de Dios al nuevo pueblo.

Por lo tanto, lo escrito del Apóstol está arraigado en la autoridad del mismo Cristo: “Os alabo por guardar las ordenanzas (paradosis) tal como os las entregué” (paradidomi). Pinta el cuadro de una persona trayendo de lejos este conjunto de enseñanzas para las iglesias de Cristo. Los apóstoles “recibieron” el evangelio de Cristo por el Espíritu y lo “llevaron” hasta los confines del mundo, donde lo “entregaron” a las iglesias del Reino.

Las doctrinas de Cristo no originaron en Corinto, fueron entregados a los en Corinto. ¿Qué tienes que no hayas recibido? Y si lo recibiste, ¿por qué te glorías como si no lo hubieras recibido? (1Cor 4:7).

Muchas de las doctrinas del cristianismo no llegan naturalmente a la mente humana. Es decir, no se puede derivarlas por sencillo ejercicio mental. En cambio, vienen de una fuente externa y tienen que ser enseñados a la mente del hombre (Rom 10:14). Sí, hay un núcleo de verdades que vienen preinstalados en la conciencia humana (no mientas, no robes, no mates, por ejemplo), pero la mayoría de las doctrinas de la fe tienen que ser entregadas a la mente humana por un agente externo. Las Escrituras fueron dadas con ese propósito.

La mente del hombre natural no puede recibir las cosas de Dios. Para él son locuras y no las puede entender, porque se han de discernir espiritualmente (1Cor 2:14). Así es con la ordenanza de la cabeza cubierta de la mujer y la cabeza descubierta del hombre. Las culturas del mundo piensan que es una locura. No pueden entender. Sin embargo, al estudiar la Palabra, la mente espiritual ve los hermosos propósitos de Dios en esta doctrina. Cae de manera lógica y bendecida en el corazón en sintonía con el Espíritu de Dios. Esto esperamos mostrar con la presente obra.

Varios en la iglesia de Corinto habían olvidado, o descuidado, de algunas doctrinas de Cristo que Pablo mismo les había enseñado, por lo que el Apóstol envió esta epístola y también a Timoteo, el cual os recordará mi proceder en Cristo, de la manera que enseño en todas partes y en todas las iglesias (1Cor 4:17). Es que Pablo tomó su responsabilidad de entregar las instrucciones de Cristo muy en serio, diciendo: “Soy puesto como siervo de Cristo y administrador de los misterios de Dios. Busco con todo ser fiel y honesto en este labor porque sé que el siervo es juzgado por su Señor” (1Cor 4:1-4).

Así es que el apóstol Pablo se preocupó en enseñar solamente lo que había recibido de Cristo y siempre avisaba si no tenía mandato del Señor sobre un asunto. Por ejemplo, en dos ocasiones en el capítulo siete, Pablo hace cuidadosa diferencia entre su juicio y el mandamiento de Dios. En cuanto a las vírgenes no tengo mandamiento del Señor; mas doy mi parecer…Mando, no yo, sino el Señor…Y a los demás yo digo, no el Señor (1Cor 7:25, 10, 12). Era importante a Pablo no enseñar sus principios, sino los preceptos de la pura verdad de Dios. No se encuentra ningún aviso en ninguna parte del capítulo once que esta instrucción salió de la mente de Pablo. En cambio, el Apóstol presenta esta ordenanza con origen en la mente de Dios en la Creación.

Pablo testifica una vez más a la autenticidad de sus instrucciones en el capítulo quince. Os declaro, hermanos, el evangelio que os he predicado, el cual también recibisteis…os he enseñado lo que asimismo recibí…Si retenéis la palabra que os he predicado, sois salvos (1Cor 15:1-3). Los Apóstoles no enseñaban sus propias ideas, sino entregaban las doctrinas del Evangelio del Reino de Cristo. Tomaron su llamado como un deber sobrio (1Cor 9:16).

Las siete ordenanzas de la fe cristiana

Los mandamientos del nuevo testamento tienen su base en la gran ley de Cristo, “Ama a Dios y a tu hermano también”. Todo principio de piedad o fruto del espíritu deriva de este fundamento (Mateo 22:37-40). Sin embargo, hay unos mandamientos que no son fundados en la gran ley de Cristo, aunque si una persona realmente ama a Cristo, va a cumplirlos (Juan 14:15). Se llaman “ordenanzas” y sirven como prácticas físicas en el nuevo pacto de Cristo. Mientras el Antiguo Testamento tenía cientos de ordenanzas, Cristo instituyó unas pocas para el pueblo de su Reino. Son: 

• El Bautismo (Mateo 28:19).

• La Santa Cena (1Cor 11:23-30)

• EL Lavatorio de los pies (Juan 13:3-17)

• El Velo de la jefatura (1Cor 11:3-16)

• EL Matrimonio Santo (Mateo 19:4-6)

• El Ósculo Santo en la hermandad (1Tes 5:26)

• La Unción con aceite (Santiago 5:14)

Las ordenanzas del nuevo pacto no son registrados en la Biblia en forma de sugerencias, sino en lenguaje de mandatos. No obstante, en la actualidad muchas iglesias hacen caso omiso a varias ordenanzas. A veces permanecen en el catálogo teológico de la iglesia, pero no se practican o han sido “actualizados” para acomodarlas entre las normas e ideas de la cultura. Hasta las muy conocidas, como el bautismo y la santa cena, cada ordenanza ha sufrido ataques y contradicciones. El llamado es más urgente que nunca: Hermanos, estad firmes, y retened la doctrina que habéis aprendido, sea por palabra, o por carta nuestra (2Tes 2:15).

Llama la atención que el antiguo testamento describió los pasos exactos para observar correctamente las ordenanzas de la Ley, pero el nuevo testamento no da los detalles precisos para guardar sus ordenanzas. La fórmula del bautismo, por ejemplo, no se encuentra prescrita. ¿Agua derramada sobre la cabeza o todo el cuerpo sumergido? ¿Quién es autorizado a bautizar y cómo se realiza la ceremonia?

Parece que el Espíritu no dio la receta exacta para resguardar el significado, para que el rito físico no llegara a ser el enfoque en vez de la acción espiritual. Pues, el propósito final en guardar las ordenanzas es vivir en acuerdo a sus principios espirituales. Si bien es importante bautizarse, la sencilla acción del agua sobre el cuerpo físico no es el fin de la ordenanza, sino la acción más profunda de limpiar el alma y dedicar la mente al servicio del Señor.

Las ordenanzas funcionan como analogías físicas para recordarnos de verdades espirituales. Es decir, cada una transmite varios significados que enseñan el pueblo de Dios de verdades importantes. Además, al guardar la ordenanza, el alma es edificado, la mente se vuelve más sabio y la fe crece. Y como fruto directo, hacen abrir las puertas de la bendición y la gracia de Dios (Juan 13:17).

La ordenanza de la santa cena, por ejemplo, tiene cinco significados. Primero, conmemora la obra de Jesús en dar Su vida para redimirnos de este mundo vil, dándole gracias por tanto amarnos (1Cor 11:23-25). Segundo, es un compromiso de seguir identificándome con Cristo, en soportar los sufrimientos como hizo Él y en renunciar mi voluntad a favor de Su voluntad (Mat 26:42; Fil 3:10). Tercero, es un momento periódico en que cada cristiano vuelva a examinar su propia vida por pecados imprevistos (1 Cor 11:27-30). Cuarto, es una santa comunión estrecha de la Cabeza con el Cuerpo local, de recibir los alimentos espirituales que permanecen para la vida eterna (1Cor 10:16-21; Juan 6:35). Y quinto, es un recordatorio anunciando el inminente regreso del Señor por los suyos (1Cor 11:26).

Son bellos adornos espirituales a la sencilla ceremonia de la iglesia local al tomar juntos del pan y el fruto de la vid. Y es el patrón de cada ordenanza – el bautismo, el matrimonio, el lavatorio de los pies y los demás.

Consecuentemente, la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura enseña tres verdades, muy importantes, para el pueblo de Dios. El presente estudio vuelve una y otra vez a destacar estos tres fundamentos que marcan la práctica de la cabeza cubierta de las hermanas y la cabeza descubierta de los hermanos en la hermandad.  

Los tres significados de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura

1. Autoridad y sumisión es el principio primordial envuelto en la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura. La creación demuestra el perfecto orden y estructura de Dios. El tiempo y el universo siguen las leyes que Él ordenó en el principio, tanto en el ámbito físico como en el espiritual. Creó el Hombre a Su propia imagen, pero varón y hembra – diferentes en ciertos aspectos (Gen 1:27). Al varón le dio un trabajo y lo creó con las dotes necesarias para tal trabajo. A la mujer le dio otro trabajo y la creó con otras dotes que ella necesitaría para su trabajo. La verdadera Iglesia de Dios se regocija en las hermosas diferencias, pero el Mundo busca borrarlas y enseña que la mujer no vale en su feminidad y necesita ocuparse como el varón. El hombre, mientras tanto, no debe actuar en autoridad, porque la mujer es su igual en autoridad. La ordenanza del velo de la jefatura ayuda a los cristianos recordar el orden de Dios en crear el ser humano.  
2. La humildad y la mansedumbre es el segundo principio de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura. La humildad es la primera y más importante actitud del cristiano, pues la salvación es el resultado de humillarse al profundo y pedirle misericordia a Cristo. Tres de las bienaventuranzas tienen que ver con la humildad (Mat 5:3-5). La gloria de Dios es perfecta, santa y pura, pero la gloria del hombre es caída y corrompida por el orgullo. Debe humillarse (Stgo 4:10). La mujer es la gloria del ser humano, el encanto de la especie. Por eso debe cubrirse la cabeza, porque la gloria de la humanidad es manchada y debe ser cubierta. Se llega a la misma conclusión al contemplar el polo opuesto, pues, mientras la humildad es la actitud fundamental en la vida cristiana, el orgullo está a la raíz de todo pecado. Tomar mi propio camino es orgullo; confiar en mi mente y juicio es orgullo; seguir mi interpretación privada de la Biblia es orgullo; ignorar las autoridades en mi vida es orgullo. Los simbolismos en la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura destacan los principios de humildad y mansedumbre.
3. La modestia es el tercer principio del velo de la mujer cristiana. Dios ordenó que Su pueblo llevara una vida modesta, pura y pacífica. Ya que Él nos creó a Su imagen, cabe apropiado que nos vestimos con pudor y vivimos de manera modesta y sobria – como corresponde los súbditos humildes y sumisos del Gran Rey. Es un principio esencial para todos en la iglesia, pero especialmente para la mujer, porque en este pasaje ella presenta al mundo las características particulares del Dios que se hizo carne, Jesucristo, el máximo ejemplo de vivir en pureza, modestia y sumisión. La modestia es elegir glorificar a Dios en vez buscar la atención de otros. Es desarrollar integridad moral y belleza de carácter. El pudor se preocupa de la parte interna del hombre y no de la externa.

Estos tres principios están en muy baja evidencia entre las iglesias de Cristo. Hoy en día, se celebra la rebelión en vez de la autoridad. Someterse es ser débil. La humildad y la mansedumbre han sido olvidadas por completo en la locura para glorificarse en la fama y renombre. ¿Y la modestia? En muchas iglesias, hay poca diferencia entre las prácticas de la sociedad y los miembros de la iglesia. Vivimos en el momento más necesario que nunca de practicar esta ordenanza en las iglesias de Cristo.

El alto valor de las ordenanzas

El mismo capítulo que enseña una de las ordenanzas más populares (la santa cena) también enseña la menos popular (el velo de la jefatura). En muchas iglesias, se recitan 1Corintios 11:23-25 al partir el pan y el fruto de la vid. Pero ignoran por completo la primera parte del capítulo, ni existe para ellos.

Dios instituyó la ordenanza de la santa cena para ayudarnos a recordar algunas cosas importantes. ¿No pudiéramos recordarlos sin observar el rito? Acaso que sí, pero eso sería cuestionar la sabiduría del Señor. En cambio, leamos la Palabra de Dios como un niño que escucha y cree todo lo que dice su padre, un niño que desea aprender de él. Tal vez no entendiendo cada detalle, pero aceptándolo de todos modos y haciéndolo.

¿Cuán importante es a Dios que guardemos Sus ordenanzas? Pues, como decimos, no son parte integral del gran mandamiento del Amor; son sencillos tipos físicos de verdades espirituales. Me pregunto cómo respondería Moisés a la pregunta. El hombre más manso de la historia no obedeció a Dios en un solo detalle y recibió una pena muy dura. Dios se le negó el privilegio de liderar los hijos de Israel a la tierra prometida. No quebrantó uno de los diez mandamientos, no infringió una de las leyes del Pacto, simplemente no siguió la instrucción con suficiente cuidado – golpeó la roca, pero Dios le había dicho que la hablara. A lo mejor Moisés nunca supo la gravedad de su error, pero al golpear la roca arruinó un tipo de Cristo (1Cor 10:4; Num 20:11-12), pues ya había golpeado la Roca en otra ocasión (Ex 17:6) y Cristo fue herido una sola vez.

Entonces, quebrantar una ordenanza, o un tipo analógico, no es una desobediencia menor – altera una evidencia diseñado por Dios. Actuar en contra de Sus designios es destruir un testimonio que Él dibujó para convencer a las almas buscando la verdad. El mundo es privado de un prueba espiritual cuando el pueblo de Dios deja de practicar el modelo que Él nos mostró (Heb 8:5).

La gravedad de este tipo de insubordinación se ve en el capítulo de nuestro estudio. Había muchos enfermos y debilitados en Corinto precisamente por participar indignamente en la santa cena y algunos dormían (1Cor 11:27-31). Fueron dañados espiritualmente por no guardar la ordenanza tal como el Apóstol se les había entregado.   

En las Escrituras, se ve que Dios se preocupa de los detalles, aun detalles medio ocultos. El ángel de la muerte pasó por Egipto buscando una sencilla señal física de cada familia israelita: la sangre de un cordero rociado en la parte superior y en los dos laterales de la puerta. Desobedecer el mandamiento significaba la muerte inmediata del primogénito. Otro ejemplo es la ley sobre las inmundicias. El hombre que negó de cumplir los pasos físicos para purificarse, tal persona será cortada de entre la congregación (Números 19:20). Rahab y su casa fue salvado porque obedeció una pequeña instrucción – atar un cordón de grana en la ventana de su casa (Josué 2:18). Jesús también solía pedir una señal física antes de sanar el enfermo. Que el pueblo de Dios acoge la advertencia.

Por otra mano, nos privamos de bendición si tomamos las ordenanzas como una prueba sencilla de nuestra obediencia. No, estos ritos llevan peso y poder espiritual. No como un “amuleto religioso”, sino como actos que dan motivo a Dios para bendecir el pueblo de Su redil. Él está buscando hombres y mujeres con el corazón fijado en Él, personas que gozan en hacer Su voluntad. Honrar Sus ordenanzas demuestra lealtad a Él. A tales personas Dios se regocija en hacer que sobreabundan en Su gracia y bondad.

El ejemplo del inicio del movimiento anabaptista es potente. Varios siglos después de Cristo, las ordenanzas del bautismo y la santa cena fueron completamente corrompidas por ese falso profeta, la Iglesia Católica Romana. Arrepentíos, y bautícese se cambió al bautismo de infantes, y la santa cena cayó a ser una hostia repartida en la misa dominical que supuestamente se transformó en el cuerpo literal de Cristo. Es consecuente que las maldades y falsas enseñanzas de la iglesia visible acontecían en paralelo a su descuidado de estas ordenanzas. Pues, únicamente por guardar las ordenanzas se conservan sus significados para invocar el poder de Dios en su Iglesia.

En el año 1525 un pequeño grupo de creyentes, convencidos por la Palabra que el bautismo de infantes no era aceptable a Dios, se unieron en el primer culto de bautismo para adultos en quizás 1000 años. ¿Qué pasó? Las puertas de la gracia se abrieron en el cielo y el poder de Dios llenó esa pequeña manada. Salieron alumbrados y con mucho coraje predicaban la Palabra de Dios y el Espíritu dio el fruto.

La nueva iglesia explotó en la escena en Europa y creció exponencialmente a pesar de fuertes persecuciones. Tan potente su crecimiento, que solo fue superado en la historia por la explosión de la iglesia en el primer siglo después de Cristo. La lección para nosotros es la siguiente: para recuperar el gran terreno perdido con respecto al rol de hombre y mujer, al sexo y el matrimonio y a los dos géneros, las iglesias de Cristo tienen que volver a guardar la ordenanza de Dios tal como fue entregada.

La importancia de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura

Finny Kuruvilla dibujó la escena de dos mecánicos a pie conversando en el hangar de un aeropuerto. Tenían la mirada en el piso mientras uno decía al otro, “Extraño. Un perno suelto. Me preguntó de dónde salió.” Y a las espaldas, se veía un avión cayendo al suelo en dos pedazos. Es solamente un cómic, pero hace resaltar la pregunta: “¿Cuál es la pieza más importante de un avión?” Bueno, ¿No es el perno tirado en el piso? Un sencillo perno, pero de repente, el éxito del vuelo depende de ello.

Yo veo el avión del cristianismo cayendo del cielo. Iglesias que antes creían en la autoridad de las Escrituras y la santidad en la vida han dejado esas verdades. En cambio, promueven ideas perversas en los mismos púlpitos de las iglesias y los líderes permiten actos de pecado y estilos de vida vergonzosos en la membresía. Hace cien años, el profesor de psicología más radical no pudiera haber predicho lo que se acepta en muchas iglesias hoy.

¿Qué pasó?

A las iglesias se les cayó una pieza importante. Se les olvidó de un perno en el piso del hangar – la ordenanza del velo de la mujer y sus principios de sumisión a la autoridad, la humildad y la modestia en la vida. Como sucedió con la Iglesia Católica al viciar el bautismo y la santa cena, la tremenda desliza a perversión en las actuales iglesias protestantes comenzó al ignorar la práctica del velo hace unos cien años. No estamos aquí de golpe, sino por una serie de pasos.  

Ese primer paso de ignorar la ordenanza llevó las iglesias descuidados a tomar varios pasos más. El segundo paso fue abandonar la modestia – las mujeres comenzaron a usar ropa que mostraba el cuerpo y luego quitaron la ropa en lujurias peores. Pasaron rápido al paso tres: la fornicación y el adulterio se metieron en las iglesias y con resulta muy destructiva a la familia por medio del divorcio y recasamiento. Paso cuatro: se dieron razón a las feministas salir a las calles para exigir derechos de las mujeres. Muchas iglesias, ya transadas por los pasos anteriores, abrazaron su falsa doctrina. Paso cinco: llegaron las perversiones de Sodoma – la homosexualidad, la pornografía, la inmoralidad abierta y el matrimonio homosexual. Pero el sexto paso fue aún más horrible: el movimiento a la identidad de género y la orientación sexual – hombres diciendo ser mujeres y mujeres siendo hombres, hasta cirugías para cambiar sus partes íntimas. ¿Qué sería el paso próximo? Y, ¿Cuántos pasos quedan hasta que Dios no aguante más y viene en Su ira a juzgar estas maldades?

Si la crees una exageración culpar a las iglesias por este deslizamiento a Gomorra al dejar de enseñar a las mujeres usar el velo, considera el caso de las iglesias que no abandonaron la ordenanza. En ellas, no tienen estas luchas con el divorcio, la homosexualidad, vestimenta inmodesta, el feminismo, cambios de sexo, etc. El perno todavía está fijo en su lugar y el avión sigue en vuelo. Sí, nosotros también sentimos los efectos y las influencias de la sociedad cada vez más malvada y perversa. No proclamamos ser iglesias perfectas. Pero, por lo menos, no hay en nuestras iglesias tales acciones pecaminosas y retorcidas, acciones aberrantes que siempre han traído la ira y el juicio de Dios.

¡Anímense iglesias y cristianos fieles! Hacen lo correcto al “guardar la ordenanza tal como la entregó el Apóstol”. No escuchen las voces en el cristianismo moderno clamando, “¡Vaya, qué práctica más obsoleta! Olvidase de tradiciones viejas y únase a los del siglo XXI.”

Escúchenme esto: los mandamientos de Dios funcionan. Los ordenó para nuestro beneficio y bendición. Entonces, ¡Abracémoslos, regocijémonos en ellos! Pues, reflejan el diseño perfecto y sabio de Dios. Alabémoslos como David. ¡Oh, cuánto amo yo tu ley! ​Todo el día es ella mi meditación. Me has hecho más sabio que mis enemigos con tus mandamientos…más que todos mis enseñadores he entendido. Más que los viejos he entendido, ​porque he guardado tus mandamientos…¡Cuán dulces son a mi paladar tus palabras! ​Más que la miel a mi boca. De tus mandamientos he adquirido inteligencia. Lámpara es a mis pies tu palabra, ​y lumbrera a mi camino (Sal 119:97-105).

David puso precio más alto a la Palabra, amó la Ley de Dios, anheló cumplir sus mandamientos. No los encontró incomodos o pesados. Cuánto más debemos nosotros amar el hacer la nueva Ley de Cristo y cumplir sus mandatos. Pues este es el amor a Dios, que guardemos sus mandamientos; y sus mandamientos no son gravosos (1Juan 5:3).

Los estudios indican que el 10% (aprox.) de los hijos cristianos siguen en la fe de sus padres. El porcentaje en las iglesias anabaptistas es mucho mejor. No lo digo para reconocimiento, sino para dar gracias por la tremenda bendición que vivimos al guardar fiel nuestros antepasados las ordenanzas de la Palabra. Seguramente hay malos ejemplos en el anabaptismo, pero la Verdad no cambia con el paso de tiempo, ni con la aprobación o rechazo de la humanidad. No importa si nadie la hace o la cree, sigue la Verdad.

La tendencia humana de justificar nuestras creencias y acciones es fuerte, incluso al encontrar las evidencias obviamente en contra. Ejemplos son los evolucionistas, las feministas, los políticos y otras humanidades. Creen su dogma a pesar de argumentos insuperables en contra. Los cristianos son humanos también, entonces luchan con la misma inclinación. Queremos tanto creer que algo es cierto, que somos tentados a rechazar el sentido común. De repente profesamos creer lo que no es posible, o muy improbable.

Estás jugando en un partido importante y la pelota cae justo donde la línea. Todos en tu equipo están convencidos que cayó dentro, pero todos en el otro equipo están seguros que cayó fuera. Las personas quieren tanto que la verdad esté a su favor que el buen juicio vuela por la ventana. Él que desea mucho que algo sea verdad, dirá y creerá cualquier cosa para “hacerlo la verdad”. Para él, ya está decidido el caso; lo que queda es argumentar a favor de su verdad. Ojo, tal actitud es muy peligrosa al tomar en mano la Palabra de Dios.

Hay tres argumentos generales que se han confeccionado en contra de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura. Analizaremos cada uno en la parte apropiado de este libro. Aquí son:  

1. Pablo no dio este pasaje como ordenanza a las iglesias de Cristo, sino que alabó a los en Corinto por respetar una costumbre cultural en esa región. El velo no es una doctrina de Cristo.
2. Pablo no enseña a cubrirse la cabeza con un velo, sino que da a entender que el cabello de la mujer es el mismo velo de la jefatura.
3. El velo de las hermanas y la cabeza descubierta de los hermanos es una ordenanza solo para los cultos de las iglesias. Los mandatos no son necesarios a practicar durante los días de la semana.

El favorito de los eruditos liberales es el primer argumento – el velo de las mujeres y la cabeza descubierta de los hombres era una antigua tradición cultural que no tenía vínculo con la doctrina de Cristo a las iglesias de Dios. En efecto, lo leen así: “Los alabo, hermanos, por guardar las tradiciones de la cultura en Corinto”. Pero el Apóstol no dice tal cosa. “Los alabo, hermanos, por guardar las tradiciones tal como yo se las entregué”. Pablo era un extranjero en Corinto. Trajo la tradición que había recibido de Cristo para ser entregada a Sus iglesias. No eran sus ideas, sino los mandamientos del Señor.

La “cadena de mando” de Dios

(1Cor 11:3) Pero quiero que sepáis que Cristo es la cabeza de todo varón, y el varón es la cabeza de la mujer, y Dios la cabeza de Cristo.

El propósito principal de la cabeza descubierta de los hermanos y la cabeza cubierta de las hermanas en la hermandad de los creyentes es recordarles todos de la cadena de autoridad que Dios diseñó desde el principio (por esto, “El velo de la jefatura”). Dios es la cabeza de Cristo, que es la cabeza del varón, que es la cabeza de la mujer. Cada hermano o hermana demuestra públicamente su lealtad a Cristo y Su Reino al obedecer Su mandamiento particular para él o ella.

En el principio, Dios creó al hombre a Su imagen y semejanza – varón y hembra los creó (Gen 1:27). Dio a cada uno ciertos deberes y los equipó con las capacidades naturales que los ayudarían en realizar sus trabajos de buena forma. Al hombre le encargó a ser el líder, tanto en lo físico como en lo espiritual. Y a la mujer dio la responsabilidad de criar hijos que siguieran el Señor. Más adelante, estudiaremos estos roles en detalle, pero al comienzo de la ordenanza, cabe apropiado notar la función principal de la enseñanza – es una señal externa que uno entiende y acepta la jefatura y el papel de Dios para él/ella.

La cultura del mundo se opone fuerte a esta ordenanza. Se critica airadamente la mera idea de “jefatura” con gritos de “igualdad para la mujer”. La sociedad mundana enseña a sus seguidores a odiar la autoridad y la jefatura porque son opresivos e injustos. La igualdad, nos dicen, es justa y libertad. Pero seamos honestos. La igualdad que promueven los liberales no, ni puede, existir. Siempre habrá un orden jerárquico en la sociedad, ya sea formalmente reconocido o no. Y eso es bueno, porque no somos todos iguales en cada punto y área. La sociedad que usa bien los talentos y fortalezas distintos de la personas es una sociedad que crece y se mejora. Negar esa verdad es absurdo e injurioso.

Jefatura es una mala palabra debido a las ideas incorrectas de la sociedad. Pues, la igualdad verdadera se mide en valor espiritual, no por posiciones, roles y talentos. En valor espiritual, los hombres y las mujeres son iguales. Aunque los conceptos de valor y jefatura son temas separados, los activistas en el mundo intentan fusionarlos en un solo asunto “malo”. Ignoran lo obvio. Una policía y un ciudadano tienen el mismo valor, pero el policía tiene la jefatura, lleva autoridad.

Como cristianos, debemos recordar que la autoridad y la jefatura es el buen diseño de Dios. No hay autoridad sino de parte de Dios, y las que hay, por Dios han sido establecidas. De modo que quien se opone a la autoridad, a lo establecido por Dios resiste (Rom 13:1-2). Dios ordenó la autoridad y la sumisión a ella en el principio. Entonces, no sorprende que el Diablo enseña a la cultura del mundo a rechazar la autoridad y burlarse de la sumisión.

El blanco particular de Satanás en este momento son las mujeres. Les enseña a ser inmodestas en vez de prudente, a ser promiscuas en vez de castas, a vivir para sí en vez de cuidadosas de su casa, a ser malas en vez de buenas, y ser rebeldes en vez de sujetas a sus maridos (Tito 2:5). El Diablo ha logrado convencer la cultura a rechazar el mandamiento de Dios, Vosotras mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos (1Ped 3:1). El mundo enseña que la mujer tiene autoridad de su propia cuenta.

Escúchenme esto: toda autoridad depende en someterse a otra autoridad. O sea, la autoridad de una persona se ratifica mediante su sumisión a la autoridad de más arriba. Incluso la autoridad y el poder de Cristo se le vinieron después de someterse a la voluntad del Padre. No existe autoridad acepto menos que sea bajo este formato.

Interesante, Dios utilizó un centurión romano para enseñar sobre esta verdad. Jesús se dirigía a sanar al siervo de este hombre cuando le envió un mensaje: Señor, no te molestes… pero dí la palabra, y mi siervo será sano. Porque también yo soy hombre puesto bajo autoridad, y tengo soldados bajo mis órdenes; y digo a éste: Vé, y va; y al otro: Ven, y viene; y a mi siervo: Haz esto, y lo hace. Al oír esto, Jesús se maravilló de él (Lucas 7:1-10).

El centurión entendió que Jesús tenía autoridad porque Él aceptó su rol bajo una autoridad más alto. También yo soy hombre puesto bajo autoridad, dijo el centurión. Vio el poder de Cristo y supo automáticamente que Jesús era una persona sumisa y obediente a su figura de autoridad. El Diablo quiere que ignoramos este patrón y que seguimos su ejemplo fuera de la autoridad acepto.

Claro es que el poder está vinculado a la sumisión, que la autoridad resulta al someterse a la autoridad arriba. Por lo cual la mujer debe tener señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza, por causa de los ángeles (v10). Un poder le viene al aceptar su posición bajo autoridad. Al cubrirse la cabeza, es autorizada actuar en la autoridad de Cristo. 

El principio rige en toda la vida, ya sea en el hogar, la iglesia, el gobierno o negocios. El poder crece a la medida que la persona se somete a las autoridades en su vida. Hermanos y hermanas, ustedes reciben el poder de Cristo al humillarse y someterse a la autoridad que Dios les ha dado. La persona que no obedece y no somete, elige alinearse con ese maligno y sus demonios que también se rebelaron contra Dios. Porque el poder sí existe fuera de la sumisión, pero su base siempre está fuera de la autoridad de Dios. A eso se llama arrogancia y rebelión.

Hace años, yo trabajaba como presidente en una empresa fábrica de componentes. Cada día nos reunimos los jefes de departamento y dueños de la compañía para manejar los asuntos de ventas, producción y la fuerza laboral. Pero a la misma vez, fui observando siempre a los trabajadores – viendo cómo respondían a problemas y evaluando sus actitudes y hábitos de trabajo. De esa forma, pude elegir la persona correcta para ascender. Aunque era joven e inexperto en esos días, aprendí que los empleados obedientes a su jefe se convertían en jefes buenos, mientras que los obreros no sumisos se convertían en jefes terribles. La persona que brilla en someterse a su autoridad es la misma persona que brillará en una posición de autoridad.

El simbolismo de la cabeza y el cuerpo

Las Escrituras comparan la autoridad del hombre y la mujer con la estructura de autoridad entre Cristo y Dios. Nadie tiene problema con la autoridad del Padre sobre el Hijo – Dios (es) la cabeza de Cristo; pero muchos no pueden aceptar – el varón es la cabeza de la mujer. Pues, la mente natural no recibe las cosas del Espíritu (1Cor 1:12). Como ya explicamos, las ordenanzas fueron entregadas a las iglesias desde una fuente externa. Entonces no caen natural en la mente humana. Hay que discernirlas al usar la mente espiritual.  

A Juan Crisóstomo, le llamó la atención los símbolos que el Espíritu Santo eligió para ilustrar el principio de autoridad en el caso del varón y la mujer. No usaba la relación de un amo con el siervo, ni un rey con el súbdito, sino una cabeza con el cuerpo. Es una imagen que destaca la unión, porque el cuerpo físico no puede existir sin cabeza, ni la cabeza puede existir sin cuerpo. Como el Apóstol dijo en versículo 11, Pero en el Señor, ni el varón es sin la mujer, ni la mujer sin el varón. La cabeza y el cuerpo trabajan juntos, tienen las mismas metas y propósitos. No compiten entre sí, no se envidian, no luchan; son un solo cuerpo (1Cor 12:12).

Además, la cabeza y el cuerpo siendo un solo organismo concuerda con la descripción de Jesús del esposo y la esposa: Los dos serán una sola carne; así que no son ya más dos, sino uno (Marcos 10:8). Es una imagen hermosa de unión estrecha. Sí, hay una cabeza arriba, pero sin el corazón, las piernas y los brazos, queda inútil. Y esos brazos y piernas tampoco sirven para nada sin una cabeza. El esposo y la esposa están unidos en una relación simbiótica. Son interdependientes, un solo cuerpo.

Los que se irritan ante la idea del hombre siendo la cabeza de la mujer tiene un concepto erróneo de Dios y Cristo, porque estas son relaciones paralelas. Jesús dijo: “Yo y el Padre uno somos. Pero, el Padre mayor es que Yo (Juan 10:30; 14:28). No hay competencia, ni celos, ni luchas de poder en la Trinidad. El hombre y la mujer no tienen mejor ejemplo de la jefatura que la comunión íntima de Cristo y el Padre, en la que la autoridad amorosa y la sumisión pacífica se destacan como los objetivos más altos. Como Dios y Cristo, el esposo y la esposa trabajan en mutuo amor y respeto, en una armonía de propósito.

El esposo debe liderar según el patrón que dejó Dios de perfecta sabiduría y amor al Hijo. Y como Dios exaltó a Cristo hasta lo sumo y le dio un nombre sobre todo nombre por su obediencia y sumisión, la esposa que honra a su esposo y se somete a su liderazgo será elevada a la posición más alta de amor y aprecio.

Para tal esposo, el liderazgo es una responsabilidad sagrada; y para tal esposa la sumisión es una vocación honorable. Son posiciones importantes en igual que Dios ordenó para bendiciones igualmente significativas. Hacer la buena voluntad de Dios no es una tarea pesada, es nuestro gozo y deleite (Sal 16:11).

Interesante, el Apóstol no enumera el orden de autoridad de arriba hacia abajo como esperaríamos: Dios la cabeza de Cristo, Cristo la cabeza del varón, el varón la cabeza de la mujer. En cambio, aparecen en paralelo de dobletes: Pero quiero que sepáis que Cristo es la cabeza de todo varón, y el varón es la cabeza de la mujer, y Dios la cabeza de Cristo.

                Varón…………………………. Dios    (Él ejemplifica al Padre)

                     El Hombre refleja la imagen de Dios al mundo

               Mujer…….…………….……..Cristo    (Ella ejemplifica al Hijo)

Este bosquejo ilustra dos verdades clave. Primero, nos hace recordar que Cristo también tiene una cabeza y por lo tanto, la sumisión no es una humillación, sino el camino a poder. Además, Dios y Cristo aparecen tan iguales en las Escrituras que es difícil separar sus niveles de autoridad en nuestra mente. Así es con el varón y la mujer. Aparecen iguales, como Dios y Cristo, pero sí son diferentes en otro sentido. Segundo, nos hace recordar las responsabilidades del Hombre. El varón debe señalar a Dios al mundo, al guiar en toda sabiduría y bondad, tal como Dios con Cristo. Y la mujer debe señalar a Cristo al mundo, mediante la sumisión pacífica, tal como Cristo con Dios.

Dios encargó la Iglesia a predicar las verdades de su Palabra, y ordenó que el varón y la mujer lleguen a ser uno para presentar Dios al mundo. De lo contrario, el testimonio sería incompleto. La mujer representa ciertos atributos de Dios y el varón representa otros atributos. Juntos, ofrecen un testimonio cohesivo de la Verdad. Debemos retratar estos misterios divinos de Dios para que el mundo Le conozca. Debemos presentar Su imagen atractiva, las bellezas de Sus atributos y las maravillas de Su gracia. La doctrina del velo de la mujer cristiana hace eco dentro de este mandato.

Yo creo que las mujeres que se enojan con la idea del varón como su cabeza están pensando en la relación del amo y siervo. El hombre tiene 100% del control, mientras la mujer tiene 0%. Pero tal perspectiva no concuerda con el simbolismo de la cabeza y el cuerpo, ni con el ejemplo de Cristo sometiéndose al Padre (Mateo 26:39).

Mejor verlo como un arreglo de 51-49%, pues, la mujer maneja la casa y dirige los hijos sola al salir el marido. Y en asuntos importantes, el esposo y la esposa deben decidir juntos, cada uno usando las fortalezas que Dios les dio. El cerebro del hombre tiende a concentrarse en los hechos del caso, mientras la mujer tiende a considerar los efectos y las emociones. Al escucharse entre sí, terminen con una visión más completa y equilibrada.

Sí, al fin y al cabo, Dios designó al hombre ser el líder de la familia. Él es el responsable, encargado de manejar el hogar y dirigir en las decisiones. Juzgará Dios su forma de liderarlo. Pero la esposa contribuye muchísimo al manejo de la familia y tiene un afecto grande en ella.   

La cultura del mundo y tristemente muchas iglesias, no aprenden ni aceptan el buen orden de Dios para la humanidad y están sufriendo los frutos amargos de su desobediencia. Las naciones están en confusión y las familias en caos; las relaciones humanas son una mezcla inicua de perversiones. Los hombres no actúan en autoridad amorosa y las mujeres no actúan en sumisión pacífica. Ambos hacen lo que agrada a sí mismo. ¿Cómo puede prosperar la Iglesia de Cristo con miembros de este carácter?

Muchas iglesias ni siquiera abordan el tema de la jefatura porque resulta en acusaciones y discusiones. El instinto humano es ser el primero, dueño de sí mismo, su propia autoridad. ¿Quién quiere ocuparse del segundo plano? Tal actitud Jesús buscó eliminar de la mente de sus discípulos: Sabéis que los gobernantes de las naciones se enseñorean de ellas, y los que son grandes ejercen sobre ellas potestad. Mas entre vosotros no será así, sino que el que quiera hacerse grande entre vosotros será vuestro servidor (Mat 20:25-26). Es otro concepto que nunca vendrá de forma natural a la mente humana. Tiene que ser enseñado por revelación divina y requiere una decisión fuerte para ignorar las voces de la cultura en contra. ¿Quieres ser grande en los ojos de Dios? Conviértete en un siervo. Es el objeto de otra ordenanza, el lavatorio de los pies.

La relación del marido y esposa en la práctica

El pasaje más completo sobre la relación entre el marido y la esposa es Efesios 5:22-28, Las casadas estén sujetas a sus propios maridos, como al Señor; porque el marido es cabeza de la mujer, así como Cristo es cabeza de la iglesia, la cual es su cuerpo, y él es su Salvador. Así que, como la iglesia está sujeta a Cristo, así también las casadas lo estén a sus maridos en todo. Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella, para santificarla, habiéndola purificado en el lavamiento del agua por la palabra, a fin de presentársela a sí mismo, una iglesia gloriosa, que no tuviese mancha ni arruga ni cosa semejante, sino que fuese santa y sin mancha. Así también los maridos deben amar a sus mujeres como a sus mismos cuerpos. El que ama a su mujer, a sí mismo se ama.

Como en 1Corintios 11, el simbolismo es cabeza y cuerpo y la jefatura aparece en paralelo de dobletes. Sin embargo, se agrega un doblete que sirve para aumentar aún más el significado del velo de la jefatura. El primer doblete ya conocemos: el marido es cabeza de la mujer, y el nuevo es, Cristo es cabeza de la Iglesia.

El simbolismo de los paralelos es aleccionador. La vida de Cristo sirve como ejemplo para la vida del marido. Cristo dio su vida por su novia, hacía todo para darle a ella lo mejor, a pesar de gran sufrimiento personal. Así debe el marido amar a su esposa, como a su propio cuerpo.

Por otra mano, la Iglesia sirve por ejemplo a la esposa. Como la Iglesia está sujeta a Cristo en todo, así la esposa a su marido. La Iglesia es una virgen santa, modesta, respetuosa y gloriosa, dedicada únicamente a Cristo, así la esposa a su esposo.

El bosquejo requiere una actualización de la siguiente manera:

                Cristo es ejemplo al Varón en ejemplificar a Dios

                El Hombre refleja la imagen de Dios al mundo

           La Iglesia es ejemplo a la Mujer en ejemplificar a Cristo  

Mas tú, oh hombre de Dios…sigue la justicia, la piedad, la fe, el amor, la paciencia, la mansedumbre (1 Tim 6:11). Si eres un hombre de Dios, debes valorar en rubíes la mujer que Él te ha confiado. Guíala y cuídala con lo más alto amor, sabiendo que ella es una hija de Dios. La medida de excelencia es muy alta, pues nadie puede amar como Cristo, el ejemplo que debes seguir en presentar Dios al mundo. El velo modesto de tu esposa es un recordatorio de que ella es para ti una responsabilidad – de cuidar y amar, incluso hasta la muerte.

Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos (1 Pedro 3:1). Permítale ser el líder que Dios diseñó, y elige ser la ayuda idónea que Él creó (Gén 2:18). Las esposas deben ser prudentes y amar a sus maridos e hijos, castas y cuidadosas de su casa y obedientes al marido (Tito 2:4-5). Son las mismas características de la Iglesia santificada y sin mancha.

Vale la pena repetirlo: Cristo también tenía que entregar Sus propios deseos y hacer la voluntad de la Cabeza (Marcos 14:36), pero justamente por eso ganó el más alto honor y gloria. La sumisión es el antecedente divino a la autoridad y el poder.

Esposos, recuerden que tu esposa quiere sentir amada y apreciada por su sacrificio voluntario. Y esposas, recuerden que tu esposo quiere sentir amado y respetado por su liderazgo de amor. Quiere decir, esposos, que tu liderazgo debe ser de tal calidad que ella se deleite en amarte. Y esposas, tu sumisión debe ser de tal calidad que él también se regocije en amarte. El esposo y la esposa que se unen en mutuo amor y aprecio forman un castillo espiritual fuerte, un testimonio brillante de esperanza en un mundo torcido por no seguir el patrón de Dios.

Hermanas, tengo cierta simpatía por tu situación. Tus ojos y oídos no mienten; nosotros esposos somos lejos de la perfección, ¡hasta parecer tontos a veces! La gran mayoría de los esposos sufren de una enfermedad de oídos que les hacen difícil escucharlas. “Marido, ¿puedes sacar el basurero? Está al punto de rebosarse”. El esposo no muestra signos de haber oído ni una palabra. ¡Es muy triste su condición! Basta de excusas graciosas. El hecho plano es que Cristo tuvo que someterse a Dios, quien es perfecto, sabio y todo-comprensivo, pero toca a las esposas someterse al marido que no cuenta con ninguna de tales cualidades.

Sin embargo, he leído todos los pasajes. Las Escrituras no dan lugar a la esposa actuar en contra de su esposo. Puede que él está equivocado, pero aún no hay una cláusula de excepción. Como la iglesia está sujeta a Cristo, así también las casadas lo estén a sus maridos en todo (Efesios 5:24). La única excepción se encuentra en Colosenses 3:18, Casadas, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos, como conviene en el Señor. O sea, ella no debe seguir su esposa en actuar contra de los principios de la Palabra de Dios, porque tales acciones no convienen en el Señor.

Recuérdense hermanas, que Dios todo lo ve y todo lo sabe. Él conoce tu vida, tu corazón, tus dificultades y estrés. Su gracia es suficiente para tu situación y circunstancias. Después del pecado del Hombre en el huerto de Edén, Dios le informó a la mujer del estorbo de su vida: Él se enseñoreará de ti. Pero en el mismo suspiro, Dios le dio una bendición: Tu deseo será para tu marido. En ese momento, Dios instaló en la mujer el deseo de casarse, amar a su esposo y tener hijos. Es el alto anhelo de la mujer piadosa, aun sabiendo que va a ser “gobernada” por el esposo. Pues, Dios la creó de forma que se siente más cumplida y más útil al servir y obrar en su hogar. Eso es una gran bendición.

Lo mismo ocurrió con el hombre. Dios le informó del estorbo de su vida: “¡Trabajar! Con el sudor de tu rostro…hasta que vuelvas a la tierra. Pero, instaló en el hombre el sentirse más cumplido y útil en eso, en proveer para su esposa y la familia. Esposo y esposa, juntos en estorbos diferentes, pero bendecidos igual en pasárselos. El mundo quiere borrar este noble diseño.

El Juez justo de toda la tierra conoce cada detalle. En el día de repartir las recompensas, Él evaluará la fidelidad de cada uno en cumplir la parte que le ha dado. Entonces, no cabe mirar a los demás, ni comparar la situación nuestra con las de otros. Cada uno debe dedicarse a desempeñar la obra que Él ha pedido según la Palabra de Su voluntad.

Esposo, Dios está velando como tratas a la hija que te ha dado para amar y cuidar. Los suegros se interesan en tales cosas. Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella (Ef 5:25). Jesús dio su vida porque ama a la Iglesia y quería que ella lo amara también. Así el marido gana el amor y el respeto de su esposa también – en acción sacrificial y palabras compasivas de vida.

¿Qué pasa si el esposo no se sacrifica por su esposa? La Biblia dice que ella tiene el poder de cambiarlo. Mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas (1Pedro 3:1; Tito 2:4-5). Más adelante, estudiaremos la influencia sagrada de la esposa y el poder de sus oraciones, que son joyas de gran valor.

El Espíritu termina la doctrina sobre la relación entre marido y mujer en 1Pedro 3:1-7 diciendo que son coherederas de la gracia de la vida, para que vuestras oraciones no tengan estorbo. Los hombres y las mujeres tienen roles diferentes, pero son de igual valor y recibe la misma medida de gracia. Son coherederos, o sea herederos en conjunto, dando de nuevo la imagen de unidad. El versículo lleva una amonestación también – el no vivir conforme a las instrucciones de la Palabra afecta sus oraciones; serán estorbadas.

El mandamiento en breve

(1Cor 11:4-5) Todo varón que ora o profetiza con la cabeza cubierta, afrenta su cabeza. Pero toda mujer que ora o profetiza con la cabeza descubierta, afrenta su cabeza; porque lo mismo es que si se hubiese rapado.

La doctrina en sí es bastante sencilla. La cabeza descubierta del varón y la cabeza cubierta de la mujer proclaman el orden de autoridad que Dios ordenó al principio. El varón o mujer que guarda la ordenanza está honrando su cabeza, mientras que la persona que no la guarda está deshonrando su cabeza. Seguir el mandamiento demuestra la decisión de seguir el diseño de Dios – que tanto el varón como la mujer se someten a su autoridad y que viven en humildad y modestia delante de Él.

Si bien estos principios de jefatura son primordiales en la relación matrimonial, las palabras “esposo, esposa, marido” no aparecen en este pasaje. Leemos, “varón” y “mujer”. En verdad, se traduce la palabra griega aner como ‘hombre’ o ‘esposo’, y gune significa tanto ‘mujer’ como ‘esposa’. Hay que inferir la intención del escritor al leer el contexto.

Tertuliano demostró que los términos toda mujer y todo hombre fijan bien la intención y el sentido de estas palabras. Es decir, toda mujer quiere decir a todas las casadas, viudas y vírgenes, y todo varón quiere decir a todos los casados, viudos y vírgenes. Pablo no habló solamente a las casadas, ni solamente a las vírgenes, ni solamente a las viudas, sino a toda mujer. Y el caso no cambia con los hombres, pues mandó a todo varón. En el capítulo siete, el Apóstol sí, hizo distinción entre esos grupos, pero habló a todos en capítulo 11 (De Virginibus Velandis).

Por lo tanto, esta ordenanza es mucho más que una señal de sumisión de la esposa a su esposo. La cabeza descubierta es para todo varón y la cabeza cubierta es para toda mujer. Tiene sentido, porque todos tienen una figura de autoridad. Asimismo, todo varón y toda mujer de la hermandad están llamados a la vida de humildad y modestia. ¿Quién es cabeza de la soltera o la viuda? El Apóstol no lo dice, pero estudia el capítulo siete. Bruce Terry dijo: “En este caso, la cabeza de una mujer bien puede ser un padre, un hermano o un hijo, como es ve en los países del este” (No Such Custom, pág. 3).

¿Se deshonra la cabeza física o la cabeza de autoridad? Si es la primera, entonces el individuo se ve afectado por el acto deshonroso, pero si es la segunda, el hombre deshonra a Cristo al cubrirse la cabeza, mientras la mujer deshonra a su esposo al no cubrirse la cabeza. Bajo amabas opciones, la pregunta termina igual – tanto el hombre como la mujer deshonra a Dios al desobedecer la ordenanza, pues Él es quien la ordenó.

El hombre muestra sumisión a Cristo al mantener la cabeza descubierta, mientras que la mujer muestra sumisión a su cabeza al mantener la cabeza cubierta. Estas acciones corren contrario a los instintos naturales de hombres y mujeres mundanos. La mujer natural quiere exhibir su gloria y ser admirada – ella desea ser descubierta. El hombre natural, por su parte, recibe mayor honor llevando algo en la cabeza. Ir con la cabeza descubierta es bajarse el perfil.

Así es que los sacerdotes judíos llevaban tiaras y el sumo sacerdote una mitra (Lev 8:13; Ex 28:4); los reyes llevaban coronas y los ganadores olímpicos recibían guirnaldas. Hoy en día, el papa y los cardenales se identifican cada uno por su tocado especial y los judíos usan la kipá. El policía se pone su sombrero propio, junto con cada miembro de las fuerzas armadas. Pero Cristo enseñó que no es así en las iglesias. Los líderes no deben exaltarse a sí mismos, por menos los otros. Debe dejar la cabeza descubierta el hombre, no importa su posición en la vida o la iglesia.

Puse la pregunta en Google, “¿cuándo dejaron las mujeres de usar velos”?” La primera respuesta que apareció me sorprendía por ser tan franco: “La iglesia vio un cambio en las décadas de 1950 y 1960 con la revolución sexual. Las feministas radicales incitaron a las mujeres dejar de usar el velo porque lo tomaban por una señal de subyugación”. Tristemente, las iglesias cedieron ante la rabia de la multitud proclamando las mentiras de Satanás. Tomaron un paso más y ahora están cosechando los terribles frutos.

 Qué nadie se equivoque, las iglesias están luchando en esta área debido a los tremendos saltos de maldad que Satanás ha provocado en la cultura moderna. Una iglesia tiene que pararse muy firme y decidir de forma radical a seguir los mandamientos de las Escrituras, o no va a sobrevivir en este clima social. El velo de la jefatura es la herramienta de Dios para ayudarnos.

La autoridad de la Biblia está perdiendo terreno en los mismos templos de Dios. El Feminismo, el Intelectualismo y el Socialismo siguen inyectando su veneno en la población cristiana. Las Escrituras ahora están sujetas a revisión humana. Por ejemplo, el expresidente Jimmy Carter dijo: “No quiero cuestionar las Escrituras, pero tengo un problema con Pablo, especialmente al decir él que la mujer necesita estar con su esposo y que ella debe guardar silencio en la iglesia y cubrirse la cabeza. Yo no puedo estar de acuerdo con eso” (Revista Time. https://time.com/vault/issue/1976-05-10/page/28/). Por esta declaración arrogante, el Sr. Carter informa al mundo que él sabe mejor que el apóstol Pablo acerca de la voluntad de Dios para la humanidad.

Orar y profetizar

La idea común es que ‘profetizar’ es predecir el futuro, pero tal definición no cuadra con el uso de la palabra en la Biblia. Dios envió profetas en la antigüedad para comunicar Su voluntad a los hijos de Israel y advertirles de las consecuencias si desobedecían. A menudo, los mensajes de los profetas incluían predicciones de eventos futuros, pero su propósito principal era enseñar y predicar la Palabra de Dios. Esta función primaria de ‘profetizar’ se ve también en el Nuevo Testamento. Pablo explicó: Él que profetiza habla a los hombres para edificación, exhortación y consolación. Dijo que la profecía es el mayor entre los dones porque él que profetiza edifica la iglesia…para que todos aprendan y sean exhortados (1Cor 14:1-5, 31). Entonces, profetizar contempla el hablar del cristiano sobre la fe.  

Ora o profetiza. Finny Kuruvilla explica que esta frase se debe entender como un merismo. El merismo es una figura retórica en que el escritor se refiere al sujeto completo en nombrar dos de sus partes. Los merismos se encuentran frecuentes en la Biblia. David clamaba a Dios día y noche; por eso entendemos que oraba en todo momento, sin cesar (Sal 88:1). Dios creó los cielos y la tierra – todo el universo. Los querubines cubrían sus pies y sus rostros en la presencia de Dios; quiere decir que honraban a Dios con todo su ser, desde la coronilla hasta la planta de los pies.

El término, Todo hombre (o mujer) que ora o profetiza, contempla las dos actividades más cruciales en la vida cristiana y por lo tanto hace referencia al servicio completo del cristiano. La oración encarna la comunión vertical y el profetizar abarca la comunión horizontal. Seguro es que el Apóstol no tuvo la intención de restringir la ordenanza a estas dos acciones solamente. ¿Qué de cantar y testificar? ¿Qué de servir a los santos y ayudar a los necesitados? ¿Qué de enseñar y escuchar la Palabra? No, el frase contempla la vida completa del siervo(a) del Señor.

Con esto contestamos a los que hacen el argumento que la ordenanza es para los cultos de la iglesia solamente y no para el día cotidiana. ¿Cómo se puede limitar “orar y profetizar” al culto público? Hombres y mujeres deben orar y profetizar incluso más tiempo fuera de los cultos del día domingo.

El argumento es falsificado contundentemente al avanzar unas páginas al pasaje donde Pablo habla directo de profetizar en la congregación de la iglesia. Dice, Porque podéis profetizar todos uno por uno, para que todos aprendan, y todos sean exhortados…​Como en todas las iglesias de los santos, vuestras mujeres callen en las congregaciones; porque no les es permitido hablar, sino que estén sujetas, como también la ley lo dice. Y si quieren aprender algo, pregunten en casa a sus maridos; porque es indecoroso que una mujer hable en la congregación (1Cor 14:31-35).

Las hermanas no deben profetizar en la congregación, es indecoroso que ellas hablen en la adoración pública. Queda claro, entonces, que el Apóstol no se refiere a los cultos al decir que las hermanas deben profetizar con la cabeza cubierta, pues, no les es permitido hablar en la congregación. Decir que la ordenanza se aplica solo al culto es imponer una contradicción en estos capítulos.

Escúchenme esto: no hay ni una pizca en todo el pasaje que la ordenanza es para el culto solamente, aparte de esta referencia general a orar y profetizar. Y como ya decimos, estas actividades se hacen con frecuencia fuera del culto. Entonces, las personas que hacen tal argumento leen en el texto algo que no se encuentra allí. Buscan formas de forzar que la pelota caiga en su lado. Pero la materia es clara. El Apóstol ni menciona el culto público al entregar esta ordenanza, sino que cita los roles generales de hombres y mujeres que Dios ha ordenado desde la Creación.

Que las hermanas cristianas oren y profeticen (y canten, enseñen, testifiquen, etc.) es una verdad sin discusión. Pero se hacen en otros ambientes, no dirigiendo frente de la congregación. Reconocemos que su dominio ordenado por Dios es crucial para el buen funcionamiento de la hermandad. Primero, ella dirija a los hijos de la familia, luego entre las hermanas cristianas, los jóvenes y los niños, pero también en el mundo de los incrédulos. Cubrirse la cabeza en estas actividades es ser empoderado con la autoridad de Cristo mismo.

En contraste con el judaísmo, las hermanas se reúnen para adorar juntos con los hombres en los templos cristianos. Cantan, oran y escuchan la enseñanza de la Palabra. Sin embargo, la estructura de autoridad ordenada por Dios no permite a la mujer enseñar, ni ejercer dominio sobre el hombre (1Tim 2:11-15). Dio al hombre esa responsabilidad.

Entonces, la ordenanza de la cabeza cubierta/descubierta no es un mandato para el culto solamente. Es para todas esas veces que los cristianos oran y profetizan, es decir, “todo el día”. Estad siempre preparados para presentar defensa con mansedumbre y reverencia ante todo el que os demande razón de la esperanza que hay en vosotros (1Pedro 3:15). Orad sin cesar (1Tes 5:17). Que prediques la palabra; que instes a tiempo y fuera de tiempo; redarguye, reprende, exhorta con toda paciencia y doctrina (2Tim 4:2). Vivimos en estrecha comunión con Cristo cada momento del día.  

Además, el principio de la jefatura aplica más allá de los muros de la iglesia, en los roles del varón y la mujer, y también los significados de la ordenanza – la sumisión, la humildad y la modestia.

Estos argumentos son fuertes, pero añadimos las siguientes consideraciones. El velo de la mujer cristiana también es una señal a los ángeles, para identificación y protección. Es una motivación para llevarlo fuera del culto. Y finalmente, observe el flujo textual de este capítulo. El Apóstol comenzó en el versículo dos: Os alabo, hermanos, porque en todo…retenéis las instrucciones tal como os las entregué. Pero en el versículo 17 cambia de tono y de tema: Pero al anunciaros esto que sigue, no os alabo; porque no os congregáis para lo mejor, sino para lo peor. Aquí el Apóstol comienza a tratar el tema de los cultos de la iglesia. Y consecuentemente, hace referencia a las reuniones de la iglesia en versículos 17, 18, 20, 33 y 34.

¿Qué de los costumbres del día?

En la página 14 hicimos un resumen de los tres argumentos organizados contra la ordenanza. Tal vez el argumento más usado es que Pablo no tenía intención de decretar una ordenanza, sino que aplaudía a la iglesia de Corinto por guardar una costumbre buena de la cultura de esa época. Hay variaciones en este enfoque, pero todas fallan por las mismas razones.

Primero y punto fuerte, el Apóstol no menciona las costumbres culturales como motivo para la enseñanza, sino que declara expresamente que el motivo estaba contemplado por Dios desde la creación del mundo.

Realmente no importa si la cabeza descubierta de hombres y la cabeza cubierta de mujeres fuera una tradición cultural o no, porque las Escrituras la han dado un significado más allá de cualquier costumbre fortuita. Si se descubriera que bautizar personas era antiguamente una norma de la sociedad, ¿afectaría el significado del bautismo como una ordenanza bíblica? Por supuesto que no, porque el Espíritu ha puesto su importancia.  

No obstante, para que sea exhaustivo este estudio, consideremos las costumbres de la cultura de esa época, porque algunos comentaristas de la Biblia han abarrotado la interpretación de este pasaje con afirmaciones dudosas – que era una ley a toda mujer judía llevar el velo en público (Clarke), que solamente las prostitutas andaban sin velo (Barnes), etc. Algunos citan el Talmud judío (escrito varios siglos después de Cristo) y algunos simplemente repiten las conjeturas de otros sin dar ninguna fuente antigua en corrobación.

En verdad, las costumbres de la época de los Apóstoles no eran monolíticas entre las variadas culturas, en que se mezclaban griegos, romanos, judíos y otros pueblos. Parece que muchas mujeres usaban velo en público, aunque otras no. Probablemente las mujeres judías lo usaron más que las mujeres gentiles.

Sin embargo, los hombres también estaban acostumbrados a llevar algo sobre la cabeza por motivos religiosos. Los romanos se cubrían la cabeza al hacer sacrificios en los templos paganos, como se ve hasta el día de hoy en la estatua famosa de César Augusto en Roma (“Pontifex Maximus”). El profesor, Richard Oster trata el tema en la obra literaria, “Cuando los hombres usaban velos para adorar”. Los hombres se les vieron más afectados en ese día por esta ordenanza cristiana que las mujeres.

Bruce Terry ha compilado un listado impresionante de fuentes antiguas que apoyan nuestras afirmaciones. Escribió: “En resumen, se puede notar que en el primer siglo, los romanos hombres y mujeres adoraban con la cabeza cubierta, mientras los griegos hombres y mujeres adoraban con la cabeza descubierta, pero entre los judíos, los hombres se cubrían la cabeza y las mujeres la descubrían cuando adoraban. Entonces, Pablo está introduciendo una nueva tradición cristiana, fundamentado no en las costumbres sociales de su época, sino en argumentos teológicos” (No Such Custom, página 6).

Por lo tanto, el intento de desestimar esta ordenanza al decir que la cabeza cubierta de las mujeres y la cabeza descubierta de los hombres era simplemente una norma de la cultura, o una costumbre de la población en Corinto, se enfrenta con un problema grave – las obras de arte y los escritos antiguos apuntan en dirección opuesta. Ninguna de las culturas tenía la costumbre de hombres andando con la cabeza descubierta y las mujeres con la cabeza cubierta. En cambio, era la práctica enseñada en las iglesias de Dios.

Algunos han propuesto el argumento con otra detalle. Ya que algunas mujeres (griegas, por lo menos) adoraban en los templos paganos sin velo, y viendo que la adoración de ídolos se asociaba con la inmoralidad, Pablo estableció el velo de la mujer para asegurar que las hermanas cristianas no vieran como prostitutas. O sea, quitarse el velo era imitar las prostitutas en los templos de ídolos. Entonces (según el argumento), el velo de la mujer no es necesario porque en la actualidad no existen esos templos paganos. Así descartan por completo la ordenanza tanto para el hombre que para la mujer.

Me hace preguntar, ¿por qué no hay ninguna referencia a las prostitutas, ni a la adoración de ídolos, ni a los templos paganos? La idea no tiene base factible, es una conjetura que carece de pruebas. Otra postura relacionada es que las prostitutas de Corinto se afeitaban y Pablo quería que las hermanas llevaran velo para que los dos grupos no se confundieran. Nuevamente, no hay absolutamente ningún apoyo antiguo para tal idea. Es una especulación al aire. Más bien, el Apóstol afirma tres veces que su epístola enseña las mismas doctrinas que él enseñaba en todas las iglesias (1Cor 11:16; 4:17; 7:17).

Otro argumento dado para rechazar la ordenanza es que implica que los hombres no deben usar sombreros. Y por cierto, conozco a hombres que no usan sombreros, ni siquiera para el mal tiempo, para mantenerse con buena conciencia ante esta ordenanza. Pero la cabeza descubierta retrata una verdad espiritual en usar un objeto particular de consecuencia espiritual (un velo en el caso de las hermanas). Entonces, el hombre que usa un sombrero o gorro para protección de la lluvia o el sol no está infringiendo el mandamiento. Así tampoco la mujer no está guardando el mandamiento al tener la cabeza cubierta con un sombrero por razón de la moda o el clima. El velo debe ser un tocado con claro aspecto religioso.

Además, el argumento cultural es refutado por el versículo 10, donde el Apóstol dice que la mujer debe cubrirse por causa de los ángeles, no por causa de la cultura. Exploraremos esa frase interesante más adelante. Finalmente, decir que este pasaje es “cultural” abre una tremenda especulación sobre cuales versículos del Nuevo Testamento son culturales y cuales tienen autoridad. No, las Sagradas Escrituras fueron escritas para el pueblo de Dios por toda la eternidad. Aunque los cielos y la tierra pasen, la Palabra de Dios permanecerá para siempre.

Simbolismos de la cabeza cubierta/descubierta

 (1Cor 11:6) Porque si la mujer no se cubre, que se corte también el cabello; y si le es vergonzoso a la mujer cortarse el cabello o raparse, que se cubra.

En muchas culturas, el judaísmo incluido, descubrirse la cabeza o afeitarse la cabeza era una indicación dramática de que algo andaba mal. Según la Ley, por ejemplo, una mujer acusada de adulterio debía ser llevada ante el sacerdote, quien le descubrió la cabeza y le hizo beber un agua amarga que la enfermaría si era culpable (Núm 5). Otro ejemplo se encuentra en Isaías 47, que profetiza la ruina de Babilonia bajo la imagen de una princesa que es forzada a sentarse en el polvo y moler harina con la cabeza descubierta (“quítate el velo, descubre el cabello”, LXX).

Según la doctrina de estos versículos, la mujer que no se cubre la cabeza, debe afeitarse el cabello. Sus defensores dicen: “¡Pero eso sería vergonzoso para ella!”. El Apóstol responde: “Bueno, que se cubra entonces”.

Bruce Terry escribió, “Dice, ‘que se cubra’. La traducción literal de la frase resalta el tiempo presente del verbo: ‘que siga cubriéndose’. En griego, este verbo y también el verbo de la frase, ‘que se corte el cabello’, están en modo imperativo de tercera persona. Significa que son mandatos condicionados en las ‘si’ declaraciones que los preceden. Están entrelazados de tal manera que Pablo está diciendo, ‘haz lo uno o lo otro’.” (No Such Custom, página 4).

El versículo seis también destruye por completo el último argumento contra esta ordenanza, que adelante la idea del cabello de la mujer siendo su mismo velo de oración (ver 1Cor 11:15). Observa el grave error lógico: si la mujer no se cubre, es decir, no tiene cabello, que se corte también el cabello. ¿Cómo va a cortarse el cabello si ya no lo tiene? Igualmente ilógico es pensar en el hombre reponiendo el cabello después de orar.

Claramente, este pasaje contempla una prenda de vestir que se puede poner o quitar. Es bastante sencillo, dice Pablo. “Si una mujer se niega cubrirse con un velo, que se corte el cabello”.

El acto de cubrirse conlleva un simbolismo importante en las Escrituras. Dios diseñó cuidadosamente las cubiertas del tabernáculo para representar profundos significados simbólicos que van mucho más allá de servir como protecciones. El primer acto de cubrirse en la Biblia también es instructivo. Después del pecado de Adán y Eva, se les fueron abiertos los ojos a su desnudez y trataron de cubrirse su vergüenza al hacer delantales de hojas de higuera. Instintivamente sabían que su gloria caída necesitaba una cubierta. Otro ejemplo, los serafines se cubrían el rostro y los pies, diciendo: Santo, santo, santo, Jehová de los ejércitos; toda la tierra está llena de Su gloria (Is 6:2). Cubrían su propia gloria, con toda modestia y humildad, en presencia de la gloria abrumadora de Dios.

El ejemplo de Lucifer (Satanás) entra en este simbolismo por ser creado el querubín que cubra (así la palabra hebrea en Ezequiel 28:14-16). El corazón de Satanás se enalteció en orgullo contra Dios y renunció toda humildad, sumisión y modestia (Eze 28:17). El hombre o la mujer que se niega a seguir el modelo de Cristo ha elegido el modelo del Diablo. La ordenanza de la cabeza cubierta/descubierta corresponde a la analogía. El hombre que mantiene su cabeza descubierta en obediencia a Dios hace contraste a Lucifer, que se quitó la cubierta en rebelión contra Dios.

Las Escrituras usan la palabra “velo” como símbolo del cuerpo terrenal de Jesús (Hebreos 10:20). Su carne humana sirvió para cubrir Su verdadera gloria y honor. No hay mayor testimonio de humildad, sumisión y modestia que la vida de Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios y Salvador del mundo. Hermanas, regocíjense en esto, que Dios les ha dado el privilegio de demostrar los atributos de ese Dios que se humilló y se hizo siervo. Hecho semejante a los hombres, cubrió su gloria divina y fue obediente al Padre hasta la muerte.

En el Antiguo Testamento, Dios mandó a Moisés hacer para los sacerdotes tiaras para gloria y hermosura (Ex 28:40), pero en el Nuevo Testamento mandó a Pablo enseñar en las iglesias que los hombres no deben cubrirse la cabeza. No es el único cambio entre los dos pactos. Mateo 5 da a conocer otros cambios dramáticos para el pueblo del Nuevo Pacto de Cristo.

El simbolismo de este nuevo “descubrimiento” es revelación, porque la palabra “cubrir” viene del griego kalupto y la palabra “revelación” es apo-kalupto). Hasta la apertura del nuevo pacto, la gloria de Cristo estaba escondida, pero después de Su resurrección, la revelación del misterio que se ha mantenido oculto desde tiempos eternos…se ha dado a conocer a todas las gentes (Rom 16:25-26).

Como una señal de esta nueva revelación, a la muerte de Jesús, Dios rasgó el velo del templo en dos y reveló a los ojos comunes los secretos del Lugar Santísimo (Mateo 27:51). Moisés, delante el pueblo del antiguo pacto, tuvo que cubrirse el rostro para ocultar la gloria remanente después de hablar con Dios, pero los del nuevo pacto pueden contemplar la gloria del Señor a cara descubierta (2Cor 3:7-18).

EL velo y la modestia cristiana

La ordenanza del velo es más que ponerse un pañuelo en la cabeza de mañana. Juan Crisóstomo escribió: “Pero temo que, habiendo asumido el vestimenta, algunas de nuestras mujeres sean encontradas inmodestas en sus obras, o descubiertas en otras maneras… Porque si no deben tener la cabeza descubierta, sino llevar siempre en todas partes el señal de autoridad [el velo], mucho más conviene exhibir lo mismo en nuestras obras”.

Guardar la ordenanza física es validado al vivir en acuerdo con sus principios. Más importante es practicar los significados espirituales, pero sin dudar en cumplir con la parte física de no cubrirse la cabeza los hermanos y cubrirse la cabeza las hermanas. El velo de la jefatura ayuda a toda la iglesia andar en el Camino, haciéndonos recordar nuestra lealtad al llamamiento de Cristo – vivir en humildad, sumisión y modestia.

En el antiguo testamento, Dios decretó muchos recordatorios físicos para Su pueblo. Uno era la regla del cordón de azul para todos los vestidos. Habla a los hijos de Israel, y diles que se hagan franjas en los bordes de sus vestidos, por sus generaciones; y pongan en cada franja de los bordes un cordón de azul… para que cuando lo veáis os acordéis de todos los mandamientos de Jehová, para ponerlos por obra…Para que os acordéis, y hagáis todos mis mandamientos, y seáis santos a vuestro Dios (Núm 15:38-40). Esta costumbre sencilla predicaba siempre a los israelitas, que ellos eran un pueblo peculiar, una nación apartado por Dios. Debían cumplir a la letra todos Sus mandamientos.

El pacto antiguo contenía muchos rituales, reglas, festivales, costumbres, leyes y ceremonias que regían en toda parte de la vida. El nuevo pacto se enfoca más en lo espiritual, en pureza de corazón y alma, y en vivir de forma íntegra y santa. Por ende, contiene muy pocas ordenanzas. Es motivo para reflexionar. Seguramente las nuevas ordenanzas del nuevo pacto son bien importantes – el Espíritu las diseñó en cuidadoso propósito.

Estamos desconcertados al ver los muchos hijos que se han perdido al mundo porque sus padres pensaron que la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura no era importante. Menospreciar la sabiduría de las Escrituras es una tontería de proporciones, no importa cuán “sabio” sea el intelectual que enseña lo contrario. Bienaventurado el siervo que, al regresar su señor, le halle haciendo sus mandatos (Mat 24:46). ¿Así que no habéis podido velar conmigo una hora? (Mat 26:39-40). ¿No podíais cumplir ni las pocas reglas que te pedí?

Claro es que el velo de las hermanas cabe apropiado con el atavío modesto y la vida casta. La Escritura dice, Que las mujeres se atavíen de ropa decorosa, con pudor y modestia; no con peinado ostentoso, ni oro, ni perlas, ni vestidos costosos, sino con buenas obras, como corresponde a mujeres que profesan piedad (1Tim 2:9-10). Tertuliano escribió: “Porque para Él, nada es más valorado que la humildad; nada más aceptable que la modestia; nada más ofensivo que gloriarse, y agradar a los hombres” (De Virginibus Velandis). Las mujeres jóvenes (deben) ser prudentes, castas, cuidadosas de su casa, buenas (Tito 2:4-5).

La modestia no es solamente para las mujeres practicar. Que los ancianos sean sobrios, serios, prudentes, sanos en la fe, en el amor, en la paciencia (Tito 2:2). Al dejar la cabeza descubierta, el hombre acata al principio de la modestia en su manera, pues negarse a llevar el símbolo de la jefatura sobre la cabeza es elegir la mansedumbre y la modestia. El apóstol Pedro habló a toda la hermandad, Revestíos de humildad; porque: Dios resiste a los soberbios, ​y da gracia a los humildes (1Ped 5:5). El velo es una prenda que corresponde bien a la vestimenta modesta.

El principio de la modestia se enseña en toda la Biblia, pero los detalles de su práctica no son precisamente descritos ya que en las diferentes épocas y tierras de la historia, hay diferencias en vestimentos. También, las conciencias de individuos no se desarrollan iguales hasta crear una imagen reflejada. Por otra mano, es esencial que la persona estudie para ajustar su conciencia a lo que dice en la Palabra de Verdad en todo principio y precepto.

El seguidor de Cristo con la conciencia bien afinado a la Biblia lo ve claro – la modestia es un principio bíblico casi desconocido en el cristianismo moderno. Es que la conciencia de los “creyentes” ya no puede discernir correctamente lo que Dios considera modesto e inmodesto. Porque al dejar de ejercitar continuamente los sentidos espirituales, se vuelven torpes e incapaces de discernir correctamente del bien y del mal (Heb 5:12-14).

Aunque las Escrituras no explican la modestia en forma de claro detalle, sí presentan lo que Dios considera modesto. El primer ejemplo de vestimenta modesta se encuentra en el principio, cuando Dios hizo para Adán y Eva túnicas (griego – chiton) de pieles, y los vistió (Gén 3:21). Nos da una idea de lo que Dios juzga ser el cuerpo vestido en modestia, porque los delantales que el Hombre había hecho de hojas de higuera no eran modestos (Gen 3:7). El chiton era una prenda que cubría el cuerpo desde los hombros hasta los pies. Ejemplos son el chiton de diversos colores de José (Gen 37:3) y el “chiton sin costura” de Jesús (Juan 19:23). Este último, parece, fue hecho en el patrón del chiton de lino del sumo sacerdote (Lev 16:4).

Las túnicas de piel que Dios hizo para Adán y Eva enseñan que el cuerpo, sea hombre o mujer, se debe cubrirse con modestia y pudor. La naturaleza misma lo enseña, y al decir, “naturaleza” hay que escucharlo, “Dios”, quien creó la naturaleza del hombre. O sea, es una acción importante conformar la mente de manera que los modos de vestirnos corresponden bien con los principios de modestia, humildad y santidad.

Un aspecto importante de la modestia es el corte y el material de los vestimentos. Cubrir el cuerpo con ropa ostentosa y cara no corresponde a la humildad y la modestia. No con peinado ostentoso, ni oro, ni perlas, ni vestidos costosos…sino con ropa decorosa, con pudor y modestia (1Tim 2:9; 1Pedro 3:3). Esta regla es consecuente a la descripción del nuevo pueblo de Dios (Ef 5:27; 1Pedro 2:9).

Los hombres también tienen que vivir en modestia, porque Dios hizo para Adán una túnica junto con Eva. La iglesia que regula los principios de modestia de manera diferente para hombres y mujeres presenta una imagen discordante de la creación de Dios. Qué chocante ver a una joven en vestida modesta y la cabeza cubierta con velo pasar por la calle junto con el joven en jeans de diseñador y camiseta estampada. Joven hermano, las Escrituras enseñan que, renunciando a la impiedad y a los deseos mundanos, vivamos en este siglo sobria, justa y piadosamente (Tito 2:12).

La modestia, la humildad, la sumisión – son de gran valor a los ojos de Dios (1Pedro 3:1-5). Son los ornamentos de belleza interior que caracterizan a los verdaderos santos en las iglesias del Reino, porque reprimen el orgullo, el exceso y el egocentrismo. Satanás se ha desplegado sus fuerzas directamente en contra a estas tres joyas. En lugar de buscar el poder puro a través de la sumisión, el Diablo siembra el caos a través de la rebelión. En lugar de humildad, siembra orgullo y arrogancia. Y en lugar de la modestia y el pudor, siembra la vanagloria y el descaro.

El varón y la mujer en la Creación

(1Cor 11:7-9) Porque el varón no debe cubrirse la cabeza, pues él es imagen y gloria de Dios; pero la mujer es gloria del varón. Porque el varón no procede de la mujer, sino la mujer del varón, y tampoco el varón fue creado por causa de la mujer, sino la mujer por causa del varón.

Los principios de la jefatura tienen base en el diseño de Dios al principio del mundo, cuando creó al hombre a Su imagen. Primero, formó a Adán del polvo de la tierra y lo puso en el huerto de Edén, advirtiéndole a no comer de los dos árboles prohibidos (Gén 2:7-17). Entonces, Dios hizo los animales y Adán nombró a cada uno, mas para Adán no se halló ayuda idónea para él. Adán vio que los animales venían en parejas, pero él estaba solo.

La Biblia dice que Dios hizo caer sueño profundo sobre Adán y mientras dormía, le sacó una costilla y hizo una mujer. Entonces Adán se contentó. El cuadro es lo siguiente – el varón fue creado para comunión con Dios, pero al sentirse incompleto y solo Adán, Dios le hizo a Eva. Es que Adán la necesitaba (1Cor 11:9).

Alguien ha observado que Dios no tomó la mujer de los pies del varón, como para pisotearla, ni de la cabeza, como para ser superior a ella, sino de su costado, la parte de su cuerpo más cercana a su corazón – para amarla y cuidarla como compañera tesoro.

Dios no creó a Eva igualito a Adán, sino con sutiles diferencias en lo físico y en lo emocional, porque todo lo que Dios creó fue diseñado en propósito exacto. Sin embargo, de una manera profunda, el varón y la mujer tienen que juntarse en uno para ser completo. El uno suple lo que le falta al otro. El término “humanidad” no se puede contemplar a menos que estén presentes tanto el hombre como la mujer. El candado sin llave es inútil, así la humanidad – el varón y la mujer se completan en uno.

Al fondo de la maldad de Satanás, es su deseo exorbitante de distorsionar, corromper y destruir la creación de Dios para que ya no cumpla su propósito. Este es el foco de la gran lucha entre el bien y el mal que comenzó cuando Satanás engañó a Eva. El Diablo trabaja constantemente para desacreditar a Dios, burlarse de Él y manchar el Santo Nombre. Si logra corromper a la humanidad, que fue hecho a la imagen y semejanza de Dios, se acerca más a burlarse de Dios mismo.

Qué lógico entonces, que los hombres y las mujeres se visten y se comporten de manera íntegra, de manera que traen honor a Aquel que les creó en Su imagen. El cuerpo del cristiano no es suyo. Porque habéis sido comprados por precio; glorificad, pues, a Dios en vuestro cuerpo y en vuestro espíritu, los cuales son de Dios (1Cor 6:20). Al vivir, hombres y mujeres, como Dios los diseñó, lo honran y glorifican, pero al ignorar los roles de hombre y mujer determinados por Dios es ayudar a Satanás en su esfuerzo constante a corromper y destruir el buen orden y propósito de Dios.

Imagínate una persona usando la cortadora de césped para podar sus árboles. Sería muy incómodo y con resultado desagradable. Los hombres y las mujeres trabajan en manera óptima al aplicar sus talentos y esfuerzos en ejecutar las posiciones y tareas para que fueron diseñados.

El gran diseño de Vida

Dios diseñó el universo con ojo perfecto a detalle y organización. La creación es una asombrosa exhibición sincronizada de arte viviente. Nuestros ojos humanos se maravillan ante las bellezas intrincadas e interconectadas de la vida, desde los animales grandes hasta el mundo microscópico. Pero, con respecto a lo invisible, el reino espiritual, tenemos solamente unas ideas sobre su formación y funcionar. Sin duda es una maravilla a igual con la creación visible. La Biblia habla de principados, potestades, arcángeles, serafines, querubines, ángeles mensajeros, etc. Son sinnúmero y en todas partes (Ap 5:11). También existe el mundo celestial de galaxias, constelaciones, estrellas y planetas, etc. El universo es un testimonio prodigioso al conocimiento y poder absoluto de Dios. Él lo pensó y emitió la Palabra, y fue hecho.  

En realidad, no entendemos la parte exacta de la humanidad en el espectro infinito de la Creación, pero somos impactados al ver que el Hombre fue colocado en su eje central. Este universo incomprensible fue creado y puesto en marcha para la gloria de Dios – es una sincronización micrométrica de piezas vivas y objetos inanimados entremezclados ingeniosamente en una actuación constante. Sin fallos y sin interrupciones el universo presenta una obra de teatro vivo al Creador.   

En toda esta maravilla, los hombres y las mujeres son los únicos seres creados a la imagen y semejanza de Dios y los únicos herederos de la salvación.

Desde Génesis y hasta el Apocalipsis, las Escrituras presentan el hombre y la mujer como géneros sagrados y distintos para alzar en gran estima, honor e integridad. Varias leyes del antiguo testamento demuestran esa santidad, como por ejemplo, la prohibición a los hombres de usar ropa de mujer y viceversa; porque abominación es a Jehová tu Dios cualquiera que esto hace (Deut 22:5). El hombre y la mujer deben glorificar a Dios dentro de los parámetros de Su diseño y consecuente, las Escrituras siempre celebran la masculinidad y la feminidad como vocaciones separadas pero igualmente esenciales y honorables. No se deben mezclarse.

Juan Crisóstomo escribió algo así: “El hombre, o la mujer, que no permanece en su propio ámbito ordenado por Dios, sino que piensa en subir a la gloria del otro, disminuye en honor. La mujer que va más allá del hombre no alcanza mayor honra sino que cae de honor.” La cabeza descubierta del hombre y la cabeza cubierta de la mujer son aspectos que caben correctos en la separación de los géneros, porque la diferencia coincide con la diferencia natural del varón con cabello corto y la mujer bendecido con cabello largo y glorioso.

Finny Kuruvilla ha propuesto dos lemas (los he modificado un poquito) para el hombre y la mujer en esta gran presentación de Vida que Dios ha creado. Para el hombre el lema es “Autoridad Amorosa” y para la mujer es “Sumisión Pacífica”. El Padre y el Hijo son ejemplos perfectos de estos lemas. El Padre ama al Hijo sin medida. Su autoridad es nada más que amor puro, en acciones de benevolencia, en compasión y en sabiduría.

Por su parte, Cristo encarna la sumisión pacífica. Aceptó su papel voluntariamente, aun sabiendo que iba a resultar muy difícil. Medita las palabras de Jesús, Abba, Padre, todas las cosas son posibles para Ti; aparta de Mí esta copa; mas no lo que Yo quiero, sino lo que Tú (Marcos 14:36). Eso sí demuestra una sumisión profunda. No era fácil, le constó ceder, pero al final, Cristo se contentó con el acto de sumisión. Cuando una persona comprende el significado de su papel, las dificultades de la vida de repente obtienen un nuevo propósito y significado.

La mujer, gloria del Hombre

Según Génesis 1:27, el hombre y la mujer, ambos fueron creados a la imagen y semejanza de Dios. Quiere decir que se les dio la capacidad de pensar, comprender, analizar y deliberar. También les dio libre albedrio para hacer determinaciones y elegir entre el bien y el mal. El conjunto de estos atributos los hacen únicos en la creación de Dios. Entonces, ¿porque Pablo separa al hombre de la mujer? Pues, dice que el varón no debe cubrirse la cabeza por ser la imagen y gloria de Dios; pero la mujer es gloria del varón (v7). Percibo dos sustancias en las palabras del Apóstol.

Primero, da los sucesos en su orden de la Creación, como estos versículos explican. Dios creó a Adán y aprobó toda la Creación. Pero el hombre necesitaba una ayuda idónea, entonces como punto final, Dios formó a Eva para ser su compañera. Los animales brindaba a Adán una cierta amistad, pero ninguno de ellos podía ser su ayuda idónea. Cuando Adán vio a Eva, se puso elocuente: Esto es ahora hueso de mis huesos y carne de mi carne; ésta será llamada Varona, porque del varón fue tomada (Gen 2:23). Es como decir, “¡Por fin, aquí la mío! Ella será mi tesoro, mi gloria, porque de mí propio cuerpo fue tomada”.

Segundo, la mujer es, a plena vista, la gloria de la Humanidad. En el reino animal, el macho es el más colorido y hermoso de la especie, mientras que la hembra es sencilla y monótona. Así no es con la más alta creación de Dios. Hizo al hombre de piel áspera y con barba, sus rasgos faciales son toscos, su voz es ruda y de tono bajo. Pero hizo la mujer con mano de artista. Eva fue el último acto creativo de Dios y con ella formó Su obra maestra. Le hizo elegante y agraciada, sus rasgos faciales destacan la belleza y el encanto. Su piel es delicada y fina, su cabello largo y grueso. Las líneas de sus ojos, cejas y pestañas son talladas en obra fina.  

En toda verdad, la mujer es la gloria de la especie y única en la creación de Dios, siendo la madre de todo hombre (Gen 3:20). El rasgo más grande de cada humano es nacer de mujer. La hace única además en el reino angélico, que carece de un ser femenino. Cabe muy apropiada, entonces, leer que la mujer es la gloria del hombre, porque ella es la gloria de la especie humana. Sin embargo y como hemos señalado antes, la gloria de la humanidad ha sido empañada gravemente, manchada por el pecado. La humanidad es una criatura caída, llena de orgullo, inclinada a la rebelión, y propensa a ser engañado. No se puede permitir que su ‘gloria’ brille. Por lo tanto, el hombre debe parar ante Dios con la cabeza descubierta y la mujer debe cubrirse la cabeza.

El hombre y la mujer, por ser hechos en la imagen de Dios, tienen los mismos privilegios y valores espirituales ante Él. Reflejan Su diseño perfecto; no en paralelo, sino el masculino y el femenino juntándose en una sola imagen – el hombre en su masculinidad y la mujer en su feminidad, cada uno representando sus respectivos aspectos de Dios según Su mente y hechura. No como partes intercambiables, sino como dos piezas unívocas que encajan en una sola pinacle que señala el Creador del cielo y la tierra a las gentes del mundo.

No es extraño, entonces, que el Diablo haya trabajado diligentemente para destruir la imagen de Dios representada en la relación de marido y mujer. Recientemente, ha llevado la batalla a nuevos niveles, tratando de borrar incluso las diferencias obvias entre hombre y mujer, y así manchar la mano creadora de Dios. El hombre es más fuerte de cuerpo, más alto y construido para largas horas de trabajo duro para mantener a la familia. Su mente funciona como una máquina, calculando los números y analizando las opciones. La mujer es hermosa, delicada y diseñada para trabajar en el hogar y criar hijos que siguen el camino recto. Su mente funciona a alta velocidad, como un intérprete de problemas y eventos.

Al unirse la masculinidad y la feminidad, forman un equipo bien afinado, los dos aptos para sus tareas y funciones. El esposo y la esposa experimentan alegrías y multiplican la felicidad juntos. Se consuelan en las penas y se ayudan en los deberes de la vida. Es triste ver que las culturas del mundo obran para cambiar las mentes de personas para que rechazan el diseño de Dios.

Hombre y mujer, uno en Cristo

Si bien el principio de la jefatura existía también en el antiguo pacto (Num 30:1-7), Cristo restauró la mujer a su lugar legítimo y honorable en el Nuevo Pacto. Todas las culturas antiguas hasta Cristo trataron a las mujeres como artículos de posesión. Siendo el vaso más frágil, no podían defenderse y por lo tanto, a menudo eran maltratados o vendidos como esclavos. En el judaísmo, los esposos podían divorciarse de sus esposas o casarse con más de una mujer a la vez, pero las esposas no tenían tales derechos. Entrar en el templo con los hombres era prohibido a las judías, ni podían dar testimonio ante un juez.

Cristo y los Apóstoles cambiaron en grande este orden. Jesús se asociaba frecuente con mujeres y les dio el mismo honor que los hombres en los ojos de Dios. Elogió a varias mujeres por su gran fe. Y en el primer Sermón de Su ministerio, Jesús decretó el fin del divorcio y la poligamia del antiguo testamento. En el principio, los Apóstoles se asombraron a escuchar Cristo prohibir por completo la concesión de la Ley diciendo que los maridos podían repudiar a sus mujeres (Mat 19:10). Además, la Biblia acepta el testimonio de varias mujeres como los primeros testigos de la resurrección. Jesús se reveló a ellas antes de los apóstoles.

Estos ejemplos dieron inicio al gran cambio del judaísmo al cristianismo con respecto al varón y la mujer. El apóstol Pablo entregó a las iglesias lo que había recibido de Cristo, diciendo: Ya no hay judío ni griego; no hay esclavo ni libre; no hay varón ni mujer; porque todos vosotros sois uno en Cristo Jesús (Gal 3:28). Fueron palabras nuevas y trascendentales para el pueblo de Dios.

Pedro, en el día de Pentecostés, aseguró que Dios profetizó esta nueva era, ​Derramaré de mi Espíritu sobre toda carne, ​y vuestros hijos y vuestras hijas profetizarán…Y de cierto sobre mis siervos y sobre mis siervas en aquellos días ​derramaré de mi Espíritu, y profetizarán (Hechos 2:17-18). No hay ni un caso en el antiguo testamento del Espíritu Santo viniendo sobre una mujer, y en una sola ocasión hace mención de una mujer que profetizó. Claro, en las épocas antes de Cristo el Espíritu vino rara vez sobre el hombre también, y el mero hecho que no haya registro no significa que nunca vino el Espíritu sobre las mujeres. Sin embargo, la doctrina en sí era nueva y sin precedentes.

A lo mejor la iglesia en Corinto quería conocer los límites de esta igualdad espiritual.

La feminidad bíblica versus el feminismo cultural

 Si la “sumisión pacífica” es el lema de la mujer cristiana, entonces su inspiración es el “sacrificio voluntario”, que es la joya en la corona de la feminidad bíblica. La mujer piadosa renuncia sus derechos, privilegios y libertad para convertirse en esposa, y luego entrega su cuerpo para dar luz a hijos. El feminismo, por su parte, grita: “¡Mujeres! Lucha por tus derechos. Haz lo que TÚ quieres con tu cuerpo. TÚ decides el futuro. Diga ‘no’ a la maternidad y ‘sí’ al aborto”. Es triste ver que el cristianismo de hoy puede entrar rápido a conversar a favor del feminismo, pero no tiene nada que decir al mencionar el tema de “la feminidad”.

Pero la Biblia es más que clara: la feminidad es una joya preciosa a los ojos de Dios. ¿Y por qué no? Esas características que asociamos con la feminidad en el párrafo anterior son las mismas que demostró Cristo. Renunció a Sus derechos, privilegios y libertad. Tomó el tiempo para bajarse a esta tierra y caminar por las calles polvorientas de Judea. Y sí, Él entregó Su cuerpo también. Jesucristo es el ejemplo epítome del sacrificio voluntario y las mujeres piadosas no hacen más que seguir en Sus pasos. La belleza de la feminidad es que se contenta con aceptar lo que Dios ofrece, lo que resulta en ser un honor absolutamente único y una función esencial en la trayectoria de la Vida.

La mujer virtuosa que vive el sacrificio voluntario, sin duda alguna, recibirá bendiciones en doble medida. Primero, en las alabanzas de su esposo y de sus hijos, y segundo, en la sonrisa de aprobación de Dios en aquel día que se sienta para seleccionar las joyas de su Reino (Mal 3:17). Mujer virtuosa, ¿quién la hallará? ​Porque su estima sobrepasa largamente a la de las piedras preciosas (Prov. 31:10). Al cubrirse la cabeza con el velo, la mujer está diciendo: “Acepto la posición que Dios me ofrece. Acepto la imagen que Dios quiere que yo muestre al mundo. Me ofrezco como voluntario para sacrificar mis derechos y privilegios a favor de hacer Su llamado”.

Los Proverbios dicen más sobre esta mujer: El corazón de su marido está en ella confiado…Le da ella bien y no mal ​todos los días de su vida (Pro 31:11-12). Al ver el sacrificio voluntario de su esposa, el marido es motivado a hacer su parte.

Por otro lado, la mujer que se viste y se comporta como un hombre contamina la naturaleza, como también el hombre que se pasa como mujer. Es una distorsión perturbadora del orden de Dios en la Creación. El hombre de pelo largo es vergonzoso en igual a la mujer de pelo corto. Sin embargo, la cultura mundana actual rechaza cada vez más las divisiones naturales entre los dos géneros. Las perversiones del feminismo y la homosexualidad han trastornado las modas y normas del mundo.

Hoy se aplauden a las mujeres que se visten de manera provocativa y deciden no casarse para poder trabajar en una carrera. Asimismo, la sociedad aprueba las mujeres que se divorcian de sus maridos por cualquier causa y las que viven en lesbianismo. Nunca ha sido tan grande la necesidad de un testigo piadoso femenino.

Increíble, algunas culturas niegan la mera idea de la mujer siendo hermosa y valiosa como femenino. Para ellas, los argumentos ya casi no valen, pues han sido engañados a creer que lo más alto valor se obtenga al tomar el papel del hombre. Estas ideas horribles están infiltrándose en las iglesias, impidiendo que las mujeres cristianas sigan el mandato que Dios les ha dado.

El feminismo está predicando las mismas mentiras de Satanás, diciendo que la única manera en que la mujer alcanza valor es actuar como el hombre. En vez de regocijarse con sus habilidades y bellezas únicas, las mujeres se ven obligadas a vivir la vida de los hombres. Es que el feminismo cree que la feminidad es inferior a la masculinidad. Dios no cree eso, tampoco nosotros. La Palabra exalta ambos en igual medida.

Por causa de los ángeles

(1Cor 11:10) Por lo cual la mujer debe tener señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza, por causa de los ángeles.

El Apóstol ha entregado el caso de autoridad del hombre y la mujer, y ha detallado la ordenanza. Ahora dice el porqué. Es por causa de los ángeles. Las Escrituras hablan de un reino vasto e inescrutable, lleno de ángeles buenos y malos. Nos rodean por todos lados y luchan entre sí por las almas de los hombres (Ap 12:9; Mat 25:41). Es un dominio invisible de alto afecto sobre el mundo de los hombres.  

Porque no tenemos lucha contra sangre y carne, sino contra principados, contra potestades, contra los gobernadores de las tinieblas de este siglo, contra huestes espirituales de maldad en las regiones celestes (Ef 6:12). Cuatro rangos angélicos están desplegados en una guerra mortal contra los santos. Bajo el alto mando de Satanás, los demonios vuelan por todos lados con el veneno de la rebelión, el engaño y el pecado. Por otra mano, los espíritus ministradores de Dios, los llama de fuego, ayudan y protejan a los servidores de Cristo en la tierra (Heb 1:7, 14).

Ya que los ojos humanos no vean las huestes del reino angélico, fácilmente se olvidan de la tremenda influencia que ejercen sobre los seres humanos. Parece que los ángeles fueron creados en el día cuatro (o antes) de la semana de la Creación (Job 38:6-7). Son seres espirituales de alta inteligencia y mucho poder. Se describen como hermosas criaturas inmortales y tienen capacidades de emoción, movilidad, comunicación y libre albedrio. Algunos hombres son tentados a adorarlos (Col 2:18; Gal 1:8).

Por otro lado, los ángeles no se casan ni tienen descendencia (Mat 22:30; Lucas 20:34-36). No son herederos de la salvación (Hebreos 1:14), pues, el hijo de Dios no se convirtió en ángel, sino que se hizo hombre para expiar sus pecados.

El Cielo está lleno de estos hermosos y santos seres (Ap 5:11; Dan 7:9-10). Hay serafines, querubines, arcángeles, mensajeros y protectores. Están profundamente interesados en el plan de Dios en desarrollo sobre la tierra (1Pedro 1:12) y están en constante acción, ministrando en el ámbito espiritual las cosas de Dios en perfecto acuerdo con Su voluntad. Cuando los ángeles celestiales no están trabajando, están cantando y alabando al Cordero (Ap 7:11-12).

Claro, los ángeles todos no son buenos. Satanás fue creado como el ángel cabeza en el servicio de Dios, “el querubín ungido que cubre” (traducción mía de Eze 28:14). Debido a su incomparable belleza y sabiduría, el corazón de Satanás se enalteció y rebeló contra Dios. Dijo, Seré semejante al Altísimo (Isa 14:13). Pero su rebelión no resultó y fue expulsado de la presencia de Dios (Eze 28:11-19). La tercera parte de los ángeles fueron engañados por Satanás y también dejaron su propia morada (Ap 12:3-4; Judas 6), por lo que Dios les ha designado un lugar en el abismo de fuego (2Pedro 2:4).

Por lo anterior, aprendemos que los ángeles tienen la capacidad de elegir, o la tuvieron en algún momento por lo menos. Los ángeles buenos vivirán en el Cielo con los santos y los ángeles malos serán atormentados en el infierno con todos los hombres malos.

Hay varios pasajes notables que muestran el poder de los ángeles sobre el reino natural en que vive el hombre, desde el ángel heridor que mató a los primogénitos de Egipto en una sola noche (Ex 12:23), hasta los carros de fuego que protegían a Eliseo y a su siervo (2Reyes 6:15-17) y el ejército angelical de Ezequiel 9. Un favorito mío es Hebreos 12:1-2, que pinta la escena de un tremendo estadio en lo cual está pasando una carrera. Los que corren son los servidores de Dios en la tierra, pero los espectadores son una grande nube de testigos celestiales – seres angélicos y los salvados que ya han pasado el velo de la muerte y se visten de coronas de victoria. Nos están observando, animándonos, y ayudándonos en todo lo que pueden mientras corremos la carrera que tenemos por delante.

Por causa de los ángeles. La sencilla verdad de esta frase es que la mujer que se cubre la cabeza recibe un poder que no tendría de otro modo. Su cabeza velada le da autoridad en el reino espiritual de los ángeles, buenos y malos, que la reconocen como una mujer que vive en el orden puesto por Dios. Se la identifica por su velo, esa señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza. ¡No es pequeña cosa tener los ángeles de Dios a tu lado! El esposo es beneficiado por este poder, la familia es fortalecida, la hermandad es reforzada, y la Iglesia del Dios viviente, columna y baluarte de la verdad gana el dominio.

Los ángeles de Dios en el reino celestial protegen los niños en cada momento (Mateo 18:10). Entonces, tiene sentido que las mujeres también reciben una protección extra, ya que los dos grupos son más vulnerables en lo físico.

La frase inicial de este versículo concuerda. Por lo cual, dice. Indica que es necesario retroceder y leer el porqué. Y como ya vimos, los versículos anteriores relatan la creación del Hombre, en que la mujer fue formada en hermosura y gloria delicada a diferencia del físico poderoso del hombre. Por lo cual Por lo cual la mujer debe tener señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza, debe tener la ayuda de los ángeles para compensar su desventaja en el mundo físico.

No es extraño escuchar las historias de hermanas con velo siendo protegidas en formas milagrosas de amenazas y peligros. El velo la identifica a ojos angélicos. Da sentido, entonces, asegurarse que el velo no sea tan pequeño, o tan camuflado, como para pasar desapercibido. Skolfield escribió: “No olvides la razón para que lo llevas. Es una señal espiritual a los ángeles caídos: ‘Propiedad privada. Prohibido el paso’. Además, es un estandarte de reunión para los ángeles santos. Asegúrate, hermana, que ambos grupos saben dónde está tu corazón, tu alma y las almas de tu familia. ¡Nosotros pertenecemos a Jesús!” (Atardecer de la Iglesia Occidental, página 109).

En el fin del mundo, Satanás será desatado por un poco de tiempo sobre la tierra. Saldrá con sus demonios a engañar todas las naciones del mundo, y el campamento de los santos no escapará de su furor (Ap 20). Es más importante que nunca buscar protección de sus terribles ataques, ya que el hombre no puede con él en batalla sin ayuda espiritual. El capítulo 9 de Apocalipsis pinta el cuadro temible de los demonios de Apolión en acción – langostas indestructibles con pica venenosa que hieren los hombres gravemente.

La cabeza cubierta de la mujer le da autoridad en el mundo espiritual, a orar en el nombre de Jesús y experimentar el poder de Él en su vida. Al llevar esta señal de autoridad sobre su cabeza, ella demuestra la jefatura de su esposo y por eso está autorizado a acceder directo a Dios en comunicación y comunión. Ella no ora y profetiza a través de su esposo, pues el velo le empodera con la autoridad de Aquel que mandó el velo. Los ángeles saben de esto, lo reconocen y lo respetan.

Parece que la mujer es más abierta al mundo de los espíritus que el hombre. En toda época de la historia, la mujer predomina en buscar la comunicación con los ángeles y espíritus. Saúl buscó una mujer que tenía una espíritu de adivinación y Pablo se enfrentó a una muchacha vidente (Hechos 16:16). Satanás llegó para comunicar con Eva, pero ni habló a Adán. E.H. Skofield escribió, “Las mujeres reciben más los mensajes de espíritus que los hombres. Parece que su antena espiritual es más sensible. Hoy, rara vez se encuentra hombres entre las médiums, videntes, lectores de palma y brujas. Satanás tentó a Eva porque ella podía recibir el mensaje.”

Se busca comunicar con el mundo espiritual para saber del futuro, aunque en realidad los espíritus no pueden ver el futuro. Ni Satanás conoce del futuro fuera de lo que cualquier puede leer en la Escritura. La Biblia dice que el Diablo nunca hubiera crucificado a Cristo si habría sabido que Dios se levantaría de entre los muertos (1Cor 2:8). La resurrección de Cristo era una derrota tremenda para Satanás (Heb 2:14), un evento que cambió la esfera espiritual de forma permanente (Rev 12; Juan 12:31; Lucas 10:18; Mat 12:29).

Sí, los ángeles son muy inteligentes entonces pueden predecir eventos con más certeza que los hombres al interpretar con astucia la cadena de eventos hasta el momento. Por eso las predicciones de la brujería son muchas veces correctas, aunque en otras ocasiones fallan. Solamente Dios conoce con certeza el futuro. Tampoco conocen los ángeles los pensamientos y razonamientos que pasan por la mente de los hombres y mujeres. Es otra cosa que únicamente Dios puede hacer (Heb 4:12; Mat 12:25). Si estas en peligro grave o bajo ataque espiritual, ora a voz alta, porque los ángeles malos se espantan a escuchar el nombre de Cristo y no pueden leer la mente (Hechos 16:18; Marcos 16:17).

Todo este apunta a que la mujer debe cubrirse la cabeza – por causa del mundo de los ángeles. El velo le identifica como un seguidor de Cristo y le da autoridad en el ámbito espiritual.

Finalmente, la afirmación de que la mujer debe tener señal sobre su cabeza por causa de los ángeles descompone el argumento que el cabello largo de la mujer es el mismo velo de orar y profetizar. La gran mayoría de mujeres en el mundo tiene cabello largo. ¿Cómo van a reconocer los ángeles a la mujer cristiana entre todas con cabello largo?

Es necesario estar siempre atento y cuidarse de aquella serpiente que se confabuló en la mente de Eva para hacerle dudar de la bondad de Dios. ¿Conque Dios os ha dicho? Sembrando la duda: “¿Realmente ha dicho Dios eso? Eva, essssscúchameeeee. Dios está ocultando cosas de ti. Mírame y créeme, Él no tiene en mente entregarte lo que es mejor. Él no quiere que sepas de otras cosas.”

El mismo Diablo siembra la misma duda en las mentes hoy en día, pero con trucos y razones aún más engañosos, porque con el paso de tiempo ha vuelto más astuto y tramposo. A Satanás, nada le gusta más que sembrar confusión y dudas en la mente. Y él es muy, muy hábil en hacerlo.

Por causa de los ángeles. Me parece un motivo bastante importante para seguir esta ordenanza.

La influencia sagrada de la mujer

En el griego original del versículo diez, la palabra “señal” no aparece. La traducción literal sería, La mujer debe tener autoridad sobre su cabeza. Los traductores habrían agregado la palabra para aclarar que el velo funciona como una señal de identificación. Pero omitir la palabra hace el texto más fuerte, pues, el velo es más que una señal – es una autoridad real y verdadera. Creo que ese es el sentido que el Apóstol quiso dar – no una señal de subyugación como los feministas piensan, sino una autoridad en el mando del Señor.

Cuanto me habría gustado estar presente escuchando a Jesús. Dice que todos se admiraban de Su doctrina; porque les enseñaba como quien tiene autoridad, y no como los escribas (Marcos 1:22) ¿Cómo era el hablar de Jesús que le marcó como quien tiene autoridad? ¿Y por qué acudía mucha gente para escuchar a Juan el Bautista? Los escribas, sacerdotes y ancianos usaron los mismos textos de las Escrituras que Jesús y Juan, pero sus palabras no llevaban el mismo impacto.

La diferencia era potente. Jesús y Juan hablaron bajo la autoridad de Dios en el poder del Espíritu Santo. Por eso, al leer y explicar un pasaje, enseñaban como quien tiene autoridad. El poder que proviene de estar bajo autoridad es puro y digno de confianza porque se basa en los principios del Dios que lo ordenó. También existe el poder fuera de esta cadena de autoridad, pero es impuro e indigno de confianza porque se basa en ese rebelde malvado, Satanás.

Jesús y Juan sabían que la autoridad provenía de someterse a la autoridad del más arriba (Juan 3:30). Hermanos y hermanas, puede que no sientan más poderoso al seguir la ordenanza de la cabeza cubierta/descubierta, porque el efecto no tiene que ver con tus sentimientos. Tiene que ver en cómo otros sienten con respecto a tu obra en el Señor.

No atrevo decir que el Espíritu Santo viene solo a los hijos e hijas que siguen este mandamiento, pero sí diré que los principios de sumisión, humildad y modestia que el velo de la jefatura enseña son los ingredientes correctos para recibir el poder puro que proviene al estar bajo autoridad, o sea, al aceptar la posición y obra que Dios ha ordenado para ti.

A menudo, el plan de Dios es perjudicado a causa de los hombres, pero Él sigue trabajando incluso en situaciones imperfectas. Le damos gracias por no descartarnos de inmediato. Pero sin lugar de dudas, el poder del cristiano está limitado por sus propias deficiencias, por no seguir las instrucciones buenas y justas de Dios en la vida.

Vimos en el ejemplo de Jesús que la sumisión pacífica se transforma en autoridad que cuenta con poder. Hermanas, el velo de la jefatura las autoriza a ejercer el poder de Dios aparte de la autoridad de tu esposo. Al hacer las actividades contemplado en “orar y profetizar” con la cabeza cubierta, demuestran adhesión a los términos de la autoridad que ha puesto Dios. Y el resultado es poder, el poder de actuar en Su autoridad.

El centurión entendió que su autoridad estaba supeditada a cumplir los requisitos y la voluntad de la autoridad de la persona justo arriba de él, porque es necesario seguir la cadena de mando. No se puede ignorarla y pasar por encima de su autoridad. Sin embargo, el velo de la mujer le autoriza hacer exactamente eso – actuar con la autoridad por encima de su primera cabeza, el esposo.

Por lo cual, porque la mujer fue creada para el hombre y no viceversa, ella necesita un poder para acceder directo a la Cabeza divina. Claro, está sujeta al marido todavía, pero llevar el velo significa caminar en la autoridad de Cristo, quien ordenó esta regla.

Las Escrituras demuestran que este poder que la mujer piadosa recibe bajo la autoridad de Cristo es “influencia sagrada”. No es como la autoridad del centurión, “ven aquí, ve allá”, sino una conducta casta y respetuosa…el incorruptible ornato de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios (1Ped 3:1-7). El esposo piadoso no puede ignorar el hablar de este tipo de esposa. Incluso, ¡es curado de milagro de su enfermedad de oídos! Tal esposo quiere escuchar los pensamientos de su esposa porque le ayuda a razonar y tomar decisiones de forma más sabio.

La influencia no es un poder menor, sino que es conocido y usado en el mundo de negocios y gobiernos. Es por eso que la llamamos una influencia sagrada en la relación entre esposo y esposa. La palabra sagrada significa que es honesta y sin motivos ocultos. La manipulación, las sutilezas, y la contención no son influencias sagradas.

¿Qué de los cristianos que no usan el velo?

Entre las iglesias anabaptistas, el motivo principal por dejar de seguir esta ordenanza es el resultado de mirar alrededor en el cristianismo y notar que otros la ignoran, y parece que sin consecuencias malas. Lo hacen preguntarse, ‘Si otros cristianos no lo usan, ¿por qué debo yo usarlo?’ Es una práctica extrema y tan anticultural. A lo mejor Pablo se equivocó, porque pone obstáculo al Evangelio hasta dañar las campañas de evangelismo.”

Respondo con una pregunta, “¿A qué evangelio te refieres? Predicamos el Nuevo Testamento como el Evangelio mismo y lo que enseña tal Palabra es el Evangelio”. En esta misma epístola el Pablo hace tajante afirmación, Si alguno se cree profeta, o espiritual, reconozca que lo que os escribo son mandamientos del Señor (1Cor 14:37).

¿Tiene la Biblia autoridad? ¿Es realmente la Palabra divina de Dios, digna de ser confiada en todo asunto relacionado con la salvación del Hombre? Al responder que “sí”, solo queda estudiar cuidadosamente para hacerlo. Lo correcto es correcto incluso cuando nadie lo hace; el error es error incluso cuando todo el mundo lo hace.

Dejemos el asunto de juzgar las otras personas en manos de Dios y enfoquémonos en hacer nosotros la voluntad de nuestro Padre celestial. Tal vez no sufren consecuencias aquí en la tierra, pero ningún detalle escapará el juicio en el día final ante el Juez del gran trono blanco. En ese momento, las recompensas se repartirán conforme a nuestra obediencia a la Palabra (Mat 16:27; 1Cor 3:8; 2Cor 5:10; Ap 20:12; Ap 22:12). Muchos que se veían como primeros en la tierra serán los últimos en el Cielo. La sinceridad en sí no vale nada; tiene que reflejar las verdades de Dios (Mateo 5:19).

Los que eliminan 1Corintios 11 de la Biblia arrogan para sí autoridad por encima del Apóstol Pablo, que es una idea escandalosa, ¿valorar más el propio parecer que las Escrituras? Además, al decidir que este pasaje ya no es relevante, se abre la puerta para excluir otros pasajes bíblicos. No se puede tratar la Palabra de Dios con tales disputas, pues, es la Verdad que permanecerá después de que los cielos y la tierra han desaparecidos en los vagos de la eternidad.

El libro de Corintios fue escrito a la iglesia de Dios que está en Corinto, a los santificados en Cristo Jesús, llamados a ser santos con todos los que en cualquier lugar invocan el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo (1Cor 1:2). No se ve a nadie excluido; la epístola es para todos. No se puede eliminar esta ordenanza de la Biblia solo porque no se ajusta a nuestras mentes carnales.

El mundo está cayendo cada vez más profundo en esclavitud al paganismo y al humanismo. Hay que ponerse muy valiente para seguir las huellas de Jesucristo marcados en la Palabra de Su Verdad. Pero, Dios es muy atento para recompensar la valentía. Recuérdate de Pedro y Juan ante el Sanedrín, el coraje de Daniel en orar a Dios, y los tres jóvenes que se negaron a inclinarse ante el ídolo. Recuérdate de la bondad de Dios y de la bendición de Su sonrisa de favor. Acércate a Él y aférrate a la Palabra con fe sencilla. Dios jamás defraudará a tal clase de corazón. Está esperando en el Cielo para derramar una bendición tan grande que tu pequeño mundo no puede recibirla (Mal 3:10). Pero hay que darle a Dios un motivo para hacerlo. Su mano se detenga solo a causa de su propio nivel de fe.

Las iglesias anabaptistas no pueden perder de vista los aspectos importantes de la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura de la mujer cristiana. Dios nos ha dado este testimonio especial al mundo y a otras iglesias. ¿De qué otra manera lo entenderán? Muchas iglesias son prácticamente ignorantes en cuanto al orden de humildad, sumisión y modestia de Dios.

Es esencial que no defendamos solemnemente la ordenanza visible sin seguir sus principios más profundos. Una mujer puede cubrirse la cabeza pero vivir en el egoísmo, la insubordinación y la maledicencia. ¿Realmente tiene algún valor o poder su velo? Absolutamente que no. El símbolo no es mayor que el principio, sino viceversa. El principio tiene que ser vivido o el velo es una contradicción. Es como el hombre que participa en la santa cena, pero sigue una vida pecaminosa.

Seguro es que llevar el velo en la cultura actual provocará las miradas y las adversidades a veces. En lugar de irritarte por la atención, utilízala como una oportunidad para testificar de Cristo. No podemos ser avergonzados de Él y de su Palabra (Lucas 9:26). Sigámoslo fuera del campamento en valentía y confianza (Heb 13:13). Cultivar tal actitud ayuda a eliminar la tentación de ocultar la esperanza de nuestra fe adentro y dejar de mostrar las evidencias de ella por fuera (Mateo 5:14). Jesús animó a los de Su pueblo, Vosotros sois la luz del mundo.

Me uno al coro de voces que bien lo saben:  la mujer cristiana vestida y velada en modestia, sumisión y humildad resplandece como el testimonio más fuerte y noble del cristianismo en la actualidad. En este mundo vano y malvado, ella presenta de manera sobresaliente al verdadero Cristo: puro, manso, santo y sumiso. Además, ella se destaca como gran ejemplo de entrega, pureza y servicio para los de la hermandad. Su testimonio agrega santidad al cuerpo de Cristo y lo inspira a ser esa iglesia gloriosa sin mancha ni arruga, santa y sin mancha delante de Él (Efesios 5:27).

Uno en el Señor

(1Cor 11:11-12) Pero en el Señor, ni el varón es sin la mujer, ni la mujer sin el varón; porque así como la mujer procede del varón, también el varón nace de la mujer; pero todo procede de Dios.

En el plan de Dios, el varón y la mujer se juntan para ser una sola carne. No pueden existir de forma independiente. De lo contrario, la vida humana cesará. El hombre necesita a la mujer, la mujer necesita al hombre. Y cuando ambos cumplen sus funciones y responsabilidades, nada se hace falta – en el hogar, en la iglesia, en toda la vida. El hermoso diseño de Dios en la relación esposo y esposa es claro y lógico, pero debido a la influencia corrupta de Satanás, la sociedad secular piensa en negar que existe.

En América, los “intelectuales” no creen que Dios hizo el Hombre, sino que es un producto de la evolución. Enseñan que la mujer ha progresado más que el hombre y por ende los hombres deben imitar a las mujeres. Si bien la mayoría de las iglesias cristianas no concuerdan con tal idea absurda, otros conceptos seculares están infiltrando en el cristianismo actual que oponen las doctrinas de la Biblia. El mundo secular lo considera un insulto decir que las mujeres deben cubrirse la cabeza con un velo porque lo interpretan como señal de inferioridad. Cosa que la Biblia no enseña.

Sin embargo, la persona de corazón sabio y con la mente afinada a lo espiritual entiende fácil por qué Dios estableció el velo de la jefatura. Ayuda a los hombres y las mujeres en sus funciones tanto en el hogar que en la iglesia, y así edifican la marcha del mundo en el buen orden de Dios. Es un servicio racional y agradable (Rom 12:1).

Los hombres son llamados a ser el líder en el hogar y la iglesia. Deben hacerlo en sabiduría, buscando servir a los que Dios ha puesto en su cargo y velando por su bienestar espiritual y físico. No es que la mujer no puede hacer este cargo, pero que Dios lo ha dado al varón. Aunque Jesús aceptó las mujeres en Su ministerio, escogió hombres para llevar el Evangelio a los cuatro ángulos del mundo. El Apóstol lo dijo claro, La mujer aprenda en silencio, con toda sujeción. Porque no permito a la mujer enseñar, ni ejercer dominio sobre el hombre, sino estar en silencio (1Tim 2:11-12). Había muchas mujeres piadosas en las iglesias de Cristo, pero ninguna servía como líder. Es el papel del hombre.

El papel principal de la mujer es criar a sus hijos en el temor del Señor y enseñarles los preceptos de Dios. Por eso Dios le dio a ella mayor capacidad de amor, paciencia, compasión y misericordia. La Biblia exalta el ejemplo de la madre y la abuela de Timoteo que le enseñaron la fe no fingida (2Tim 1:5).

La mujer da a luz la vida física del ser humano, entonces su papel es fundamental. Ella se salvará engendrando hijos, si permaneciere en fe, amor y santificación, con modestia (1Tim 2:15). No quiere decir que la mujer se salva al tener hijos físicamente, sino que su alta vocación es criar una simiente piadosa para la Iglesia de Jesucristo.

Las iglesias del Reino dependen del éxito de su mano en esta misión vital para propagar la fe a las generaciones futuras. La historia está llena de testimonios de hombres y mujeres que atribuyen en gran parte su decisión de seguir a Cristo a las oraciones y ministraciones diarias de su madre.

Que nadie diga nunca que Dios no se le encomendó a la mujer una misión especial en esta vida. Aunque su posición no es la glamorosa de pararse ante la congregación y predicar la Palabra, la importancia de su obra como madre cristiana no se puede sobrevalorar. ¡Cuánto el mundo necesita a madres piadosas! Su influencia sagrada puede mover montañas y sus hijos no la olvidarán jamás. Aún después de la muerte, la ley de su madre permanece viva en sus corazones (Pro 1:8).

La evidencia de la naturaleza

(1Cor 11:13-15) Juzgad vosotros mismos: ¿Es propio que la mujer ore a Dios sin cubrirse la cabeza? La naturaleza misma ¿no os enseña que al varón le es deshonroso dejarse crecer el cabello? Por el contrario, a la mujer dejarse crecer el cabello le es honroso; porque en lugar de velo le es dado el cabello.  

Aquí Pablo ofrece un motivo final por que la mujer debe llevar el velo. Es el argumento desde la fisiología natural. La mujer tiene pelo largo por naturaleza, mientras al hombre le crece el pelo más corto. El cabello de una mujer le puede llegar fácilmente hasta las rodillas, pero el hombre le verá difícil pasar la media espalda. La naturaleza misma, al dar a la mujer cabello largo como un velo hermoso, enseña que la mujer debe llevar el velo. Su cubierta natural llama por una cubierta no-natural.

Este motivo tiene base en la misma lógica del versículo seis, Porque si la mujer no se cubre, que se corte también el cabello. O sea, si rehúsa cubrirse con el velo, debe rechazar también la cubierta natural del cabello. A ella, la vergüenza de ser rapada es igual a estar con la cabeza descubierta ante Dios.

Si el cabello largo de la mujer es una gloria a ella, juzguen ustedes mismos, ¿Es apropiado que se descubra el cabello al orar ella a Dios? No. Debe acercarse a Dios en humildad, sumisión y modestia. Debe cubrir su gloria caída. Siendo que la mujer es la gloria del hombre (v7), su gloria debe ser velada.

Había un hombre que la Biblia describió como el “perfecto hombre natural” en un paralelo cercano a la descripción de Satanás. Se le llama Absalón, un ejemplo espectacular del ser humano y muy alabado por su hermosura. Desde la planta de su pie hasta su coronilla no había en él defecto. También, le crecía el cabello como de mujer – tan espeso y largo que al cortarlo cada año pesaba 200 siclos (2Sam 14:25-26). Absalón se destacó como la gran gloria de la humanidad, pero escogió el camino del orgullo, el engaño y la rebelión. Sufrió un fin innoble en paralelo a lo que espera a Satanás. Fue asesinado y arrojado a un gran pozo en el bosque por sus maldades contra su padre, el Rey David.

La mujer no necesita hacer nada para ser cubierta con su cabello. En cambio, el velo de la jefatura requiere una decisión seguido por una acción – hay que elegir ponérselo. Juan Crisóstomo lo dijo en la siguiente forma: “Si el cabello le es dado por velo, ¿por qué es necesario poner otro velo? Para que no la naturaleza solo, sino su propia voluntad participe en reconocer su posición. La naturaleza anticipó la ordenanza al darle cabello largo y así demostrar que debe llevar el velo. Añade pues, tu propia parte y cúbrete la cabeza, para que no parezcas contradecir la ley de la naturaleza misma” (Homilía 26, 1Cor).

En lugar de velo le es dado el cabello

Un argumento que se escucha a menudo contra la ordenanza del velo de la jefatura es que el cabello largo de la mujer es el mismo velo de oración que se habla en el pasaje. Esta interpretación es más común entre las personas que una vez practicaban la ordenanza pero la han dejado. Son personas que aún dicen creer en la infalibilidad de las Escrituras, entonces no pueden aceptar el argumento que el velo era una “tradición cultural” debido al gran peligro de eliminar otros pasajes de la Biblia. Recurren entonces, a esta táctica que, como supongo, los eruditos liberales han rechazado por ser demasiado ilógica y discordante al contenido del pasaje.

Repetimos el punto del Apóstol – el cabello natural de la mujer llama a que ella se lo cubra con un velo. Se lo ve más claro en el griego original, donde el “velo” natural en versículo 15 es peribolaion. Este sustantivo no aparece en otra parte del pasaje, ni en otra forma gramática. Está absolutamente solo aquí. En cambio, se encuentra la palabra katakephale (cabeza cubierta en v4) o katakalupto (cabeza descubierta en v5,6,7,13). Este último es un verbo que significa envolver y cubrir (katakalumma es su sustantivo).

El cabello es un peribolaion natural. No es el velo de uso espiritual para cubrirse la cabeza. La palabra para tal velo sería katakalumma, porque corresponde a katakalupto, que en el versículo 7 está en forma imperativa y tiempo presente. El griego de esta gramática requiere acción, “que se siga cubriéndose”.

Un estudio de palabras en la Septuaginta confirma de manera concluyente lo anterior. En el caso de katakephale, encontramos esta frase en Ester 6:12, Amán se dio prisa para irse a su casa, apesadumbrado y cubierta su cabeza (katakephale). Estaba tan avergonzado por los acontecimientos del día (correr por delante de su enemigo y proclamarlo el honorado del rey) que se cubrió la cabeza y se apresuró irse a casa. Imposible significar que se puso más cabello para cubrirse la cabeza. Usó una tela u otra prenda de algún tipo.

Lo mismo es cierto para la palabra kalupto (cubrirse). En 1Corintios 11 el Apóstol añadió el prefijo kata. La versión griega de 2Samuel 15:30 describe la compañía de David subiendo una cuesta llorando, llevando la cabeza cubierta y los pies descalzos…cubrió cada uno su cabeza (epi kalupto). También el Génesis 38:15, donde Judá tuvo a Tamar por ramera, porque ella había cubierto su rostro (katakalupto). Moisés recibió la instrucción de “cubrir (katakalupto) con un velo el arca del testimonio en el lugar santísimo” (Ex 26:34, versión Septuaginta). En ninguno de estos casos se puede leer como una referencia al cabello, sino a una cubierta adicional al cabello.

Peribolaion, por su parte, es una palabra multiuso, un sustantivo que se traduce “vestido, cubierta, o pabellón”, pero nunca “velo” en las otras doce ocasiones que se encuentra la palabra en los manuscritos griegos de la Biblia (ej. Ex 22:27; Job 26:6; Sal 104:6; Isa 50:3; Heb 1:12). La decisión de traducirla aquí como “velo” no es consecuente y crea la posibilidad de confundir el cabello por el velo de la jefatura. La traducción apegada a la original es, “a la mujer dejarse crecer el cabello le es honroso, pues por una cubierta le es dado el cabello.”

La cubierta (peribolaion) natural de la mujer demuestra que debe cubrirse (katakalupto) la cabeza. Su largo y glorioso cabello es un hermoso velo natural que llama por un velo espiritual. Hace paralelo el cabello natural y el velo no natural.  

Los que abogan por la interpretación de que el cabello largo de la mujer es el mismo velo de la jefatura son dificultados en superar las siguientes observaciones:  

1. Requiere contemplar la situación imposible de la hermana poniéndose el cabello para orar, mientras el varón debe andar calvo o quitarse el cabello para orar.
2. El cabello largo de la mujer es una gloria para ella. Entonces debe estar velado.
3. Si el Apóstol quería comunicar que el cabello largo de la mujer es el mismo velo de orar y profetizar, ¿por qué no lo dijo? Llama mucho la atención que no escribió, “Toda mujer que ora o profetiza con el cabello corto, afrenta su cabeza” sino, Toda mujer que ora o profetiza con la cabeza descubierta, afrenta su cabeza.
4. Decir que el cabello es el velo hace absurdo el contenido del versículo 6, si la mujer no se cubre, que se corte también el cabello. La mujer que no se cubre, o sea, que no tiene cabello, no puede cortarse el cabello.
5. Las mujeres cristianas deben llevar el velo por causa de los ángeles (v10). Si el cabello es el velo, ¿Cómo diferencian entre las mujeres piadosas y las mundanas?
6. Si el cabello de la mujer es la cabeza cubierta que el Apóstol enseñó en las iglesias, ¿por qué todas las hermana en los primeros siglos usaban el velo? Era la práctica estándar y universal de las iglesias cristianas desde que Pablo escribió 1 Corintios 11 hasta el siglo XX.

En los países latinoamericanos, la excusa predominante para no practicar el velo de la jefatura es esta misma falacia que, “el cabello es su velo de oración”. Al presentarle las consideraciones anteriores, el evangélico volverá a repetir una y otra vez: “Pero su cabello le es dado por velo”. Y con eso anulan el pasaje. Es un enfoque preocupante porque se requiere aceptar que la Biblia aquí contiene varios errores graves. Pues, como detallamos en los seis puntos, esta interpretación forzada depende en que el Apóstol se equivocó en varios dichos.

¿No fue el mismo error de los fariseos? Evadieron un mandamiento de Dios al invocar otro mandato que supuestamente les libró del mandamiento principal (Marcos 7:10-13). Ten cuidado, porque muchos “tuercen la Palabra a su propia perdición” (2Pedro 3:16).

¿Qué pasa con los contenciosos?

(1Cor 11:16) Con todo eso, si alguno quiere ser contencioso, nosotros no tenemos tal costumbre, ni las iglesias de Dios.

Algunos comentaristas toman este versículo en el sentido siguiente: “Si alguien no está de acuerdo, que ignora la ordenanza.” Sin embargo, como dice Bruce Terry, “Parece poco probable que Pablo escribiera trece versos explicando la ordenanza y mandando su práctica pero al final dijera: ‘Pero si no quieres hacerlo, no es necesario”.

Varias versiones nuevas la traducen diferente. La Nueva Versión Internacional lee, Si alguien insiste en discutir este asunto, tenga en cuenta que nosotros no tenemos otra costumbre, ni tampoco las iglesias de Dios. Sin embargo, la traducción de la Reina Valera 1960 es correcta y normal al recordar que Pablo está respondiendo a una pregunta que le hicieron los corintios (ver comentarios en el versículo 2).

Preguntaron (como supongo): “¿Es lícito que la mujer ande sin velo?” El Apóstol hace la respuesta y termina al decir, “Con todo eso, si alguno quiere argumentar el tema, observe que las iglesias de Dios no tienen tal costumbre de hermanas orando y profetizando con la cabeza descubierta”. Esta versión se ajusta también con la pregunta alternativa: “¿Debe el varón cristiano cubrirse la cabeza?” Respuesta: “Las iglesias de Dios no tienen tal costumbre”.

Sin importar la redacción exacta, la intención del Apóstol es señalar a los corintios que él está enseñando a ellos precisamente lo que las otras iglesias de Dios ya practicaban. En efecto está diciendo: “Y si no te gusta, lo siento, pero así es la ordenanza” (Bruce Terry).

El problema no es de traducción, sino de lectura por parte de los que buscan ignorar el pasaje. No habría ningún problema en entender esta frase si no fuera por el hábito reciente de que cristianos lo ignoran. Mi afirmación es confirmado por el comentario de Juan Crisóstomo sobre este versículo: “Entonces, es contencioso oponerse a esta enseñanza y fuera del buen ejercicio de la razón… Puede que unos en corintio sí eran contenciosos, pero ya todo el mundo ha recibido y ahora guarda esta ley.”

¿Importa a Dios guardar la ordenanza?

¿Cómo ve Dios a los que no siguen este mandamiento? ¿Es un mandamiento que afecta la salvación hasta dejar la persona fuera del Cielo? Son preguntas que solo Dios puede contestar. No es nuestro juzgar los siervos de otra persona (Rom 14:4), sino que juzgar los del cuerpo nuestro (1Cor 5:12-13). Al tener en mano la voluntad de Dios, nos basta ser hacedores de la Palabra (Santiago 1:22) y en todo ejemplos de obediencia a las iglesias de Cristo. Los juicios de Dios son perfectos y justos. Él sabe a los que son ignorantes y también a los que conocen Su voluntad, pero se niegan a hacerla (Lucas 12:47-48).

He visto de cerca lo que sucede a la familia anabaptista que decide que el velo de la jefatura no es necesario. Es siempre un paso espiritualmente fatal, si no para los padres, entonces para los hijos. La persona engañada no lo sabe. Cree que él tiene toda la razón, incluso que tiene “nueva luz” que otros no conocen. Qué difícil, casi imposible entonces, que tales personas reconozcan que están engañadas. Una vez iniciado en el camino errado, no hay freno en su carrera hacia el acantilado. Termina en desastre, un naufragio de almas que hace gozar a Satanás. Quitarse el velo es casi siempre un reflejo de una condición preexistente – un corazón insumiso, ya decidido en seguir su propio camino.

¿Tienes fe verdadera en la Palabra de Dios? ¿Realmente crees que te puede hacer sabio para alcanzar la salvación (2Tim 3:15)? Entonces, abrázalo como Pedro, plenamente y sin reservas: “Señor, no me laves sólo los pies, lávame también las manos y la cabeza”. Vive según el ejemplo de Abraham, que obedeció el mandato de Dios aunque no lo entendiera todo. Recuerda el gran aprobación de Dios después, “Por cuanto has hecho esto y has obedecido Mi voz, te bendeciré y multiplicaré tu descendencia como la arena del mar” (Gen 22:10-18).

Estoy seguro que una recompensa similar es guardada en el Cielo para los que obedecen Su voz en este mandamiento. “¡Bien hecho, siervo fiel, hiciste bien! Entra en el gozo de tu Señor.” No existen en ninguna lengua humana palabras más impactos.  

Por otro lado, recuerda el caso de Saúl que, por rechazar la Palabra del Señor en no esperar a Samuel, fue rechazado por Dios (1Sam 15:26). Recuerda también que Dios envió un león para matar a Su propio profeta por escuchar la voz del falso profeta (1Reyes 13). Agregue el caso de Moisés que ya hemos mencionado y llegamos de golpe en el valle de la decisión.

Entonces, que tenga mucho cuidado cuando alguien te diga: “Este no tiene que ver con la salvación”. ¿Cómo lo saben? Me cuesta pensar que Dios dejó que el Espíritu Santo pusiera doctrina opcional en Su Palabra. ¿Y qué persona es de tan alta autoridad para señalar cuales son estos mandamientos no obligatorios? “El bautismo es requisito esencial, pero el velo de la jefatura no”.

Estamos muy contentos de dejar todo juicio al Juez de toda la tierra, al Dios justo de toda misericordia. Él decidirá todo en ese gran día y nadie lo va a discutir. Por mientras, tenemos los dos testigos infalibles, el Espíritu Santo y las Sagradas Escrituras que anuncian las palabras de Jesús: El que Me rechaza, y no recibe Mis palabras, tiene quien le juzgue; la palabra que he hablado, ella le juzgará en el día postrero (Juan 12:48). Cristo dio la instrucción del velo de la jefatura al Apóstol Pablo, quien la entregó a las iglesias tal como la había recibido.

¿Por qué me llamáis, Señor, Señor, y no hacéis lo que yo digo? (Lucas 6:46).

Muchos estudiosos de la biblia concuerdan en que el texto de este pasaje contempla un mandamiento del Señor. Sin embargo, la mayoría no imita a Pablo como él imita a Cristo en este asunto debido a una sencilla razón – los principios de la jefatura enseñados aquí, junto con la práctica física de la mujer con velo, chocan en tremendo contra la mente cultural y las normas de la sociedad actual.

Seguir esta ordenanza en el cristianismo actual es un paso “radical” que traerá acusaciones y críticas. Se convierte en una verdadera prueba de amor y obediencia a Cristo. ¿Tienes suficiente valentía para ignorar el escarnio del mundo y su ideología?

El Diablo no quiere que sigas el patrón que la Biblia entrega para el Hombre, mientras Cristo está pidiéndote renunciar tu voluntad, mente y deseos. Si alguno quiere venir en pos de Mí, niéguese a sí mismo, y tome su cruz, y sígame (Mat 16:24). ¿O es esta ordenanza un paso demasiado para ti?

Se ha vuelto popular usar la siguiente excusa por no practicar la ordenanza:  “No siento tal convicción de ponerme un velo. Sí, veo la ordenanza en la Biblia, pero Dios no me ha llamado a eso. Yo mismo no tengo la convicción”. Es un argumento pobre al extremo. ¿Cómo resultaría tal táctica con la autoridad mundana? “Sí, policía, vi el disco pare, pero no sentí la convicción de parar el auto. En mi caso, no lo pensé necesario”. Dudo que la lógica te traiga resultado favorable.

Escúchenme esto – las convicciones de tu corazón no tienen efecto sobre la Verdad, ni siquiera un poquito. Lo que Dios ha dicho, tal cual tiene que convertirse en tu convicción. Aceptar a Cristo en tu vida significa someterte a Su señorío y a Sus mandamientos. No tienes la opción de seguir tu mente y voluntad. Hay que cambiarte la mente al morir y nacer de nuevo. Como dijo Pablo, Con Cristo estoy juntamente crucificado (¡muerto!), y ya no vivo yo, mas vive Cristo en mí; y lo que ahora vivo en la carne, lo vivo en la fe del Hijo de Dios, el cual me amó y se entregó a sí mismo por mí (Gal 2:20).

La conciencia no es un dispositivo estático. Tienes que entrenarla y sintonizarla con la Palabra de Dios. Por eso escribió el Apóstol: Transformaos por medio de la renovación de vuestro entendimiento (Rom 12:2). Es un mandato. El creyente, con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo, trabaja en transformar la mente. Así la hace conformar a las enseñanzas y las prácticas de la Palabra.

Seamos serios, lo que tú piensas, o lo que pienso yo, ni siquiera vale un pesito, sino lo que Dios piensa y ha dicho. Eso sí, vale muchísimo.

Jehová dijo así: El cielo es Mi trono, y la tierra estrado de Mis pies…Mi mano hizo todas estas cosas, y así todas estas cosas fueron, dice Jehová; pero miraré a aquel que es pobre y humilde de espíritu, y que tiembla a Mi palabra (Isa 66:1-2). El Todopoderoso Dios del universo está buscando corazones humildes y sumisos, corazones dispuestos a vivir haciendo Su voluntad, corazones que toman muy en serio Su Palabra para ponerla por obra.

Hace ciento cincuenta años, la mayoría de las mujeres cristianas usaban el velo. Cabe preguntar, ¿mejoró el cristianismo con ese cambio, o ha perdido algo muy, muy importante?

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Hebrews 11:7).

A phrase in this verse sparked a new thought: Noah prepared an ark to the saving of his house. In times past, my mind’s eye would see Noah and family patiently constructing the immense ship that would carry them to safety, but as I’ve grown older, with our five children all in their teens and twenties, that part of Noah building the ark to the saving of his house strikes me differently. Noah, after hearing God’s warning, was moved with fear to prepare a place of safety for his family. And while the construction of the ark was an amazing feat, it is just as impressive that Noah was able to successfully communicate to his family the importance and urgency of building that huge boat in spite of the teachings of science and religion of his day.

To prepare that ark, Noah first had to prepare his family.

There is a clear parallel of Noah’s experience to our own challenges in the present day! In fact, the difficulties he faced are extremely relevant today, even more so than to any previous era in the history of the world.

I feel the personal challenge as I consider Noah’s life-work of preparing an ark to the saving of his house. What have I accomplished to this point? Have God’s New Testament warnings of things not seen as yet convinced my faith? Am I so moved with fear that I act in lifestyle-changing fashion as Noah did? Have I prepared an ark to the saving of my house? I hope so, but looking back, I see errors, faults and inconsistencies. And the job is not done.

Noah worked tirelessly, 120 years perhaps, at building a huge ark. He preached of a coming flood from God, and his righteous living validated his title of prophet. Yet there was a major obstacle in the minds of his countrymen: there was no threat of a flood to be seen and nobody had ever heard of water falling from the sky. The picture is similar to the sincere Christian’s experience in the present day. Yet again, I am first impressed by Noah’s success in preparing his family spiritually. Noah’s three sons chose to follow the God of their father too, and their wives in turn chose the God of their husbands, all in spite of great pressure and ridicule from the rest of the world. Noah was a just man and perfect (Gen 6:9), a preacher of righteousness (2Pet 2:5) whose life and message condemned the world (Heb 11:7). Apparently his evangelistic efforts were considerable and yet the results were meager.

But he did save his house.

I see much merit in emulating the mind-set of Noah to prepare an ark that will safely preserve the spiritual integrity of my family. The final destination is a new hope and future, a new world and life that is eternal in the heavens (2Cor 5:1). Sure there are churches, missions, books and programs that are helpful to living righteously, but Noah took the task seriously and personally. He took up the hammer and saw and went to work himself, first in convincing his family and second in doing the dirty, sweaty work. The success of our own attempt is no less dependent upon a full and serious commitment to not just build an ark, but to build a quality spiritual vessel that will withstand the tests that are sure to come.

Noah prepared the ark faithfully and exactly as God had commanded, and the ark itself gives testimony to the quality of his work! On its maiden voyage, it survived a year upon an endless sea, and it safely carried its cargo to the new land. Noah didn’t just hear God’s warnings, he believed them completely and fervently; he was fully convinced that the lives of his family depended on all-out action to do exactly as God commanded. A less than complete effort would have meant failure.

If, as we have just implied, the most important rule to preparing an ark in today’s world is to follow the directions that God has given in His Word, then the second-most important rule is to seek out like-minded families of faith with the same mindset of saving their house from the coming destruction! Noah was very alone in a world of wickedness, but he did find three other souls who believed and joined him. One family became four families, and the little group invested all their resources to the assignment ahead. The world has never been so filled with vices and deceits both secular and religious, and the companionship of fellow builders is increasingly important to avoid pitfalls and errors.

Unfortunately, many fathers choose to lead their families alone. They follow their own private interpretations of the Scriptures and their own personal compasses. It is sad to see a single family sailing the seas of the world without even one other family with whom they can fellowship. Under the guise of following the Bible, they succeed only to manipulate their wives and rule their children according to their own specious interpretations of the Word of God. They are not so much moved by the fear of the Lord as by self-promotion and requiring complete familial allegiance simply for being the God-ordained head of the home. The result is conflict and pride, as the pure and simple milk of the Word is replaced by countless individual creeds. Would Noah have been able to build that ark all by himself? I doubt it. Noah needed the help of others who were also moved to action, and we also need help to build a quality spiritual vessel that will withstand the coming destruction.   

Another parallel between Noah and true followers of Christ today can be seen by comparing the character of the two world eras. Describing the world of Noah’s day, Genesis 6:5 says that God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence (Gen 6:11). That is a fitting description of the state of the world today, and it agrees with Jesus’ warning that conditions at the end of this present evil world will be similar to those at the time of the Great Flood: But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Mat 24:37-39). Among the nations and tribes of the world, the fear of God is waxing weaker and weaker, and in many religious settings that subject has been largely rejected or forgotten.  

Obviously, nobody knows when the Lord will return to this world in judgment, so we should not insist that His coming will happen in the next few weeks, months or years. Nevertheless, it is also plain that the End has never been closer than it is now! It appears from Scripture that the best sign that Christ’s return is momentarily imminent is the absence of signs. The population of the world will be as oblivious to their impending doom as the people of Noah’s day. Jesus warned His disciples, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh (Mat 24:44). The Lord will come as a thief in the night, at a time the people of the world are thinking, “All is peace and safety, life is good! Let us eat, drink, and be merry” (1Thes 5:2-3).

Surprisingly, many prophecy scholars teach the opposite, and point to conflict in the Middle East, famines in Africa, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and meteors. All these are certain signs of the End, they say. Yet Jesus Himself said, But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by…Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven (Luke 21:9-11; Mat 24:6-8).

No sign was given to the careless Jews of Jesus’ day except the silent, misunderstood sign of Jonas the prophet (Luke 11:29f), and no sign will precede the end of the world except for the too-late sign of the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven (Mat 24:30). Again Jesus warns, “Take heed so that the Day does not come upon you unaware. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 11:34-35). The best sign of the end is that very few will be ready because they are not expecting it to happen at that time.

They have not prepared their arks to the saving of their house.

We could cite many Scriptures that describe the state of the world at its end. Instead, let us summarize them by making two observations. One, general world conditions will be characterized by unchecked selfish living and pleasure seeking in an era when virtually all are living oblivious to the coming destruction which will fall without a hint of warning. Two, within the churches that profess the name of Christ, the era will be characterized by unprecedented deception, apathy and apostasy. See passages such as 2Tim 3; Jude 1:18-19; 1Tim 4:1-3; Rev 20:7-9; Mat 24; 2Pet 3; 1Thes 5:1-8; Luke 18:8; Mat 24:24; and 2Thes 2:1-12.

Clearly we must overcome the same challenges that Noah faced, and those tests will only intensify as the day approaches. Noah proved himself to be faithful, living a just and holy life in a world filled with violence and wickedness of every kind. He passed the test of perseverance, patiently enduring the constant pressures to compromise with Religion’s deceived ideas of God, and to Society’s depraved ideas of living. Noah preached, but nobody listened. He warned of coming judgment, but nobody cared. He lived righteously and honored God in all holiness, but was scorned for doing so. Let us not miss the obvious parallel!

We live in a wicked and self-seeking world, filled with “christians” who do not honor God, do not live in holiness, and who ridicule and obstruct kingdom saints that do seek to follow God’s Word in its entirety. May we bear such persecutions bravely (John 5:16), resting in the knowledge that as God remembered Noah, so will He surely see every soul that suffers for living in His will. Noah was probably thought to be an eccentric, religious crazy for building a ship on dry land, and we too will be taken for radicals and fundamentalists for seeking to believe all that the prophets have spoken (Luke 24:25).

Seeing that we know these things before, let us take Noah’s example to heart, who because he walked with God…found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Gen 6:8-9). Here is the secret to success! To walk with God is to develop a heart/mind relationship with Him, to search out what He really wants from us, and then to go out and do it (Mark 12:30). That is why God specifically chose Noah…for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation (Gen 7:1). Noah heard God’s instructions and according to all that God commanded him, so did he (Gen 6:22).

These Scriptures should warn us gravely against that greatest deception in all Protestantism, the everywhere-prevalent and multi-form idea that under the New Covenant, obedience is not important to God. Be not deceived…unrighteousness shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (1Cor 6:9; Gal 6:7).

The Scriptures were not given as a mere suggestion on how to live a good life! They are God’s revealed will for Mankind, the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever (1Pet 1:23; Heb 4:12). He that keeps the commandments therein is the one that truly loves Christ (John 14:21; Rev 22:9; Rom 6:16), and only those who love Him are going to be saved (2John 1:6; 1John 2:4; Mat 7:24). The little-but-true church of Noah’s day were doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22). This is the Church that will be saved in the last day, and this, I believe, is the more serious test that the end-time churches of the Kingdom will face.

The Devil has learned that persecution of the body is generally counter-productive to his wicked corruption schemes, for a look back at history will show that more souls are won into the Kingdom by the sincere testimony of martyrs than what Satan’s men can kill. And even when he succeeds in killing a Christian, he loses! Another soul gone to be with the Lord.

How different it is with deception! Deceived persons sincerely believe that they are right, and thus become exceedingly difficult to restore to the truth. At the end however, they will stand before the judgment seat of God saying, “Lord, didn’t we prophesy in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils and do many wonderful works?” And Christ will profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from Me ye that work iniquity (Mat 7:21). The parallel passage in Luke adds, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24).

I’m afraid that many well-intentioned Christian leaders have presented that gate to be much wider than what Christ’s words will allow. Noah did not water down his message in order to gain more converts! Yes, salvation is free and open to all, but there exists a single way of truth that neither theology nor human persuasion can modify, and only those who find and follow it faithfully will arrive at the goal. To varying degrees, most Christian groups teach otherwise, over-emphasizing God’s grace and love while neglecting to fear His justice and holiness. Proverbs 14:26 says, In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge (also Pro 16:6).

What does all this have to do with me preparing an ark for the saving of my house? Everything! Somehow, I must convey these truths into the minds of my family such that they see and believe them too. Again, the final construction cannot be successful without first building a solid spiritual foundation. As far as other professing Christians are concerned, let God judge His own servants (Rom 14:4), and let us focus upon being found faithful in doing the big and little things that He has proclaimed to be His will (Mat 25:21).   

There is an interesting detail hidden in the Biblical account of the preparation of the ark. God told Noah to pitch it within and without with pitch (Gen 6:14). The Hebrew word for pitch in the first case is kaphar, which is normally translated, “to make an atonement.” The Hebrew word in the second case is kopher, which is typically translated, “ransom.” The Author seems to have specifically chosen these words even though they are never used elsewhere outside of the contexts just stated, and in spite of the fact that normal words for “pitch” were available in the Hebrew language (see Ex 2:3 for example). It would be completely correct to read, “Make an atonement for the ark within and without with a ransom.”  

For those of us that believe the Scriptures originated in the mind of Almighty God, this anomaly is not without significance. As we have already seen, the ark of Noah is used in several New Testament passages to represent a place of safety and salvation. It is like a spiritual vehicle that will certainly and surely carry her passengers to their eternal home. The apostle Peter uses the figure of the ark with her eight souls crossing the waters as a parallel to the Church’s salvation by baptism (1Pet 3:20-21), but the picture is more complete when we view it also “atoned within and without by a ransom.”         

It is an amazing and beautiful parallel to the blood of Christ, who gave His life a ransom for many (Mat 20:28). The ark becomes a symbol for the Church of Christ and the souls within are those who are being saved. The door of the ark (alluded to in Gen 7:16), symbolizes Christ Himself (John 10:9). Someday that open door of salvation will be shut and the day of grace will have passed.

Noah’s human efforts could not ensure the ark’s fitness for purpose, even though he had done all at God’s direction. An atonement was required, a ransom that would seal it and secure its safe passage (Eph 4:30). The parallel holds true in our own experience in preparing a spiritual ark for our families.  

Finally, my mind pictures the four families in that ark as they passed over the dark waters. Surely they experienced fear and uncertainty, troubles and doubts; months of constant wind and rain, waves and darkness. What did the future hold for them? Would they find good, habitable land? And yet they knew that God was with them, for they were acting on His orders. Isn’t that the true, final definition of Peace? We may be tossed and tested by doubts, trials and uncertainty, but inner peace and tranquility of soul comes when we know by His Word that we are doing His commandments. And that hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the veil (Heb 6:19).

Types and Shadows of the Old Testament

The belief that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, written by men but authored by God, is under attack today as never before. Even some Christians are reluctant to stand firm on this crucial truth, having been deceived by simplistic arguments that cite scribal errors, human canons and supposed contradictions which conclude that the Bible is neither infallible nor divinely authored.

A common feature of these arguments is to focus on details and ignore the bigger picture. They do not dispute the general validity of the Bible, because its content has proven to be extremely reliable both historically and philosophically. So instead, they find a detail that appears to be contradicted elsewhere, or perhaps a statement that present-day Science says is incorrect, and then they extrapolate that supposed error to reject the entire Bible. In the mind of many skeptics, to find an error in the Word of God is to find the whole Word in error.

That is a very simplistic argument which cannot see the forest on account of the trees. It thinks it has found a reason to ignore the truthful 99.9% by finding fault with .1%. The purpose of this article, however, is not to address those issues, but to remind us again of the big, incontrovertible story of the Bible. Its overall message is accurate, inspired by God and highly convincing. That ultimate subverter of the truth, Satan, is ever looking for ways to place doubt in the minds of men, so let us beware of his tactics.  

One way to deepen conviction that the Bible is truly divinely authored is by studying the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Over forty men, spanning at least 1500 years, wrote the books of the Bible. Corroboration was impossible. Yet ancient prophecies are found throughout the Scriptures that were fulfilled centuries later in amazing precision. Some of them are very direct and clear, while others are veiled in figurative language and subtle analogies. Luke records the account of the two disciples who walked unknowingly with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, and how beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).  

None of the twelve saw and understood those things before Christ died. It was only later that the hidden truths of the Old Testament become evident in light of the New. We read the account of Abraham offering up Isaac as a sacrifice, and cannot fail to see the God-designed parallels with the Father offering up His only Son to redeem mankind. We see the precise chronological correlation of Jesus’ death and resurrection with the Old Testament Feast of Unleavened Bread, in which He died on the very day and hour that the priests were offering up the Passover lamb in the temple, and He rose again at the very day and hour that they were celebrating the offering of First Fruits. We read the prophets, and appreciate the veiled references to NT truths that even they did not understand when they wrote them. 

Who can honestly think these things accidentally happened? Is not the finger of God prominently evident in these Old Testament Scriptures? They were incomprehensible and hidden until the day dawned, and the light revealed the dark places of prophecy (2Pet 1:19-21).

Another reason that God designed types and shadows is to aid our human minds to better understand spiritual mysteries. Events in the spirit world are obviously beyond our full understanding, because we are physical creatures. Types and shadows help us better understand a spiritual event by describing a physical event that we can understand. For instance, we are able to comprehend in better detail the event of Jehovah God offering Jesus as a sacrifice for the sins of world when we read the typological account of Abraham offering up his son, Isaac. Types and shadows do not reveal new truths, but they tell again the old truths in ways that plain words cannot, and in ways that give new meanings and accents to those old truths, such that they become new to us again.

Seeing these New Testament truths foretold in the Old Testament cannot fail to increase one’s faith in the divinely-inspired Word of God. That is the primary goal of this paper.        

David and Absalom

Hidden in a simple historical detail of David’s life is an amazing typological parallel to Christ’s last night and day on earth as a man. The account is found in 2Samuel 15-16, which details David’s sudden, urgent flight from Jerusalem when he was threatened by Absalom’s rebellion. Remarkably, both David and Christ passed by the same landmarks during their individual moments of greatest stress, and the details of their stories have striking parallels. It will be necessary to read those chapters in order to follow the points in his paper.

The first parallel to be noted concerns the two principal characters, David and Absalom. David, of course, is a well-known type or figure of Jesus Christ. In the NT, Jesus is called the Son of David, which draws attention to the famous prophecy that the Messiah would reign on the throne of David forever (Ps 132:11; Luke 1:32). David was specially chosen and anointed by God to be King of Israel (compare John 1:49). He became Israel’s literal “savior,” who made that fledgling nation soar to heights never seen before or after, yet towards the end of his reign the very people he had risked all to serve suddenly turned and utterly rejected him. Like Jesus, David was belittled by his own brothers, trusted in the God of Israel like no other, and defeated the Giant by the power of God. Also like Jesus, David’s genealogy on his mother’s side was…interesting. A Moabite great-grandmother named Ruth, and a great-great-grandmother named Rahab, a Canaanite. But on his father’s side, well, there was Boaz, Judah, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham.   

Absalom, however, appears to be a figure of Satan, the sly slanderer, for that is exactly what he did to David. Note the similarity in the Bible’s description of Absalom and Satan: But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him (2Sam 14:25). God said of Satan: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty…thou art the anointed cherub…thou wast perfect in thy ways in the day that thou wast created (Ezekiel 28:12-15).

Like Satan, Absalom was lifted up in pride and secretly attempted to rebel against his father’s rule. Exactly like Satan, Absalom deceived the people by insinuating that his father’s judgment was deficient, while his was superior and right (2Sam 15:2-4). Absalom was a master of cunning and manipulation; the Bible says that he stole the hearts of the people (2Sam 15:6). David had done everything the people of Israel could have possibly wished for – he had delivered them from their enemies, he had brought Israel much riches and honor as the head nation of the known world, and he had given them joy and contentment by his good and kind reign. Incredibly, the hearts of the people were easily turned aside by Absalom, to the point of assembling themselves for the purpose of deposing and killing the King whose hand had wrought their good condition.      

In the same way that the intricacies of nature evidence the character of God to our eyes, the beauties of Bible types and shadows evidence His character to our minds. However, as with any analogy, care must be taken to correctly understand the typological details. Even the parables of Jesus can be misused by seeing parallels that were not intended, or by misunderstanding the meaning of a symbol or detail. A primary way to avoid this blunder is to remember that types and shadows will never conflict with revealed truth, and that the meanings of Bible symbols are consistent throughout the Scriptures. Another important characteristic of Bible analogies and symbols is that, in general, they focus on a particular aspect of a person, event, or reality, and not on the entire reality, event, or person.

An example of misapplying a typological detail is possible in the case of David and Absalom. We should not infer from David’s great love for Absalom that God will not punish Satan for his wickedness and rebellion. Neither should we infer from the fact that Absalom was the son of David that Satan is the son of God. Of course, in one sense Satan is a son of God, since he is an angelic being that God created, and the angels are called the sons of God (Job 1:6). The followers of Christ are also called the sons of God (1John 3:1). Christ, however, has a unique title. He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). Much has been written about the technical meaning of that phrase, yet surely its chief point is that, unlike mankind and the angelic host, Jesus is God. That fact alone demolishes the erroneous idea of some groups that Jesus and Satan are brothers.

The two sides in this conflict are clearly drawn. Standing on the one side is the rightful King David, God’s anointed and His chosen deliverer, while the usurping Absalom with his rebel host stands on the other. Key figures are seen in both camps, some surprising, some expected. Among those faithful to David were true men of Israel like Joab, Hushai, Zadok, and Abishai, and yet we are surprised to also see with him Ittai the Gittite, a Gentile who had joined himself with Israel to worship the true God of heaven and earth. As might be expected, among those who rebelled with Absalom were two of Saul’s relatives, Shemei and Mephibosheth, yet we are surprised and mystified to also see there Ahithophel, a man very close to David, a counselor of his own court, a man who knew David well, and who was highly regarded by all.

Ahithophel’s betrayal of David parallels Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in several key details. David was almost certainly speaking of Ahithophel when he wrote, Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me (Ps 41:9). Jesus quoted those very words in speaking of his own imminent betrayal by Judas: He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me (John 13:18). Ahithophel’s conspiracy was exceedingly strong (2Sam 15:12), and it appeared to be supernatural, it was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God (2Sam 16:23). He was part of David’s inner circle, and therefore knew David very well, which made the actions of his betrayal that much more effective. Nevertheless, as in the case of Judas, the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom (2Sam 17:14), and so the conspiracy failed.

If Ahithophel was really so wise, why did he betray David? Being the wisest counselor in the land, surely he had discerned that David was God’s anointed, and that David’s rule was far better than that of the egocentric, scheming Absalom? Did he really think the Lord would forsake David? These are mystifying questions that we ask also of Judas, who knew the Lord as well as anyone, and yet turned against Him. The Scriptures say that when Ahithophel realized his conspiracy had failed, he gat him home to his house…and hanged himself, and died (2Sam 17:23). Remarkably, Judas the betrayer mimicked Ahithophel: When [Judas] saw that He was condemned…he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself (Mat 27:4-5). As far as I was able to find, these are the only two men in the Bible that hanged themselves.

David’s Gethsemane

When David heard of Absalom’s rebellion, and that he was coming against Jerusalem with a large army, he decided to leave the city. The reasons for his decision are not entirely clear. Jerusalem was a formidable city and many of its people supported him – men of valor who had fought for him over the years. And yet somehow, David knew that this time victory would not come by fighting. So he left the city, accompanied only by his closest men.

It was a dark day for David, certainly the very saddest moment in a life already marked by numerous difficulties. The Bible describes his exodus from Jerusalem like this: And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron…And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot (2Sam 15:23, 20). The night that Jesus was betrayed, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron (Kidron), where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. Matthew records this was the garden of Gethsemane (Mat 26:36), a secluded place on the Mount of Olives that Jesus went often to pray (Luke 22:39). While Gethsemane is not mentioned by name in David’s ascent of mount Olivet, the Scriptures say that as he neared the summit, he stopped and worshiped God (2Sam 15:32). It could have been at that very garden.

The brook Kidron is a small stream that flows through the Kidron valley located a little to the east of the city of Jerusalem. At least three times the idols of Jerusalem were cast into the brook Kidron (2Kings 23), and certain Jewish writings say that a canal connected it to the Temple above in the city. All the blood and filth of the animal sacrifices were dumped directly into the stream (2Chr 29:16; Jer 31:40, see John Gill).  

There was an emotional parting at the brook Kidron as David passed over with his men, but the priests Zadok and Abiathar returned to the city carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was the most sacred piece of the entire Old Testament worship system, and it represents God Himself. David’s words as he left the Ark at the brook Kidron are prophetic: And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him (2Sam 15:25-26). During Jesus’ final night on earth, He too relinquished His own wishes in favor of the Father’s will: O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Mat 26:39).

In a sense, Jesus too had to leave the Ark of the Covenant behind as He crossed the bloody, dusky waters of the brook Kidron on that night. Certainly the Father was watching as His only Son ascended the Mount of Olives near midnight, but this was one act that the Son must do alone. Yet as also with David, God did delight in His Son, and Jesus did return victorious to Jerusalem to see again the Lord’s house and His Ark of the Covenant after His resurrection (in the spiritual sense).

Both David and Jesus ascended the Mount of Olives on their darkest hour. David’s closest men traveled with him; likewise did Jesus’ disciples. The Mount of Olives was one of Jesus’ favorite places when He was in Jerusalem, and is mentioned quite a few times in the NT. But in the OT, that mount is mentioned only twice; first this account of David leaving Jerusalem, and then in a Messianic prophecy (Zech 14:4). Incidentally, it was this minor detail that intrigued me, and led me to study 2Samuel 15-16 more thoroughly.

The Bible says that David worshiped God there on Mount Olivet (2Sam 15:32), but gives no details. Surely it was a somber event. Perhaps he there composed the words of his loneliest, saddest Psalm by far, the profoundly messianic Psalm 22, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me? I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

Jesus worshiped too on Mount Olivet, there in the Garden of Gethsemane, and it too was a somber, intense event. Alone He knelt in prayer under a springtime tree in the dark of night while His closest disciples slumbered nearby. Alone He wrestled with His mission, alone He sweated as it were great drops of blood (Luke 22:44; Isa 29:16; 63:1-6). I am convinced that Jesus experienced His darkest hour, His greatest temptation, His deepest pain, there in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yes, He suffered greater physical sufferings, harsher rejections, deeper humiliations later on, but the anguish and struggle He endured in Gethsemane were his very worst, if we are to judge by the Scriptures’ description of that hour.

Gethsemane was His greatest trial because it marked the beginning of His unfathomable task – laying down His boundless power and authority, allowing Himself to be spitefully abused by the powers of evil, taking upon His perfect, sinless soul all the dirty, sinful deeds of Man and bearing them in our place, dying a miserable, lonely death, uncared for and unappreciated by the very ones He saved. If ever there was utter loneliness, this was it. Forsaken even by God, He felt; nobody to understand and sympathize. Gethsemane was a place of sorrow, agony and inner struggle. A place where the fate of all mankind hung in the balance as one, lonely Man fought the ultimate battle to save him (Is 63:5).

Matthew records that in the Garden, He began to be sorrowful and very heavy…even unto death (Mat 26:37). Mark and Luke add more to the incredible scene, describing His distress of soul in the strongest terms imaginable – He was sorrowful, very heavy, sore amazed, exceeding sorrowful even unto death, in an agony (Mat 26:37-38; Mark 14:33-34; Luke 22:44). The inner anguish and conflict within His soul was so great that His body was affected. Sweat, as it were great drops of blood, began dripping off His face, and he prayed even more earnestly (Luke 22:44) that God would deliver Him from this hour of suffering and death if it were possible. Was this not the beginning of His ultimate mission? Of bearing our sins in His own body, of paying the price that was required to redeem us from the guilt of sin? All mankind’s grieves and sorrows were laid upon Him this night (Isa 53:4).

It was reading these verses that brought me to believe that when Jesus said He would spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Mat 12:40), He was including Gethsemane. We count a partial day for a whole day, so beginning with the terrible hours in Gethsemane, Jesus spent Thursday night, Friday, Friday night, Saturday, Saturday night, and Sunday in the heart of the earth – in the hands of wicked men and Satan’s angels. When He crossed the brook Kidron with its symbolism of blood and filth, and ascended Mount Olivet to the Garden of Gethsemane, the hour of evil began. In Jesus’ own words to the rough crowd that came to arrest Him that night: this is your hour, and the power of darkness (Luke 22:53).

Jesus had told His disciples on several occasions that this hour would come, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:7). On Thursday night, in Gethsemane, He was delivered into wicked hands, both in the physical sense, and in the spiritual sense. I remember well my grandfather, who believed unreservedly in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, wrestling with Jesus’ enigmatic statement that He would spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth, and I wish I could have discussed this idea with him before he died. 

It was not, as some think, the coming death of His body that troubled Him in Gethsemane, but a result of that incomprehensible act of God, who made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor 5:21). Our limited knowledge of God and the spiritual realm makes it impossible to understand what this means, yet the Scriptures are clear that in some deep, spiritual way Jesus suffered in our place to redeem and deliver the souls of men from the just recompense their sin requires, which is eternal separation from God and spiritual death in Hell (Rom 6:23; Mat 25:46).

Theologians disagree on the details. Some say Jesus did not literally become sin for us, but that He became a sin offering for us. Others refuse to use the common expression that “Jesus paid the penalty for our sins,” saying this would mean Jesus suffered spiritual death in Hell. Yet somehow Jesus did suffer as a substitute for us, not just a bodily death (for all will die physically, saved or unsaved) but a terrible spiritual agony that we cannot understand. I believe the transaction of a sinless Man “being made sin” truly happened, but I cannot fathom how that could be, or what it means. The Scriptures say it, and we see it clearly portrayed in Jesus’ anguish in Gethsemane.

To make Jesus’ suffering simply His physical death in our place not only confuses terms, it demeans His great sacrifice to something which any human being could do (give his life for someone else). It confuses the terms by teaching that Jesus’ physical death can substitute for mankind’s spiritual death, for while Jesus was entirely without sin, His body was the same as ours. Sin is a moral, spiritual term – an action or thought – and it incurs a spiritual debt. Sin cannot be physically imputed any more than righteousness can be physically imputed (Rom 4:11). Neither did Adam physically die the day that he ate the forbidden fruit, but spiritually (Gen 2:17). Jesus’ extreme anguish of soul in Gethsemane hints at the spiritual suffering He endured in bearing our sins in His own body.

David’s Hope Renewed

David had finished worshiping, but had not yet left Mount Olivet, when on two separate occasions he was met by key men. First, his good friend and companion, Hushai the Archite, communed with David and assured him of his support. Then Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, who was Saul’s closest surviving relative, came to David leading two mules laden with gifts of bread, raisins, fruit and wine. Jesus was also refreshed in Gethsemane, when there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him (Luke 22:43).

Hushai the Archite was the crucial figure in helping David to escape from Absalom. He did not go into hiding with David, but returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olivet to secretly assist David while pretending to be on Absalom’s side (2Sam 15:32-37). The plan worked perfectly. Absalom’s court, just as the Sanhedrin did many years later, met to discuss how to kill the King immediately upon Absalom’s arrival to Jerusalem, but after initially following Ahithophel’s counsel, they were persuaded by Hushai’s tactful response, and David was able to escape out of Absalom’s hands.

Perhaps Hushai is a type of the Holy Spirit, who was the active member in Jesus’ resurrection. In a sense, God tricked Satan into crucifying Christ, because Satan thought that if he killed Jesus, he would win. In fact, the Bible says that none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. That knowledge was hidden from them, having been ordained by God for our benefit before the world began (1Cor 2:7-8). He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (1Cor 3:19; Eph 6:12).

Shemei Curses David

One of the most curious details in David’s departure from Jerusalem is the humiliating treatment he voluntarily endured at the hands of Shimei, an ignorant and foolish man of the house of Saul. The Scriptures say that shortly after passing the top of Mount Olivet, a man named Shimei came out and began to curse David, and to throw stones and dirt at him, seemingly oblivious that all David’s mighty men were on his right hand and on his left (2Sam 16:6). “Get out, get out, you bloody man of Belial,” Shimei shouted at David.

Abishai, one of the famous three in David’s elite men of valor, said, “Why does this dog curse the King? Give the command, and I will go and cut his head off.”

“What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Let him alone and let him curse,” David said, “For the Lord hath bidden him.” And so Shimei continued to follow the small group of men, heaping insults, throwing stones and mocking David (2Sam 16:13).

David’s humiliation and manner of response is remarkably similar to Christ’s response to those who mistreated Him. Jesus was also called a son of Belial (Mark 3:22), and was rejected by His own people in words similar to those Shimei uttered. “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him,” they cried (John 19:15). Later, as He hung on the cross, He was reviled by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders, who passed by wagging their heads and saying, If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God (Mat 27:39-43).

Just as David refused to avenge himself in his hour of humiliation, so too did Jesus, for when the band of men came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter, like Abishai, was zealous for his King, and tried to cut off the head of the high priest’s servant, but managed to take off only an ear. Jesus immediately stopped him, saying, Put up again thy sword into his place…Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Mat 26:52-53). Clearly, Jesus was surrounded by far more formidable men of valor than David was, yet the chief priests and rulers cursed him, mocked him, and spake many other things blasphemously against Him (Luke 22:65). Jesus, however, waited for His salvation, which He knew the Father would accomplish.

John’s Gospel records an additional detail when Jesus healed the ear which Peter had cut off: Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:11). Like David when he endured Shimei’s insults, Jesus had total power and justice on His side. Like David, He could have given the word, and the insults and humiliation would have been immediately silenced. But no, He knew that this was from the Father, and He rested in His Father’s will, refusing to fix the matter by His own means.

Absalom Defeated

As a result of Hushai’s counsel on his behalf, David was able to escape Absalom, and cross the Jordan River to safety. Then preparations began for a great, final battle as David gathered all those in the land of Israel who were faithful to him and Absalom did the same. The battle took place in the woods of Ephraim, but in comparison with other Old Testament battles, this one was not that remarkable, at least in terms of slaughter – 20,000 men were killed. However, it resulted in total defeat for Absalom’s men, and in the death of Absalom himself.

Almost immediately, the battle went badly for Absalom and he fled from David’s men. As his mule passed under a large oak tree, his head became trapped in its branches and he was left hanging in midair, yet alive. He apparently hung there for some time, until someone informed Joab, the captain of David’s force. Joab went and threw three darts into his heart, and killed him. And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him (2Sam 18:17).

Satan was also defeated by a tree, the cross of Calvary on which Jesus died. The New Testament says that through death He [destroyed] him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. In that He himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted (Heb 2:14-18). Here is the reason Jesus bore the humiliation, suffered the pain and endured the rejection. Could there have been an easier, less painful way to die for the sins of the world? He chose the right, difficult one so that His followers would be inspired and encouraged to do the same.

According to Hebrews 2, Satan, like Absalom, met his demise on a tree, but Jesus did not! For Him, the tree spelled victory and triumph, because there His mission of atoning for the sins world was effected and accomplished. Truly death was then swallowed up in victory. That fact is brilliantly illustrated by the marvelous type portrayed in Moses putting a serpent upon a pole, so that those who were bitten by the poisonous snake might look at the serpent and be healed. The snake does not represent Jesus, it typifies Satan, whose power and authority over the souls of men was crushed by the momentous events involving the Cross at Golgotha (Gen 3:15).        

Someday, Jesus Christ is returning with the hosts of heaven, this Word of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The King will culminate Satan’s defeat at the Cross by casting him into a great pit, the bottomless pit of the eternally burning Lake of Fire. All those who choose to follow him in rebellion and wickedness will be cast in with him, but then shall the righteous shine forth forever as the sun in the Kingdom of the Father (Mat 13:37-43).   

The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings and counsel about fools. And oh, how easy it is to be one! Nobody wants to be taken for a fool, but is it possible to be one without knowing it? Answer that after reading.

Solomon described the mind of the BIG FOOL like this: “Someone who doesn’t believe there is a God, who scorns knowledge and truth, and who does not fear God or His commandments.” Praise the Lord, you say, that’s not me. But wait, Solomon goes on to describe the little fool’s attitudes and actions and suddenly fools appear all over the place, even beside me on the church bench. O no! He’s even describing ME.  

Are you a fool? Here’s what the book of Proverbs says, “A fool is easily angered, speaks quickly and irrationally, says things that shouldn’t be said, does not learn from his mistakes, corrupts his own heart, thinks he is right when he is dead wrong, frets against the Lord, slanders his neighbor, acts rashly, goes against good counsel, loves to hear himself speak, will not heed correction, hides his hatred with lying lips, thinks a lot of himself, commits adultery, mocks sin and restitution, acts deceitfully, will not listen to his father’s instruction, despises his mother, seeks the company of other fools, speaks arrogantly, does not accept reproof, does what his own eyes think is right, lets his thoughts wander wherever they want to go, perverts his own ways, works mischievously and does evil deeds, is quick to quarrel and argue, spends money unwisely, rebels against authority, never learns, repeats his own folly, delights to expose the emptiness of his mind, is easily provoked, lifts himself up.”

Now that is a serious list. If you don’t want to be taken for a fool, taking a little self-exam might help. Actually, make that a big, life-long exam. The fact is that we all act foolish sometimes. And as the saying goes, if telling a lie makes you a liar, then acting foolish makes you a fool. So careful, there are a lot of fools walking around out there. There might even be one standing in your shoes at this moment. Watch out for him…Solomon said its better to meet a mother bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

But guess what…there is someone who is in even worse shape than the fool, who is in even more grave danger of utterly ruining his soul. Proverbs 26:12 says, Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. Wow. That’s pretty crushing right there. It isn’t the fool who stands on the lowest rung on the ladder of integrity, but the person who is wise in his own eyes, who thinks more of himself than he ought.  

A person who is wise in his own conceit is someone who follows the judgments and logic of his own mind. He is sure that they are correct above those of his fellow man. This is one of the basic, pervasive attitudes of the human race. From the college-educated professor down to the peasant herding sheep, everyone thinks that his judgment of what is right and wrong is best.

Pride! It was the first of all sins (Isaiah 14:12-14). Ponder this – the only real difference between a wise man and a fool is a little attitude called humbleness of mind (Col 3:12). The wise man is humble and meek; he knows his frailty, he knows that Truth is often too high for him (Is 55:9). Yet, a hundred stripes cannot teach a fool (Pro 17:10).

One tactic of the fool that is currently in vogue is the “non sequitur,” which is giving an answer or argument that doesn’t even address the issue of discussion. Atheists and Christians alike will resort to this type of argument to justify their errors. One of the most oft-used “non sequiturs” in Christianity is the idea that if I’m not “convicted” about something in the Bible – a particular commandment or principle – then it doesn’t apply to me.

“I don’t feel convicted to (fill in the blank).” Voila! I don’t have to do it.

Now, where did this idea come from, that New Testament rules are contingent upon my own convictions? Well, let me give you a hint. His name begins with a “D” and ends with “evil.” It’s a non sequitur argument.

The Bible stands alone and above every standard – and that includes your heart. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. Really, it doesn’t matter what you, or I, or anyone else says or believes. All that matters is what the Holy Spirit has said in the Word which is able to make thee wise unto salvation (2Tim 3:15).

The rules for Christ’s Kingdom in the Divine Scriptures have nothing to do with how you feel or believe. What arrogance and pride to think that I decide what is a ‘salvation issue’ and what isn’t. To disobey what God has said is a ‘salvation issue.’ Many apparently think they are going to heaven even though they don’t love Christ, for “He that loves Me, keeps My commandments” (John 14:21).

If the man that is wise in his own conceit stands in the room of lowest hope, who is the man that stands in highest hope? Isaiah 66:1-2 tells us, Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool…but this man will I regard, even him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.

Humility. The man who is not wise in own conceit. Now there walks a man that God will BLESS.

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13)

The Red Heifer sacrifice is one of the most intriguing ordinances to be found in the Old Covenant, for concealed within its intricate designs are profound predictions concerning the sacrifice of the Son of God. The Red Heifer sacrifice was a careful ceremony dedicated to obtaining a peculiar type of ashes that were exclusively imbued with the power to purify an unclean person. Numbers 19 is a prophetic allegory of the severity of sin and the unique remedy that the Godhead has devised for healing the sins and rebellions of Mankind. The directives for the Red Heifer ceremony are not only complex and unusual, but also deviate in key respects from the standard pattern of the animal sacrifices. This paper intends to study these types and shadows. In Hebrews 9:13, the Apostle compares the ashes of the Red Heifer to the blood of Christ. However, there are other meticulously prescribed details in that ceremony which foreshadow additional truths in the sacrifice of Christ.

The Ordinance Commanded

This is the ordinance of the Law. This unusual phrase is found only one other time in the Bible (Num 31:21). It affords heightened significance to the ceremony of the red heifer sacrifice. Unlike the other sacrificial rites, this one followed no date schedule. It was commanded only on this occasion and the ceremony is never again mentioned in the Old Testament^[1]. Instead, the ashes of the heifer were collected and stored for usage in future generations to cleanse the ceremonially unclean. It was a statute forever in Israel (Num 19:10). These details speak typologically of the continuing, cleansing power in the blood of Christ, whose death has been made a purification for sin (Num 19:9). It is available for every person, even for the stranger (Num 19:10). His one sacrifice (Heb 10:12) remains forever effective, being accepted, validated and treasured up before the throne of God, saving to the uttermost all those who come to Him (Heb 7:25).

Of all the many animal sacrifices that God ordained, none were so exactingly detailed as the Red Heifer sacrifice. The animal was to be selected by strict prescription – a young female cow which had never calved, all red in color, without defect or blemish, and which had never yet borne a yoke. These details contain deep symbolisms with respect to specific features of Christ, but care must be taken to appropriately correlate each type with its anti-type, that is to say, the symbol with its spiritual reality.

Types and shadows of the Old Testament normally do not directly represent a personage of the Deity. Instead they describe particular characteristics or actions of the Deity. Perhaps there are a few exceptions, but a distinctive charm of symbolism is its ability to portray unseen spiritual realities such that our minds can better grasp their significance. Another charm of symbolism is its ability to portray future events in a manner that only the Elect is able to understand these mysteries (Mat 13:11-13). In the case of the red heifer sacrifice, we should not look for a representation of Christ the person, but particular aspects of His character and actions.

Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring thee a red heifer. While Moses, Aaron and Eleazar all had roles in this sacrifice, the congregation was the party charged with selecting the animal. They were to view the heifer and prove in every detail its fitness to serve as the suitable sacrifice victim. After observing the animal carefully, they were to bring the victim to Moses and Aaron. Later, two members of the congregation were anonymously designated to kill and burn the heifer.

These details correspond to the Jewish people being directly involved in the events resulting in the crucifixion of Christ. By many devious ways and on multiple occasions, the doubting Jewish leaders searched for a fault or blemish in Jesus Christ. While the crowds watched, they tested, questioned and proved Him to be that Worthy One. Yet even as they saw Him work miracles and heard Him speak with an authority the world has never seen, they were determined to bring Him to the executioner.

The angry mob that cried out again and again, “Crucify Him, crucify Him,” and, “Let His blood be upon us and upon our children,” were fully aware that Pilate had found Jesus to be innocent, but they were beyond caring about the consequences. Israel after the flesh gave birth to the Messiah, but she rejected Him as her King and Savior. Nevertheless, a faithful and true remnant of Jews according to the flesh did accept Jesus of Nazareth as their Savior. That remnant took root downward and the sprout grew into a huge tree that has filled the whole earth. This is the true, spiritual Israel of God in which there is no distinction between bloods and races (Rom 11:5; Gal 3:28-29; 6:16).  

A Red Heifer

A heifer without spot. Female sacrifices were uncommon in the Old Testament. All the significant yearly sacrifices were required to be males. The lesser, individual sacrifices such as the peace offering (Lev 3) and the sins of ignorance offering (Num 15:27) allowed for either male or female victims, but the public sacrificial animals were to be bullocks, rams or male goats. This detail agrees with the Deity being portrayed in masculine terms throughout the Scriptures. Christ was a male and He was also the ultimate sacrifice victim in the great Atonement that the Godhead had ordained by which He could justly forgive the sins of the world. This pattern is conspicuously broken by the Red Heifer Sacrifice, which designated a female sacrifice, a red heifer, as the sacred victim to be used in the purification for sin. There must be a motive for this apparent disconformity, for the Holy Spirit always communicates according to God’s perfect pattern (Heb 8:5).

The reason is both surprising and powerful. A different truth is being pre-figured by this detail and one of the most difficult enigmas for our human minds to comprehend:  the human nature of Jesus Christ. Although He is “the only begotten Son of God” and so by nature is fully God, Jesus was born into the human family by a natural mother. The revelation of Scripture is that Jesus the Messiah was fully man in the physical sense and yet fully God in being and soul. Isaiah, writing by the Spirit, said His name would be, “Emmanuel, God with us” (Mat 1:23; Isa 7:14). Jeremiah said He would be called, “Jehovah, our righteousness” (Jer 23:5-6; Isa 9:6). However, the prophets also indicated that He would be human, a son of David (Isa 11:1) and a prophet like Moses (Deut 18:15).

The very first prophecy in Scripture specified that the Redeemer would come through the woman’s seed in stark exclusion of the man (Gen 3:15). This detail was reaffirmed more than three thousand years later by Isaiah when he wrote, a virgin shall conceive. Jesus had no earthly father. The Jewish rabbis however, could not come to the correct interpretation of these prophecies (see their confusion in Mat 22:41-45).

The unique birth of Christ precisely fulfilled the prophets, for God the Son was indeed born of the seed of woman, but without a male human parent. The naming of Eve’s seed (instead of Adam’s seed) is a remarkable prophetic detail, for an heir or ruler is never designated through female lineage. These facts find an important correlation in the red heifer sacrifice, for there is nothing so identifying to being human than having a mother, whose body must develop and nurture the new life for several years before it is able to survive. The female sacrifice pointing to Christ’s humanity might also be seen in another Old Covenant ceremony which prescribed a heifer to represent a man found dead without a natural cause. We will leave that for a future study, but read Deut 21:1-9.

The command did not allow just any heifer, but specified that a red (Heb-adom) animal be selected for this ceremony. It is the only sacrifice which called for a particular color of animal. Red is a euphemism for blood in the Scriptures, which seems to correlate with the flesh and blood physical nature of the Messiah (1Tim 3:16; Lev 17:11). According to Hebrew lexicons, adom comes from the root word adam, which is commonly translated man in the English Bible. There is an interesting play on words between adom (red), adam (man) and adamah (earth) when God created Adam from red dirt (see Gen 25:25-30). Thus, while the animal was female, it was to be red (Heb-adom) – “of man and earth.”

The red heifer is a clever prophecy by types that the Messiah would be a man, a truth later revealed in the New Testament: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb 2:14). These Scriptures serve to strengthen the typological correlation of red to flesh and blood, which is the fulfillment of this prophetic detail. Christ the son of God was made flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14; Rom 1:3). His mission was to open up a new and living way into the Holy of Holies, by and through His flesh (Heb 10:19-20).

The coupling of red with heifer is a remarkable typological portrayal of the promised Messiah as a man of flesh and blood. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a better way to depict this concept in the context of an animal sacrifice, for the red heifer doubly points to Jesus’ humanity, which happens to be one of the key elements this sacrifice intends to portray. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight (Col 1:21-22).

A few months after writing this section, I discovered that my idea of the red heifer as a type of the humanity of Christ is far from new. Adam Clarke comments, “Several fathers, as well modern as ancient, profess to understand the whole clearly…The red heifer with them signifies the flesh of our Lord, formed out of an earthly substance” (Clarke, Num 19:12).

Without spot, wherein is no blemish. The red heifer was to be a perfectly formed animal. Just one defect or imperfection would disqualify the animal for this sacrifice. Of course, this speaks of Christ’s perfect and sinless life, whose precious blood is likened unto a sacrificial lamb without blemish and without spot (1Pet 1:19; Heb 9:14; Eph 5:27).

The Gospels prove this point many times over, that Jesus Christ alone lived in unblameable holiness and perfection, thus becoming the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the redemption of mankind (Rev 5). As a man, He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). During the week just prior to His death, the Pharisees came every day to test Him. The Sadduccees and Herodians also took their turns. Finally they gave up, for no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more (Mat 22:46).

Upon which never came yoke. This represents the voluntary nature of Christ’s sacrifice, that He is ruled by nobody and is entirely free to act at His own will and pleasure. And yet surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isa 53:4; 1Pet 2:24). In bearing our iniquities and redeeming us from sin, Jesus came voluntarily to do the will of the Deity (Heb 10:7; John 10:17-18). He was not forced or required to save mankind at all. He came because He loved us, even while we were yet sinners. He came because of the joy that was set before Him (Heb 12:2); He anticipated the love, appreciation and communion of those that would choose His salvation. How difficult that is to fathom, yet how powerfully it serves to earn our undying devotion and reverence.

Uncleanness – a type of sin

Uncleanness was a ceremonial condition that would befall a person due to a particular action or physical characteristic as defined by the Law. Superficially, the laws of uncleanness might appear to be simple protocols of hygiene, but in truth they governed a set of ceremonial rules. For although uncleanness was contracted by and in the flesh, being “unclean” was in truth a spiritual condition. A person who touched a bone in the field was physically unchanged, yet spiritually he became unclean and must submit to a particular ritual to be “cleansed.”

How truly this relates to the condition of sin. It is committed in the body but imputed spiritually. Sin begins in the mind and is then acted upon in the flesh. And that’s why sin’s deepest consequence affects the soul. Guilt is not a physical condition, but is attributed spiritually, upon the soul. Adam died spiritually the moment that he sinned physically. 

Throughout the laws and ceremonies of the Old Covenant, uncleanness is constantly seen to be a type of sin. It was given so that the children of Israel might learn the importance of righteous living. Leviticus 10:10 says, That ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean. The prescribed antidote for uncleanness, the water of separation, was a purification for sin (v9). Notice that the words “sin” and “uncleanness” are used synonymously.

The laws and rituals involving the clean/unclean were multiple and complicated. Among the many ways a person would become unclean was by eating or touching unclean animals, by contracting certain leprous skin issues, by various sexual conditions and by close contact with dead bodies. If someone were to touch a camel, for instance, he was instantly unclean (a camel was one of the unclean animals). An unclean person was to be put outside the camp of Israel (Num 4:1-4) and was barred from any participation in the congregation involving worship ceremonies during the full time of his/her uncleanness. Depending upon the offense, this might last until nightfall, a week, two weeks, several months, or even a lifetime.

The Jews lived in constant danger of becoming unclean. There were so many ways a person might become unclean it was virtually unavoidable, yet the Law specifically warned against intentionally becoming unclean or allowing oneself to continue in a state of uncleanness.

The laws of uncleanness were most severe and demonstrate the gravity of sin in God’s eyes, so that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful (Rom 7:13). On the other hand, it was virtually impossible to live without becoming unclean. Every Jewish person, in living his life normally, became unclean, probably often. Likewise in the New Covenant, every living person has become unclean by contact with sin (Eccl 7:20; 1John 1:8; Job 15:14; Pro 20:9). And the rules are just as strict! Under the New Covenant, just thinking malicious thoughts against another is a sin, and to even look upon a woman to lust after her makes a person “unclean.”

The comparison of uncleanness to sin is even more startling when we read that uncleanness was contagious. It could be contracted simply by touching another unclean person, or even a dish that an unclean person had touched (Num 19:22). Sin contaminates everything and it affects everyone, even the redeemed of the Lord. Christians believe that God is not to blame for the bad things that happen to us in this life – for cancer, for the deaths of innocent children, etc. Then who, or what, is to blame? The answer: Sin.

Sin has entered this once perfect world and has changed it drastically. The whole creation groans under the curse of sin and every person is continuously affected by it, both directly and indirectly. Until Christ returns and restores all things (Acts 3:21), we will live in a world of sin and sinful influences, of human uncleanness of every kind. We must learn to put difference between holy and unholy and between unclean and clean. The Spirit says, Come out from among them and be ye separate…touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you (2Cor 6:17).

One of the worst ways a person would become unclean was by contact with a dead human. The sole purpose of the Red Heifer sacrifice was to provide a means of ceremonially purifying that person. The rules were strict. If someone died in a tent, all who entered it were unclean; if a person touched a bone in the field he was unclean, if a person touched a bowl that had been near a dead body he was unclean, if he touched a gravestone, he was unclean, etc.

While touching a dead animal made a man unclean until evening, touching any part of a human corpse would make him unclean for seven days. This latter class of uncleanness seems to particularly illustrate mankind’s sinful nature, often called “the old man” (Rom 6:6; Eph 4:22; Col 3:8). Even a born again Christian who has put on “the new man” will wrestle with “the old man” while he lives in this sin-cursed world. This is what seems to be typified by the uncleanness that resulted from touching a corpse.

Consequently, this type of uncleanness could only be remedied by a ritual involving the water of separation (v9), which was a mixture of pure spring water with the ashes of the red heifer. This potion was sprinkled upon the unclean person on the third day of his uncleanness and would result in his ceremonial cleansing on the seventh day. There was no hope of cleansing for anyone who did not receive the water of separation on the third day (Num 19:12). Death was the penalty for anyone who dared to disregard his uncleanness and approach the tabernacle of God.

In conclusion, two points are illustrated by the rigid laws of uncleanness. First, we are impressed with the firm and comprehensive requirements concerning uncleanness and the necessity of being ceremonially purified. Second, we see the incompatibility of God’s character with anything contaminated by sinful humanity. Even those things which inadvertently or incidentally were associated with an unclean person became unclean as well. Accordingly, every person involved in the ceremony of the red heifer sacrifice became unclean by participating. The man who burned the heifer and the one who gathered the ashes became unclean until evening, and even the one who later administered the ceremonial cleansing became unclean, although only until the evening (Num 19:21). Nobody was immune to uncleanness and nobody was exempted from the requirement to be cleansed. The great gulf between all-holy God and sin-spotted Man is unambiguously portrayed in the laws of uncleanness.

The Sacrificial Ceremony

Among the prominent ceremonial sacrifices, the red heifer sacrifice is the only one at which the High Priest did not officiate. Instead, his son Eleazar was to be the presiding priest. Moses and Aaron participated only as witnesses. Some have speculated that Eleazar was chosen to officiate so that Aaron would not become unclean, but that idea doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Even as High Priest, Aaron must have become unclean just like other men.

The Law did specify that the High Priest should never touch a human corpse and so become unclean for seven days (Lev 21:11), but there was no corpse in the red heifer sacrifice. I believe the distinctive detail of Eleazar officiating instead of Aaron has an important signification just as profound as the typological meaning of the red heifer which we have already discussed.

Although not the firstborn, Eleazar became chief among Aaron’s sons (Num 3:2; 3:32). He was given charge over the Levites as well as oversight of all the tabernacle, including its sacred articles and furniture (Num 4:16). After the death of Aaron, he was ordained High Priest (see Num 20). He and Joshua were charged with dividing the land of Canaan amongst the tribes of Israel (Num 34:17). His name means “God protects,” and his position as tabernacle administrator puts him among the five most important men in Israel. 

In the red heifer ceremony, Eleazar might seem to be a type of God the Father watching the sacrifice of His Son. However, several important considerations indicate that Eleazar does not relate typologically to the Father, but to the Son. First, we note the anomaly of Eleazar representing the Father, given his lower position in Israel. Second, the High Priestly actions performed by Eleazar in this sacrifice (taking the red heifer outside the camp, throwing the sacred items into the fire, and sprinkling the blood toward the tabernacle) relate to Christ, our High Priest (Heb 2:17). Finally, and most significantly, Eleazar became unclean by officiating at the red heifer sacrifice, but Moses and Aaron did not. 

Nevertheless, the idea that Eleazar typologically relates to Christ presents a serious paradox, for we have already firmly established that the red heifer represents Christ. The resolution is simple and yet powerful. The red heifer represents the sacrifice of Christ the Man, and Eleazar represents the spirit of Christ the Divine. For while Jesus’ human body died on that Cross over Golgotha and rose again three days later, Christ’s divine spirit never died, nor can it ever die. It was the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all (1Tim 2:5-6), yet in essence He is the brightness of (God’s) glory, and the express image of His person, who is upholding all things by the word of His power (Heb 1:3).

The dual nature of Jesus Christ, that He was both human and God, is an incontrovertible truth of the Scriptures which the red heifer sacrifice accurately illustrates. Furthermore, the two-part symbolism of Eleazar and the red heifer agrees also with a mysterious detail of Christ’s sacrifice which we will study next, that while Christ the man suffered in the flesh on that terrible day, Christ the Son of God suffered much more in spirit and soul. All the sins of mankind were laid upon Him; not physically, but much more tragically, upon His sinless and innocent soul.

By specifying Eleazar for the red heifer sacrifice, the Trinity is portrayed in harmony of will concerning the Atonement, a detail that would be missing if only Moses and Aaron were involved. Sometimes Joshua fills the typological third member role of the Trinity, but Joshua was not a priest and so could not officiate. Furthermore, when Joshua does appear as a type of the Deity, he represents Christ as the Deliverer. In fact, the name Jesus in Hebrew is Joshua, which means “savior, deliverer.”

Moses and Aaron brought the heifer unto Eleazar just as God in heaven fore-ordained that the Son would take upon Himself human flesh and redeem mankind. This unity of purpose is especially notable in Luke 1:35, And the angel answered and said unto (Mary), The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

The Atonement

True communion between unrighteous man and all-righteous God is impossible. God is perfectly holy and cannot abide in the presence of sin and iniquity. Something had to be done about Mankind’s sinful condition, and that’s why Christ came in the flesh to voluntarily offer Himself as the acceptable sacrifice for sin. The Atonement was a work of Christ by which guilty-of-sin Mankind could be reconciled with all-holy God. The ceremonial details of the red heifer sacrifice help us to better understand that profound spiritual mystery.

Probably the most striking detail of this sacrifice is that Eleazar the priest became unclean by watching the ceremony. The New Testament explains that typological mystery, showing that Christ’s death was counted by God to be an unclean death. He was made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree (Gal 3:13). God hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin (2Cor 5:21). He was assigned a grave with the wicked (Is 53:9, NIV). He tasted death for every man (Heb 2:9). These verses describe spiritual realities and imply that Jesus, in bearing our sins at His death, became “unclean” in some fashion. That is an alarming statement which we will explore next, but first we need get in our minds what it means to forgive.    

The act of forgiving another is never free; its cost is always equal or greater to the initial offense. Every time a person forgives a fault, misdeed, or wrong committed against him, he is agreeing to pay the cost himself. In releasing the guilty from the rightful penalty his mal-action deserves, the forgiver must suffer the wrong. A man who forgives the murderer of his wife does not gain her back; he must live without her. A man who forgives a monetary debt will never receive that money; he has consented to bear the cost of the debt himself. A man who forgives slander against him agrees to live with those harms that have spread abroad against his character. When it comes to forgiveness, this truth rules supreme: the cost of forgiving is never cheaper than the cost of the debt.

It is illogical to think that God’s forgiveness differs from human forgiveness in this respect. A key aspect of the Atonement was God assuming the debt of mankind’s sins. It is irrational to think (as some) that the Atonement was a simple declaration by God that, under a New Covenant, remission of sins would be granted to those who ask for it. What about the great affront the Creator suffered when Mankind chose to disobey Him? What about the great debt of sin that remained owing? It must be compensated.

Praise God, there was One who was able and willing to bear the cost of that debt. We have been bought with a price (1Cor 6:20); Christ gave His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The death of Christ was the suitable recompense for Mankind’s debt of sin. The red heifer sacrifice accurately portrays this act and shows that God is duly capacitated to forgive Man’s sins, for Christ Himself was the payment (Mat 18:23-35). This is taught in the grandest of all verses, John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God was harmed by mankind’s rebellions but because He loved us, He provided a means to forgive, an act by which He would assume the cost of those misdeeds – the death of His only Son. The completely burned heifer typifies the sacrifice of Christ which fully cancelled the sins of man.

The cost of the Atonement was very high, which is physically evident by the manner in which Jesus lived, suffered and died. He would not have had to come as a babe, grow up in a humble cottage, live in poverty, suffer all manner of ridicule and shame, and then die a disgraceful, cursed death. He could have descended as a God should, in overpowering brightness and glory. At the very least He might have been born into nobility, lived comfortably and died honorably. Yet He chose the former option, thereby demonstrating just how much He has invested in our salvation, just how much He wants to win our love and respect. Is this not true also of the spiritual cost of forgiveness and redemption? This we intend to explore in the next paragraphs.

God is both merciful and just, yet those two attributes are difficult to reconcile in the same Person. In acting mercifully, justice must be set aside. How then can God be merciful and just at the same time? The question has a two part answer. First, God is all-good and all-wise, so His acts of mercy will be perfectly determined. Second, God’s justice is upheld by real, authentic mercy. It is not the fake, ungrounded mercy that some theologians propose. Mercy does not overlook a wrong, but chooses to bear the consequences itself. While its decision is to forgive, its action is to self-bear the wrong.

In this fashion the Atonement of Christ resolves the apparent tension between mercy and justice in the character of God. For while it was God’s mercy and love that motivated Christ’s work, the justice of God was not compromised – Jesus paid the debt and has chosen to bear them Himself. God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him…being reconciled…by whom we have now received the atonement (Rom 5:8-11). Mercy triumphed over judgment when God, in His great goodness, wisdom and love, provided forgiveness for sins (James 2:13). It was Christ’s work that made it all possible. And that is the Atonement.

Divine revelation does not comprehensively describe the Atonement of Christ. Some speculate it was only His physical death that redeemed Man from his sins, but I believe it was something much more expensive and dear. We can glimpse its costliness by observing the incredible scene of Jesus in Gethsemane the night before He offered up His body upon the cross. There, in unimaginable sorrow and distress of soul, He wrestled mightily with His mission. The cup He must drink was so distasteful, so unwanted, so difficult, that His sweat was as drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).

The words the Gospels use in describing Jesus’ unfathomable inner anguish in Gethsemane are the deepest and strongest words conceivable – sorrowful, very heavy, sore amazed, in an agony. My soul is exceeding sorrowful, He said, even unto death (Mat 26:38). These are the most tortured, heartbreaking words to be found in the Bible. Yet they do not describe His death. No, it was not the mistreatment that He knew His body must endure the next day that troubled Him, but that incomprehensible act of God, who made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor 5:21). The iniquities of the world were laid upon Him that night (Isa 53:6; Lev 16:21).[2] 

Our limited knowledge of God and the spiritual realm makes it impossible to really understand what those verses mean. Clearly though, in some deep, spiritual way Jesus consented to bear the cost that the sins of mankind had incurred. He paid the full price of redemption so that Man will not have to suffer the just recompense for his sin, which would be eternal separation and spiritual death in Hell. As we have said, forgiveness requires an in-kind payment; the debt must be borne by the extender of mercy. I think that means that in bearing the debt of our sins Jesus suffered spiritual damage, just as the person who forgives in the physical sense will suffer personal damage.

However, an amazing feature of mercy is that authentic forgiveness often results in rewards that exceed its cost. The Scriptures show that the damage Christ suffered has resulted in overwhelming reward and honor that He would not have obtained if he had remained in heaven. Jesus knew that His suffering would bring incomparable fulfillment and happiness. For the joy that was set before Him (Jesus) endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God…Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Heb 12:2; Php 2:9-10). We sing of the nail-prints and scars on the hands and feet of our Savior, marks that have earned our admiration, wonder and love. Yet I think the scars on Jesus’ soul and spirit will be even more notable in honor, for they are the real battle-marks of our salvation.

Two triumphs of Christ

The Atonement of Christ dealt a two-pronged death blow to Satan and to Sin, that is, two unique and tremendous triumphs in the spiritual realm for the benefit of Mankind. These two mighty deeds roughly parallel the two incredible physical events that all Christians recognize: His death and His resurrection. Christ’s first act was to free Mankind from the clutches of their wicked owner and His second act was to heal their sins.

Both of these feats are described by the Apostle Paul in one passage. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-14). We could fill several pages with additional quotes.

These two feats of might (let’s call them Ransom and Pardon) are illustrated in a remarkable ritual enacted every year upon the Day of Atonement. The ceremony is detailed in Lev 16, which began with a presentation of two goats before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. The first goat was killed as a sin offering and its blood was taken into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat.

The ceremony of the first goat speaks of sacrificial death and Ransom. But the ceremony of the second goat speaks of sin-bearing and Pardon, for it was kept alive. Aaron was to place his hands upon its head and confess the sins of the people over the goat and then send it into the wilderness as a scapegoat, to carry forever the sins of the people. But that is another study.

The first triumph – Ransomed from Satan  

The Scriptures describe the first mighty deed of Christ as a rescue “battle” in the Devil’s kingdom[3] as the newly risen Conqueror of death wrested from Satan’s control every soul that He has chosen to save. Jesus ascended victorious into Paradise with the souls of the saints of old (Mat 12:29; Eph 4:8; Rev 12:7). It was a righteous deliverance in that Jesus paid the full ransom price of their release, for the Devil had legitimately held those souls in bondage. They had rebelled against God and chosen to follow their own way in life just as he had done so they were rightfully his (Heb 2:15). But Jesus won their release and they went free. Oh the great defeat that Satan experienced at that moment, when death was swallowed up in victory, and the power he held against guilty sinners was suddenly snatched away.

The apostle Paul described this power as “certificates of debt” that Satan held against us. Jesus paid those debts and blotted them out, taking them away by nailing them to His cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it (Col 2:13-15). At that moment, Satan fell as lightning, his power to justly accuse the brethren before God forever taken away. Now Jesus can rightfully redeem from Satan any person He chooses. Now the souls of the redeemed can forever sing, O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The deliverance price has been paid.

The Bible uses the word ransom and the related word redeem to describe man’s salvation. These terms imply that the item of possession had initially belonged to the one paying the redemption. Every man, by his own choice and action, has fallen into the clutches of Satan. His soul is held captive by him with no hope of gaining his own freedom. But Christ, by living and dying as a perfect being has earned the right to redeem unto freedom every man whom He chooses. Satan has no voice in the matter. By paying the required ransom, Jesus has regained those souls (John 3:16: Rom 8:32).

A ransom is an arrangement made between two parties ahead of time to secure the release of victims, but the Scriptures do not portray the redemption of Mankind in that exact sense. Instead, action of Christ in the spiritual realm is likened to a forcible takeover. Consider verses such as Colossians 2:15, Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it, and Hebrews 2:14, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, (Christ) also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and Mark 3:27, No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except He will first bind the strong man; and then He will spoil his house (see also Eph 4:8-10).

Satan and the princes of this world would not have crucified Christ if they had known He would rise from the dead to live forever (1Cor 2:7-8). The ransom price was fixed by God, and it was perfectly just and adequate. Satan, that wicked liar, seems to have tried to rebel against God’s righteous decree, but he was thoroughly beaten – he got nothing but more certain judgment out of the deal. Jesus’ victory took Satan and his cohorts by complete surprise. Had they known it, they would not have crucified the King of glory (1Cor 2:8). 

The second triumph – Pardon of sins

Christ’s second feat of might in the spiritual realm was no less important and stunning, which was to take away the sins of His people (John 1:29). In contrast to the Old Covenant reality, this was not a covering or overlooking of sins for, incredible the thought, the blood of Jesus washes a man ever-so-clean. The debt is gone, the sins have been removed (1John 3:5). Beyond our deliverance from Satan, perfect purification of soul is the unfathomable gift of God’s forgiveness. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Is 1:18). Unthinkable mercy, marvelous grace, amazing power. I cannot understand how God can make a black soul to be white as snow, but the Scriptures describe it in powerful terms:  being born again, rising to new life, becoming a new creature, transformed in the mind, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1John 1:7).

By these two mighty deeds the Reconciliation was accomplished. First, Mankind was freed from Satan and second, he was thoroughly cleansed from Sin – now God and Man can commune together as at the beginning. The Atonement, or reconciliation, is that Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (1Cor 5:7). The basic typological meaning of the Old Covenant Passover is briefly stated in one phrase – when I see the blood I will pass over you (Ex 12:13).

Was the death of Christ a punishment or a payment?

The Atonement of Christ involved tremendous suffering, mockery and death. He was whipped and buffeted, mocked and mistreated, tortured and thrust through with a sword. Yet somehow, by His stripes we are healed (1Pet 2:24). His cruel death not only frees us from Satan, it gifts us with eternal life. Sometimes we say that Jesus suffered in our place, or that He paid our penalty of sin. While those statements are valid depictions of the Atonement, they can be extrapolated to mean that Jesus suffered our punishment and that God’s wrath against sinful man was appeased by chastising Jesus^[4].

There are two difficulties with that idea. First, was God actually satisfied by castigating His innocent Son instead of guilty man? In truth, that doesn’t even make sense in the human realm. Would you be appeased to see some other innocent man receive the punishment for killing your son? I wouldn’t. How incongruous and unjust the thought. In all the Old Testament sacrifices, we never see this kind of “punishment motif.” The sacrifices were never whipped, tortured, or cursed; they go meekly to a quick execution.

The second difficulty is that if God punished Jesus instead of Man, then He must have suffered everlasting death, for that is the sentence of Scripture for all who die in their sins – eternal separation from the Father. It doesn’t seem possible.

On the other hand, if Jesus’ death was the payment of another person’s debt, the enigma is more easily answered for a debt can be paid by capital obtained by another means. An example would be the king who offers high treasure, or maybe his own daughter, to the man who can overcome an enemy of his realm. The scenario which the Scriptures consistently present is God delivering up His own Son for us all (Rom 8:32). Mankind owed a great, unpayable debt to God and Jesus agreed to pay it.   

Rather than a punishment, I view Jesus’ death as the correct and full payment to release the debt of sin that was owing. Punishment does not factor into the equation. Again, forgiveness is never free. The suffering death of Christ was the cost that forgiveness required. And that’s why Gethsemane was such a terrible experience and should be seared into our minds – this is what it took to blot out the certificates of death written out against every man. But now His blood can wash away our sins so that they are not found. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift (2Cor 9:15). I feel so unworthy of it; nevertheless I rejoice that His mercy has reached down even to me.

Jesus’ death did prevent the wrath of God from falling upon the children of iniquity, and in that sense divine justice does enter the picture (1Thes 1:10). God cannot tolerate sin (see Eze 7:8-9; Rom 1:18) and His righteousness was upheld by Jesus’ death. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit (1Pet 3:18). Christ’s suffering opened the way into the Holy of Holies for every soul who has faith in Him; and so it pleased the Lord to bruise Him (Is 53:10).

Those who see the Atonement as Jesus appeasing the wrath of God by suffering the punishment that sinners deserved will often cite verses such as Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God (see also 1John 4:10). They take the word propitiation (hilasterion) to mean an appeasement, citing that usage in secular Greek writings. However, the Scriptures never use the word hilasterion in that sense. It is always used in connection with mercy, never with wrath.

In the Septuagint, hilasterion refers to the Mercy seat upon the Ark of the Covenant, which is a specific type of Christ. God said He would meet with man above the Mercy seat (Ex 25:22). Jesus is our hilasterion, our mercy seat, our propitiation (Ex 30:6). Instead of receiving God’s punishing wrath against sin, Jesus’ suffering was voluntary, righteous act that allowed God’s mercy to flow. He did not die as an appeasing sacrifice but as an atoning sacrifice, that is, through death He might deliver them subject to bondage (Heb 2:14-15).

We conclude that by His sacrifice, Jesus obtained the acceptable capital to forgive our debt (Mat 6:12). Yes, His death also kept the scales of God’s justice balanced in that He did not overlook sin, for He paid the cost of sin Himself by giving up His only begotten Son. The two estranged parties were reconciled by Jesus’ propitiation, which opened the gates of the Father’s mercy.

Eleazar becomes unclean

The typological detail of Eleazar becoming unclean by officiating at the Red Heifer sacrifice illustrates the work of Jesus in bearing our sins. This was not a simple declaration, but a real payment of the full debt of wrongs that our sin had incurred. He agreed to assume the cost that forgiveness required.   

Envision the somber scene of Eleazar leading the red heifer without the camp accompanied by Moses, Aaron and a few anonymous persons. One of these killed the heifer before the face of Eleazar and then it was burned to ashes. This corresponds to the sacrifice of Christ the perfect man. Eleazar sprinkled some of the heifer’s blood before the Tabernacle, washed his clothes and body, and then became unclean until the evening. This corresponds to the experience of Christ the Divine.

The implication is that Christ became unclean in effecting the Atonement. Can it be? Maybe I’m not understanding these verses as the Spirit intended, yet the idea is supported by other Scriptures. God hath made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us (2Cor 5:21). Christ was made a curse for us (Gal 3:13). The fact that forgiveness requires an in-kind reimbursement and bearing sins is a spiritual reality fits the physical picture of Jesus in agony of soul at Gethsemane.

The unique, dual nature of Christ pictured in the red heifer sacrifice agrees with the scene of divine suffering. While fully human as He walked on earth, Christ the immortal and almighty God exists infinitely outside of space and time. These are concepts beyond the grasp of our minds. Can such a Being even die?

To frankly answer the questions of these paragraphs would require us to step beyond the bounds of human reason and into the mystical realm of the Spiritual. For that reason the Scriptures describe the Atonement in earthly terms – He tasted death for every man (Heb 2:9); He bare our sins in His own body (1Pet 2:24). Christ being separated from the Father for even a human minute would be eternity in divine units of measure. And His one-time, single death is able to atone for the souls of an infinite number of men precisely because He is God and therefore of infinite worth.

Types and Details of the Red Heifer Sacrifice

Bring her forth without the camp. The Red Heifer sacrifice is the only sacrificial ceremony that took place entirely outside the camp. Even the blood was administered outside the camp, although sprinkled towards the tabernacle. This detail correlates with Jesus’ experience while on earth. Although a sincere and dedicated Jew, He clashed spectacularly with the deteriorated form of Judaism that existed in His day. He lived a life outside the camp of religious Israel and was subsequently put to death outside the walls of Jerusalem by religious Israel (Heb 13:11-12). His teachings, though true and unassailable, were too controversial for them to accept.

One shall slay her before his face. The Old Testament Scriptures frequently use the term “before the LORD,” or, “before His face,” to illustrate the all-seeing eyes and wisdom of God. Often the Law stated that the sacrifices were to be offered “before the Lord,” a fact which provides another hint that Eleazar represents the divine spirit of Christ (see Lev 1:3; Deut 25:2). The significance of the red heifer being slain “before the face of Eleazar” accents that he was in full knowledge and agreement with that event. Any man might slay the heifer, showing that while God did deliver up His Son, He was killed by wicked hands (Acts 2:23). The fact that the slayer is left un-named leaves the impression that all mankind is guilty of the death of the Son of God.

Eleazar shall sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle. The Old Testament worship system was nothing without the tabernacle (or its later expression, the Temple). The Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies represents the Tri-une God in His holy dwelling place of heaven. Sprinkling the blood seven times towards the tabernacle typifies the complete purification or taking away of sins (Pet 1:2; Heb 9:13; 10:22). The sacred sacrifice was first designated and consummated, and then it was presented to God who accepted it in Heaven (1Pet 3:18; Heb 7:27).

And one shall burn the heifer in his sight. Burning the entrails, skin, and dung of the sacrifice victim was normal, but here the entire animal was burned. This action represents the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice, for His body was completely offered (Heb 10:5). This is the only sacrifice in which the blood (what was left over from the sprinkling ceremony) was to be burned. Usually the blood was poured out at the base of the altar.

The priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. These three elements are closely connected to the day of Christ’s sacrifice, when they put on Him a scarlet robe (Mat 27:28) and crucified Him upon a cross of wood. Then, using a branch of hyssop (John 19:29), they gave Him to drink. While there may be typological meanings to each of these, the initial parallel is compelling. The same elements were also required in the ceremonial cleansing of a leper (Lev 14).

Cedar wood was noted for its beauty and longevity; it was the most noble and valuable of all woods. The Temple of Solomon was famous for its majestic, hand-hewn cedar beams and planks; it also had doors and paneling of fir and olive wood. By contrast, the structure and furnishings of the Tabernacle were made of shittim wood overlaid with gold. Interestingly, the New Testament does not use the word “wood” in connection to the cross; it is simply called xulon, a tree (Acts 5:30; 10:39; Gal 3:13; 1Pet 2:24). The same word Greek word is used in the Septuagint version of Numbers 19:6 (lit, “cedar tree”).

Scarlet was also used extensively in the Tabernacle, almost always accompanied by blue. In truth, the scarlet was a piece of wool dyed red (Heb 9:19). The dye was made from a particular worm that secretes a reddish fluid. Scarlet was used by wealthier families and by royalty, and that is why the soldiers put upon Jesus a scarlet robe and a crown of thorns to mock His claim to being the King of the Jews.

Hyssop is always mentioned in contexts of spiritual cleansing and the remission of sins (i.e. Ps 51:7). Hyssop was a lowly plant, for the Scriptures say that Solomon studied trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out from the wall (1Kings 4:33). It was used in several Old Testament ceremonies, including the Passover, the cleansing of lepers, and twice in the Red Heifer sacrifice (Ex 12:22; Lev 14). Hyssop was used as an applicator, or means of administering the blood and/or the water of separation, but in the ritual of cleansing the leper and in the burning of the red heifer it appears as a stand-alone element.

Taken together, these three elements speak of honor, value, royal pedigree and humility of service, all in connection with spiritual cleansing from sin. These were burned up with the heifer and the ashes collected would have contained their ashes as well. Jesus laid down His own desires and submitted to the will of the Father. There in Gethsemane He prayed, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Mat 25:39). The Apostle Paul writes, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (Php 2:8). Jesus himself said, The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mat 20:28).

Isaiah, although writing many years before the Cross, graphically describes Jesus’ self-denial and service: Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed…the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all…for the transgression of my people was He stricken…Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin…He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities…He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53).

Cedar, scarlet and hyssop. Gold, frankincense and myrrh.  These triplets bookend the Savior’s earthly life. At His birth, He received gifts fit for a Prince; at His death He gave the tithes of a perfect Sacrifice.

The Water of Separation

The sacrificial ceremony of the red heifer resulted in a store of sacred ashes endued with the power to cleanse an unclean person. Typologically this parallels the work of Jesus Christ, who gave His life on the cross of Calvary in devising a way that the souls of mankind could be washed clean of their sins. The next section describes the cleansing ritual – how the ashes were mixed in pure water and then sprinkled upon the unclean person for his purification. Note here however, that the ashes of the heifer speak of the multi-faceted work of Christ to develop the means and power whereby the stain of our sins can be forever washed away.

Ashes are an appropriate symbol to represent the cleansing, redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice, first because they speak of suffering and death, and second because ashes are virtually indestructible and long-lasting; they will neither rot nor decay.

The ashes were all that remained of the fire-consumed flesh, blood, entrails and dung of the heifer, as well as the burned residue of the wood, hyssop and scarlet. Jesus offered Himself completely – He gave His body to the executioners and poured out His soul unto death. It was a sacred, pure and holy sacrifice – able to save to the uttermost all who have His cleansing blood sprinkled upon them (Is 53:12; Heb 7:25). This is God sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sin (1John 4:10), which is simply another way of saying that Jesus bare our sins in His own body on the tree (1Pet 2:24), and that God hath made Him to be sin for us (2Cor 5:21). By His sacrificial death, Christ gained the power to cleanse our sin-stained souls and so make us acceptable to God, which is a truth beautifully typified by the water of separation sprinkled upon the unclean – it is a purification for sin (v9).

The two men who took care of the ashes became unclean until the even. In the Old Testament, a person became unclean by touching something unclean – in this case the ashes of the red heifer. The two men who cared for the body of Jesus also became unclean. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were rich, influential men who believed in Jesus, but they did not confess Him openly for fear of their countrymen. The injustice of Jesus’ death however, stirred their hearts to willingly do what the Law said was the most defiling of all actions, touching a dead body.

While all Judaism gathered with their families around the Passover lamb supper that night, Nicodemus and Joseph removed the bloodied body of Jesus from the cross and anointed it with myrrh and aloes. Then they wrapped it in linen and placed it in a new tomb. For this, they would become unclean for one week, during which they could not approach the Temple nor attend the festivities of that holy week of Unleavened Bread. Yet these two knew that something more important than the Feast of Unleavened Bread had taken place and that Someone greater than the Passover was present. Reverently they cared for the body of Christ. Today Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are remembered for doing at last what they should have done earlier, confessing that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Son of God.

It shall be kept for…a water of separation. The Hebrew word for separation (niddah) is found about 25 times in the Old Testament, and usually refers to the monthly period that a woman was to separate herself from the congregation on account of her uncleanness. On a handful of occasions, niddah is translated filthiness (2Chr 29:5) or uncleanness (Zech 13:1). It is an unusual word choice, for it implies that the water of separation, like the red heifer and its ashes, was somehow unclean.

Instead of the water of separation, some Bible versions call it, the water of cleansing (NIV), but that contradicts the meaning of niddah. Other versions translate, the water for impurity (NASB), and, the water of sprinkling (see LXX). However, rendering it “the water of separation” is doubly consistent, first to the normal usage of the word in the Scriptures and second to the context of this chapter, for not only did the men who cared for the ashes become unclean, but even the mediator became unclean by sprinkling the water of separation upon the unclean person.

The water of separation was an unclean water that made one clean. It is a detail without parallel in the many ceremonies and rituals of the Old Testament[5], yet it is vividly depicted in this passage. The water of separation was not a perfectly pure and holy water – it was a mixture of pure with uncleanness, and thus was to be kept in a clean place but without the camp.

So while the unclean person was made clean by receiving the water of separation, the one who applied it was made unclean until evening. Eleazar became unclean by observing the sacrifice and sprinkling its blood towards the tabernacle. The two men who gathered the ashes became unclean. In fact, any clean person who at any time came in contact with the water of separation became unclean (v21). All of these careful typological details strongly reinforce our earlier proposition that the Atonement hurt the Savior deeply in body, soul and spirit. His death was counted by God to be an unclean death; He was made a curse for us (Gal 3:13). His actions made us favorable in God’s eyes because He carried away our sins.

Compare the red heifer offering to the sin offering, which was a most holy sacrifice. Anyone or anything that would touch the flesh thereof shall be holy, and even if any of its blood would sprinkle a garment, it too would become holy (Lev 6:25-27). The typology of the sin offering is focused upon the power of Christ to take away sins, while the typology of the red heifer sacrifice speaks also of His identity and of the great cost that was required to attain that power.

Lay up (the ashes) without the camp in a clean place…for a statute forever. These ashes, so sacred that they were to be laid up by a clean man in a clean place yet so unclean that they made the clean man who touched them unclean, were profoundly holy and effective to entirely cleanse the defiled. The details demonstrate the deep and unfathomable nature of the Atonement, where actions and experiences in the physical realm are intertwined with activities and encounters in the spiritual realm. Jesus’ body was laid in a new tomb outside the camp of Israel, but it did not remain there for long. He rose victorious from the dead and now stands in a heavenly temple prepared to sprinkle the water of salvation on all those who come to Him (1Pet 1:2). For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Heb 7:26).

Purified the third day, cleansed the seventh day

An unclean person could only become clean by having the water of separation sprinkled upon him on the third day of his condition. The third day speaks of Jesus’ resurrection, and the sprinkling speaks of spiritual cleansing, which is one of the basic significations of baptism in the New Testament.

We said earlier that the two aspects of the Atonement parallel the two physical feats of Christ, and these verses agree by firmly linking the resurrection of Christ to spiritual cleansing – sprinkled on the third day but effectually cleansed on the seventh day. The resurrection of Christ is essential to man’s salvation, for while His death might atone for a man’s sins in life, without His victorious resurrection there is no hope of everlasting atonement. There is no power in a dead Savior. Paul emphatically writes, If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins (1Cor 15:17).

Another crucial link between purification and resurrection is plainly seen in Romans 4:25, [Jesus Christ] was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. In other words, man’s purification from sin is dependent upon the resurrection, because Christ, our ever-living High Priest, continues to daily intercede and purify those He has redeemed (Heb 4:14-16; 8:1-2). Yes, Jesus offered Himself just once as the perfect sacrifice of atonement, but He is alive forevermore and constantly at work in heaven on behalf of the saved. The following verses further demonstrate Christ’s ongoing work of atonement in mediating between God and Man:

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches; spiritual life is only possible by being connected to that living Vine which is constantly feeding us, sustaining us and cleansing us. The water of separation applied on the third day speaks of the Atonement of Christ sprinkled upon the sinner and the four-day wait to cleansing implies His continuing work of reconciliation and intercession (2Tim 1:12). See another beautiful picture of Christ interceding in heaven on behalf of the saints in Rev 8:1-5.

After applying the water of separation on the third day, the unclean person had to wait until the seventh day before he was declared clean. Only then was he able to enter again into the camp and congregation of Israel. This seems to pre-figure the final redemption and cleansing of the believer at the Great Consummation (Rev 6:9-11). Christians pass through this world as heirs of all, yet they have still not rece received the inheritance, that seventh day Sabbath rest that awaits the people of God (Heb 4:9). For every man, it is essential that the water of separation be applied on the third day in order to receive eternal cleansing. Ye must be born again, Jesus said. Only these will experience that purification which must wait for the day when God makes all things new.

Perhaps we can further relate the four days of waiting to the everlasting Gospel, for the end of this Age will usher in that heavenly rest where perfect, spotless purity will finally reign everywhere and forever. He is coming with the clouds, and His reward is with Him, to give every man according as his work shall be (Rev 22:12).

But if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean…that soul shall be cut off. The importance of being cleansed on the third day cannot be over-stressed, and two points come clearly into focus by this warning. First, there is just one way to be clean, which corresponds to the One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim 2:5), neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Second, we note the seriousness of the sinful condition as it relates to the final redemption of the body: flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (1Cor 15:50). This vile body must be changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body (Php 3:21), and the two-step procedure is clearly shown. Cleansing and purification must be applied for in this life, or the final redemption and heavenly rest will not be accomplished.

Whosoever…purifieth not himself…defileth the tabernacle of the Lord. Avoiding uncleanness in the days of the Law was a difficult and burdensome command, for the risk of defilement was ever-present. In fact, all of the laws of the Old Covenant were strict, exacting and uncompromising. They show that God requires full obedience!

Some say that in the New Covenant that is not so, and that Jesus’ obedience counts for our own obedience. Yet Jesus said, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven…Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Mat 5:20; 7:21).

Both the Law of Moses in the Old Testament and the Law of Christ in the New Testament emphatically teach that every man is responsible to approach Christ and petition for his own cleansing. The old Law said, He that…purifieth not himself…his uncleanness is yet upon him. The new Law agrees, for the apostle John saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, [standing] before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands…These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. While Jesus does sprinkle the unclean so he can be free of his sins, there are things the sinner must do in order to be fully and finally cleansed.

Applying the water of separation

As we noted at the beginning of this paper, the red heifer sacrifice contrasts the profusion of mankind’s sinful condition to the sinless perfection of the tri-une God. Anyone who touched a dead human body, either knowingly or innocently, became immediately unclean. And there was just one way to remedy that condition. This speaks of the need for a reconciling, reuniting action so that all-righteous and holy God can once again commune with Mankind that has corrupted his way.

This is the Atonement defined. We may struggle over the details, but the transcendental truth is that by the death and resurrection of Christ the Son, the state of Mankind has changed. Christ has opened up a way of salvation, a means whereby a man can be freed from Satan and have everlasting communion with God.     

The clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean. Here the atonement is made personal, as in the forgiveness of a man’s individual sins. It typifies Christ’s atoning sacrifice, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29), applied to me and to you. The atoning sacrifices under the Old Covenant could only cover a man’s sins, and constantly looked forward to the reality. However, the atoning sacrifice of Christ takes away a man’s sins.

Sprinkling was an important part of many Old Testament rituals, and is spiritually associated with purification. It also speaks of obedience and action, for although the blood of Christ has been properly produced and offered to all, unless it is appropriated by the sinner it is useless to him.

Mixing water with the ashes of the heifer and then applying it to the unclean by means of a branch of hyssop symbolizes the everlasting atonement provided by the sacrifice of Christ applied to the sinner who would be clean. The ashes are a token of the broken body of Christ offered for us, the water typifies the Word of God, and the hyssop is a symbol of the submission and self-sacrifice that must accompany true repentance.

The two parts, water and ashes, become one symbol in the water of separation. Water is a common symbol for the cleansing power of the Word of God (Eph 5:26), yet the sinner has an action to perform too. He must see his sinful condition by looking into the mirror of God’s Word and be washed (James 1:22-25). The water which flowed from Christ’s side at His death is a token of that ever-flowing cleansing fountain.

Instead of a little water mixed with ashes from time to time, Zechariah prophesied of a day when a never-ending and abundant fountain would be opened to the house of David for sin and uncleanness (here is that same, rarely-used word, niddah). This reflects the unceasing intercession of Christ with the constant work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer:  instructing, warning, comforting, guiding, revealing.    

The ashes, as we have said, speak of death and suffering. At communion we commemorate the death of Christ, but it is good to remember His whole work: His sinless, good and perfect life fully submitted to doing the will of the Father, yet deeply couched in suffering, shame and self-denial. Those physical indications surely have a corresponding reality in the invisible spiritual realm. Mixed together, they are the purification for our sin.

Perhaps the two aspects of the Atonement are typologically visible even in the present verses, for while the blood of the red heifer was sprinkled toward the tabernacle, the ashes of the heifer were used for purification. These two actions, while distinctly described, cannot be separated. They are like two sides of a single coin. Christ’s one payment that released mankind from His debt of sin also ransomed him from the power of Satan. His one sacrificial act effected deliverance and purification. This concisely expresses how Jesus’ death reconciled the estranged state of God and man.

The importance of cleansing

The one that refused to be cleansed was to be cut off from Israel. He hath defiled the sanctuary of the Lord by approaching it being unclean. Jesus is in heaven now, officiating as our intercessory High Priest before the Throne of God, but the one who refuses or neglects to keep himself clean brings shame to the sacrifice and church of God.

The sacrifice of Christ will not atone for a person who continues to live in sin, or to put it in Old Testament terms, there is no longer a hope for the man that shall be unclean. The phrase indicates that this is a person with full knowledge of his uncleanness and the prescribing manner of cleansing, yet decides to remain unclean. Hebrews 10:26 says, For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (NASB).

It shall be a perpetual statue unto them. Numbers 19 closes with a solemn statement that the water of separation was to be a continuing ordinance for the children of God under the Old Covenant, just as the cleansing blood of Christ remains a perpetual statue to the children of God under the New Covenant. And just as the actual water in the separation action under the OC would only be valid after exact conditions were met as detailed in the ashes of the heifer ceremony, so too the blood of Christ was only acceptable after exact conditions were met as He demonstrated in His perfect, sinless life. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:57).          

In conclusion, the red heifer sacrifice offers one of the clearest typological parallels to the Atonement of Christ to be found anywhere in the Scriptures. It portrays both the deity of Christ and His humanity, but it especially illustrates the human side of this One who would become the reconciliation between God and man. The red heifer sacrifice also elucidates the two great works of Christ in atoning for Mankind, as well as the two-step process of eternal redemption.

We close as we began: the power is the blood of Christ.

^[1] The Jewish Mishnah (written about A.D. 300) claims that there were nine Red Heifer sacrifices during the era of the Law (Parah 3.5), and that the ashes of this first heifer lasted until the time of Ezra. While it seems logical that the ashes would eventually require replenishment, the Old Testament never mentions another Red Heifer sacrifice.       

[2] In His special sign to Abram (see Gen 15), the Holy Spirit hid facets of Jesus’ sacrificial death. While that chapter deserves its own study, we note two parallels with the present topic. First, the horror of great darkness which Abram felt parallels the agony of soul which Christ endured in the Garden. Second, the deep sleep that fell upon Abram as the sun was going down parallels the death of Christ at the same time of day. This was earlier foreshadowed by Adam’s deep sleep (Gen 2:20) that gave birth to Eve (a symbol of the Church).

[3] The details of Abraham’s surprise night-battle against five kings to rescue the family of his nephew Lot from being carried into captivity seems to typify Jesus delivering the souls of sinners from Satan (see Genesis 14). 

^[4] Boettner expresses this view of the atonement: “Far from being the passive sufferer that He appeared to those who witnessed the crucifixion, He was upholding the pillars of the moral universe by rendering full satisfaction to divine justice. For as the sinner’s substitute and in his stead Jesus stood before the awful tribunal of God,–before the Judge who abhors sin and burns against it with inexpressible indignation. Justice severe and inexorable was meted out.” Boettner’s polished words draw an emotional picture that does not conform to the Scriptural one, for he implies that God in wrath directed His servants to punish Jesus. Moreover, one wonders at the paradox he has created – Jesus appearing to suffer passively while actually rendering full satisfaction to divine justice. It is much more consistent to see Jesus’ submission unto death as the perfect sacrifice to redeem Mankind. Viewing His physical suffering helps us understand His spiritual suffering, for the two correspond (instead of contrasting).       

[5] One event does contain a similar type of “the unclean making one clean.” When the children of Israel suffered from a plague of poisonous snakes, God provided an antidote by commanding Moses to put a serpent upon a tree. Any person who was bitten by the snakes would be made whole simply by looking at the brazen serpent. Satan is represented throughout the Scriptures by a snake (Gen 3:1). How does looking at the unclean make one clean? The typology is revealed in Hebrews 2:14, through death [Jesus destroyed] him that had the power of death, that is the devil. The event that made Mankind whole was the serpent defeated by Christ at the Cross.     

Abstract

This examination of the headship covering ordinance is framed upon a verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. The objective is to diligently and honestly seek the Spirit’s mind in giving this ordinance, and to consider the reasons the churches of Christ should not disregard it. While my primary purpose is to affirm this doctrine, a secondary aim is to consider the counter-arguments.

Four resources have particularly contributed to the material in this article. The first is a three-part sermon series on head coverings by Finny Kuruvilla, and the second is an essay by Bruce Terry entitled, “No Such Custom.” These two highly qualified scholars deserve to be heard on this subject because they were not raised in the Anabaptist tradition as I was. Third, E.H Skofield’s book, “Sunset of the Western Church” is an eye-opening resource. Finally, John Chrysostom’s 4^th century Homily XXVI on 1 Corinthians is well worth reading.

The historical record is clear that from the time of the Apostles down to the 20^th century, the standard practice in Christendom was for Christian women to wear some kind of head covering. Art and wall engravings show this from the very earliest times of the Church Age. Indeed, it was of such universal practice that the early church writers did not address the subject in depth, but simply acknowledged that women wore veilings as a standard rule. In Africa however, Tertullian wrote a book on the subject in the 2^nd century (On the Veiling of Virgins).

Nevertheless, this once commonly practiced Christian doctrine has become a flash-point of contention, not only in Christianity in general, but in Anabaptist circles that have known and kept this ordinance for centuries. It is imperative to return to the Word and honestly seek the truth of this matter, for the quality of a house cannot exceed the quality of its foundation. 

Introducing the author

A person’s beliefs and perspectives are largely shaped by his upbringing and life experiences. Then, we tend to filter our ideas through that particular frame of reference, or bias. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, because a writer without a firm belief on a subject usually lacks motivation and conviction in his writing. Nevertheless, one essential principle must over-ride an author’s personal bias and that is a keen commitment to seeking the whole truth of a matter – not just giving evidences for a pre-determined belief, but honestly looking for the real, accurate state of things.   

Unfortunately, Truth is not a measure that many writers use these days. They have already decided their “truth agenda,” and are only interested in shouting their proofs, no matter how speculative, capricious or illogical. But that is plain and simple propaganda. The true seeker, meanwhile, is not just interested in exploring the points for and against, but in getting to the bottom of the whole story, so to speak. This is ever-so important when taking in hand the infallible Word of God. It is dishonest to simply compile proofs without considering the counter arguments, or to take only those verses that support your ideas and ignore the ones that do not. Much deception and false teaching has sprung from that approach.  

My own formative years and prejudices were developed in the conservative Mennonite tradition. Although born and raised in Anabaptist churches, I have spent my entire life far from their famous centers. My first 20+ years, I lived in Missouri, Minnesota, Montana and Belize. Then I married a girl from Maryland and moved to a new church-plant in Idaho for the next 20 years. However, I apparently inherited my father’s aversion to staying very long at one place, because soon after our last son was born, we moved to southern Chile on another church-plant. We have lived in Patagonia for about 15 years now.

My life experience has been one of blessed positives. I grew up in a family with good parents who cared for us children. They were examples of integrity in everyday life, as well as supportive members in sincere, God-honoring churches. So I have no wounds or traumatic experiences. Not that I lived in a perfect world, but my life has been tremendously blessed. A wonderful wife and five children who continue to serve the Lord being the best of all. My ancestors go back centuries in the Anabaptist tradition and their testimonies of fervent zeal for the Truth have made it easier for me to believe in God, Faith, Tradition, Family and Church. So that is my bias.

The Corinthians’ question

(1Cor 11:1-2) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

The Apostle Paul wrote the epistle to the Corinthians in response to a letter they had sent asking him to clarify several church doctrines – eating meat offered to idols, marriage and singlehood, speaking in tongues, the resurrection, etc. Their letter has not survived, but chapter 11 is clearly dedicated to addressing two of their questions. The first part concerns the ordinance of the headship covering and the second part concerns the ordinance of communion.

Scholars have tried to reconstruct the wording of the church’s inquiry in order to better understand the Apostle’s answer. Perhaps it was something like, “Is it lawful for a Christian woman to go about unveiled?” Certainly, from the material of this passage it is reasonable to infer that some of the Christian women in Corinth were taking off their head-coverings, and thus their question. 

Yet, it is quite possible that the Corinthian’s inquiry actually concerned the men: “Should Christian men cover their heads when praying and prophesying?” For interestingly, both men and women in the Roman Empire during the 2^nd century were generally accustomed to wearing a head-covering for religious reasons (see page 20). Thus, the Bible’s injunction against head-coverings for men meant that they were much more affected by this ordinance than women in the early churches of Christ.

In today’s society, it’s the other way around. Women are more affected than men. Throughout this passage however, the Spirit gives the instruction to both men and women in alternating fashion – first the commandment for men and then the commandment for women. The ordinance is directed in equal measure to both.

Apparently only a few in Corinth were disregarding this doctrine. This we infer from the contrasting statements when the Apostle changes topics:  “Now I praise you, brethren, for keeping the ordinances (v2)…Now in what I am about to say unto you, I praise you not” (v17). They were better at keeping the ordinance of the covered/uncovered head than the ordinance of communion. 

The character of divine revelation

The Greek word for ordinance (paradosis) appears about a dozen times in the NT. It is sometimes translated tradition (Mark 7:3-13; Gal 1:14; Col 2:8; 2Thes 2:15; 2Thes 3:6). Obviously, the Apostles did not coin new words in writing the Bible, but used well-known ones that their readers would readily recognize. Those words might generate new connotations when used in Scripture contexts, but their basic meanings continue unchanged.

It is helpful to study the meanings and connotations of commonly used words in the Scriptures by comparing their usages elsewhere. The New Testament is the top source, for it was written in a short period of time and upon the same theme. The Septuagint, although written several centuries earlier, is also a good source to study Greek word meanings. In light of the above, ancient secular Greek writings are of much lesser value in studying New Testament words.   

Paradosis is used in the New Testament in three contexts:

In each of these contexts the meaning of paradosis is consistent – they are doctrines and teachings. Clearly, the teachings of Scripture (i.e. 1 Corinthians 11) concern the doctrines of the Christian faith, and that’s why the Apostle commends them for following the paradosis just as he had taught them. Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you (Rom 6:17).

The sober weight of the paradosis of the Faith is evident in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition (paradosis) which ye received of us. This is a serious order, given in the force of Christ’s own name, to not even associate with those who do not live according to the paradosis of the Apostles. Stand fast, and hold the traditions (paradosis) which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle (2Thes 2:15).

The doctrines of Christ were received by the Apostles either by divine revelation or verbal teaching (Acts 1:3; Gal 1:12) and then delivered (Greek –paradidomi) unto the churches. This is the verb form of paradosis, and means “to surrender, yield up, entrust.” Later Paul says: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered (paradidomi) unto you (1Cor 11:23; 15:3). And, If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord (1Cor 14:37). This is the consistent testimony of the Apostles concerning their epistles to the churches.

Therefore, the words of the Apostle are substantially rooted in the authority of Christ Himself: “I praise you for keeping the ordinances (paradosis) just as I delivered (paradidomi) them to you.” And it implies that someone has brought from afar this set of teachings for the churches of Christ. The Apostles “received” the Gospel from the Spirit of Christ and “carried” it unto the far reaches of the world, where they “delivered” it to the churches of the Kingdom. The doctrines of Christ did not originate in Corinth, they were delivered to Corinth. What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1Cor 4:7).

Many of the doctrines of Christianity do not come naturally to the human mind, that is, they cannot be derived by simple mental exercise. They come from an external source and must be taught (Rom 10:14). Yes, there is a nucleus of truths that is pre-installed in the human conscience – don’t lie, steal or kill, for instance – but most doctrines of the Faith need to be delivered to the human mind by a messenger party. The Scriptures are the divine revelation of Christ and were delivered to us for that purpose.

The natural mind cannot receive the things of God; to him they are foolishness because they must be spiritually discerned (1Cor 2:14). This is true of the ordinance of the Christian woman’s covering. The cultures of the world think it is foolishness. They cannot understand. In studying the Word however, the spiritual mind is able to see the beautiful purposes of God in this doctrine. It comes from external, divine source and falls logical and kind upon hearts attuned to the Spirit of God. This we hope to show.

The church in Corinth had forgotten/neglected some of the doctrines of Christ that Paul and taught them, so the Apostle sent them this letter and also Timothy, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church (1Cor 4:17).

The Apostle Paul took this responsibility very seriously, saying: “I am appointed a steward of the mysteries of God and I exercise that duty as faithfully and honestly as I can, for I know that I will be judged by Him” (1Cor 4:1-4). So Paul was very careful to teach only what he had received and always advised if he had no direct word from the Lord on a matter (see 1Cor 7:6, 10, 12, 25). He makes no such advertisement anywhere in chapter eleven. Instead, he portrays this commandment as having its origin in the mind of God at the Creation of the world.

The doctrines of the New Testament are authenticated anew in chapter fifteen. Moreover, brethren, I declare (again) unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received (1Cor 15:1-3). Paul did not advance his own ideas, but the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ. He accepted this calling as a sober duty (1Cor 9:16).

The seven ordinances of the Christian Faith

The New Testament commands the churches of Christ to observe several rituals that do not directly derive from that great Law of Christ, “Love God and thy brother also.” Every righteous principle in the Bible can be traced to a foundation upon the universal law of Love (Mat 22:37-40). The ordinances however, are not part of this divine set of principles. Instead, they are simple physical rites or practices that are intended to remind us of those principles. The Old Testament had hundreds of ordinances that illustrated spiritual truths, but for the New Testament, Christ instituted just a few important ones. They are:

Each ordinance is found in the New Testament in command form, yet many churches have not taught and kept them. Often they remain in the church’s theological catalog, but are ignored in practice or “updated” to fit more comfortably in contemporary cultural norms and ideas. Even Baptism and Communion have suffered great loss of esteem. Some think they are optional. The call has become more urgent: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle (2Thes 2:15).

While the Old Covenant prescribed the exact steps for observing the ordinances of the Law, the New Testament is strikingly silent on the precise details of its ordinances. The mode of Baptism for instance, is not expressly described. Water poured on the head? The whole body immersed? Surely the Spirit purposely omitted those details so that the deeper meanings would not be forgotten by focusing on the physical, for the final purpose of keeping the ordinances is to live according to their underlying principles. While important to perform, the simple action of water upon the physical body is not the end of matter, but the deeper, spiritual action of cleansing the soul.

The ordinances are not simply physical analogies to remind us of spiritual truths. They are packed with layers of faith-building significations and they open the doors of God’s blessing and grace (ie John 13:17). The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper for instance, has five meanings. First, it is a thanksgiving memorial of the work of Jesus Christ in redeeming mankind from their sins (1Cor 11:23-25). Second, it is a personal re-commitment to lay down one’s will to do God’s will and to bear sufferings as Christ did (Mat 26:42; Php 3:10). Third, it is a periodic moment for each Christian to re-examine his life to be sure that no sins have crept in (1Cor 11:27-30). Fourth, it is a sober, close fellowship of the Head with the local Body, of receiving from Him the spiritual bread that endures unto eternal life (1Cor 10:16-21; John 6:35). And fifth, it remembers and announces the imminent return of the Lord for His own (1Cor 11:26). These truths are beautifully framed in the simple ceremony of the entire church body partaking together of the emblems of bread and the fruit of the vine.

The same is true of Baptism, Marriage, Feetwashing and the rest. Accordingly, the ordinance of the headship covering teaches three essential truths for God’s people. The present study returns again and again to these three foundational truths.

• Authority and submission is the first principle taught by the ordinance of the headship veiling. God is a God of order and structure. Time and the universe follow the laws that He ordained in the beginning, both in the physical and spiritual realms. God made Mankind in His own image, but different – He created them male and female. He gave the male a job to do and created him with the unique traits he would need for that work. He gave the female a job to do also, and created her with the unique traits she would need for that work. While the true Church rejoices in those beautiful differences, the World wants to erase them. It teaches that the woman is of little value in her femininity; she needs to become manly. The man, meanwhile, must not act in his authority, for the woman is his equal in authority. The headship veiling helps the people of God to remember that is not how God ordained it.
• Humility and meekness is the second principle that the woman’s covered head and the man’s uncovered head teaches. Humility is the first and most basic attitude of the Christian faith. Salvation begins with a person humbling himself to petition Christ for mercy. The first three Beatitudes have to do with humility. The glory of God is perfect in every sense, but the glory of Mankind is fallen and corrupted with pride. He must humble himself to be glorified. The woman is a unique symbol of Mankinds’s glory; she is the higher glory of the species. Since Mankind’s glory must be covered, so too should the woman be veiled. The opposite pole reveals the same scene, for while humility is at the very root of true religion, pride is at the root of all sin. To take my own way in life is PRIDE, to think that my mind’s reasoning is right above all others is PRIDE; to follow my own private interpretation of God’s word is PRIDE; to ignore the authorities in my life is PRIDE. The symbolism of the covered/uncovered head teaches these principles of humility, meekness and submission.
• Modesty is the third principle of the Christian woman’s veiling. God ordained that His people lead a modest, pure, peaceable life. Since He created us in His own image, it is incumbent upon us to dress and live honorably, modestly, soberly, and as befits all humble, submissive subjects of the Great King. It is a principle true for all in the church, but especially for women, because in this passage, she presents to the world particular characteristics of the God who was made flesh, Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of living in purity, modesty and submission. Modesty is choosing to glorify God instead of drawing attention to self. It is developing moral integrity and beauty of character. Modesty cares about the internal part of man and not the external.

These three principles are desperately lacking in present-day churches of Christ! Authority is scorned and rebellion is celebrated. To submit is to be weak. Humility and meekness are absolutely forgotten in the mad rush to glorify self and name. And modesty? In many churches, there is virtually no difference between the ideas and practices of the culture and the members of the church. If there was ever a time that this ordinance is needed, it is now.

The same chapter that teaches one the most popular ordinances (Communion) also teaches the least popular (the Headship Veiling). God instituted the Communion ordinance to help us remember some important things. Couldn’t we remember them without doing the commandment? Perhaps, but that is not ours to question. Instead, let us read the Word of God as a child who listens and believes what his father says and is eager to learn from him. Maybe not understanding every detail, but accepting it anyway and doing it.

How important is it to God that we keep His ordinances? After all, we’ve just said that they are not part of the Love Commandment; they’re basically just physical types of spiritual truths. I wonder how Moses would answer that question. The meekest man who ever lived failed to obey God in one small detail and was punished severely. He was denied the privilege of leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land. No, he didn’t break one of the Ten Commandments, nor did he infringe one of the Laws of God for that matter. He just did not follow His instructions carefully enough – he struck the rock when God had told him to speak to it. Perhaps Moses never knew the seriousness of his sin, but by striking the rock, he marred a type of Christ (1Cor 10:4; Num 20:11-12), for he had already struck the Rock on an earlier occasion (Ex 17:6) and Christ was smitten only once.

Breaking an ordinance or type is no small disobedience because it ruins a designed witness to the Truth of God’s Word. Again, He is a God of order and structure. To act or live contrary to His ordained designs is to destroy a testimony that would speak to seeking souls, but now they will never see it – all because God’s people were not careful to follow the pattern He has shown to us (Heb 8:5).

The seriousness of this kind of insubordination is seen in the very chapter under study. Many in Corinth were weak and sickly on account of participating in the ordinance of Communion unworthily. Some were even asleep (1Cor 11:27:31). They were spiritually harmed by not keeping the ordinance just as it had been delivered to them.

The Scriptures contain many such examples, like the death angel which passed through Egypt. He looked for a simple physical sign from each Israelite family – blood on the upper and two side posts of the door. To disobey the commandment meant certain death for the firstborn. Remember also the many laws of uncleanness. The man that refused to purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation (Num 19:20). Jesus usually requested a physical sign of those who asked Him for healing. May God’s people take warning.

We deprive ourselves of blessing if we take the ordinances to be simple tests of obedience. No! They carry spiritual weight and power in some sense, not as “good religious charms” but as reasons for God to grace the people of His fold. He is looking for men and women whose hearts are set on Him. To honor His ordinances is to demonstrate allegiance to Him, and these are the people He rejoices to bless.

Consider the example of the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement. Several centuries after Christ, the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper were completely corrupted by that false prophet, the Roman Catholic Church. Repent and be baptized was changed to baptism of infants, and the Lord’s Supper became a wafer handed out at Sunday mass that supposedly changed into the literal body of Christ. It is no surprise that the visible church’s dive into false teaching and wickedness paralleled its neglect of these ordinances, for only by keeping the ordinances just as they were delivered are their meanings and power preserved.

Consequently, when the Anabaptists in 1525 joined together for the first known believer’s baptism service in 1000 years, the doors of heaven’s grace were opened. The supernatural power of that movement was so potent and successful that it was exceeded only by the evangelism of the Twelve Apostles. The new church exploded on the scene in Europe and grew exponentially in spite of heavy persecution.

We believe that if society is to recover the frightful ground that has been lost in regards to male and female roles, sex, gender and marriage, then the churches of Christ must return to keeping God’s ordinance just as it was delivered.    

The continuing importance of the Headship Veiling

Finny Kuruvilla remembered a cartoon of two mechanics standing in a airport hangar – not the brightest of specimens, with smudged jackets, tools protruding here and there. They’re looking down at the floor as one says, “That’s funny, I wonder where that bolt came from.” And behind them, up in the air, a passenger jet is falling to the ground in two pieces.

It’s just a comic, but it begs the question, “What is the most important piece in an airplane?” Why, it’s that piece lying on the ground in the hanger! Only a bolt, but suddenly the success of the whole flight depends upon that piece. Maybe you won’t agree with me here, but I see the airplane of Christianity falling out of the sky. Denominations that used to believe in the authority of Scripture and holiness in life have fallen far from those truths. Shocking, wicked ideas are being promoted over church pulpits; shameful acts and lifestyles are permitted to flourish even in their church members. A hundred years ago, the most radical professor of psychology could not have predicted what is accepted and promoted in many churches today.

What happened?

I propose that an important bolt was ignored back on the hangar floor – this very ordinance of the woman’s veiling and its underlying principles of submission to authority, humbleness of mind and a life of modesty. The long slide began in earnest when churches began to ignore the veiling of women. That first step of disobedience led to another step: abandoning modesty. Women began wearing clothes that showed off their bodies and then took off their clothes in even more shameful exposure. Of course, that led quickly to step three: fornication and adultery entered the churches and essentially wrecked the family by divorce and remarriage. Then came step four: feminists took to the streets to demand gender equality and women’s rights. Many churches, already compromised by the foregoing steps, actually embraced their false doctrine. And that led directly to step five: the perversions of pornography, homosexuality, open immorality and gay marriage. Step six went horrifying further:  the deviant gender identity movement, men claiming to be women and women acting like men, even surgically changing their body parts to further their wickedness. What can possibly be next?

If you think it a stretch to throw the blame for this slide into Gomorrah on churches for neglecting to teach the veiling of women, then consider the overwhelming case study of the Anabaptists and like-minded group that never stopped following this ordinance. Their churches are not struggling with these problems of divorce, homosexuality, immodest dress, radical feminism, sex changes and the like. The bolt is still in place and the airplane is still in flight. Yes, we too are feeling the effects and influences of a wicked society and our churches are not perfect either, but we do not have this slate of deeply wicked, aberrant actions that have always brought the judgment of God upon such people.

Churches and Christians take heart. You’re doing the right thing by “keeping the ordinance just as Paul delivered it.” Don’t listen to the voices of modern Christianity that constantly say, “My, my, what an obsolete, quaint practice! Why don’t you stop following those old ‘traditions’ and join us in the 21^st century?”

Hear this: the commandments of God not only work, they are for our benefit and blessing. Embrace them! Rejoice in them! They are God’s all-wise, perfect design. Let’s be like David. O how I love Thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies… I have more understanding than all my teachers…I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts…How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps 119:97-105). David savored the Word, he loved the Law and rejoiced to do its commandments. How much more should we love to do the new Law of Christ.

Studies show that only about 10% of Christian children follow the faith of their parents. Anabaptist churches have a much better percentage. I don’t say it for self-glorification, but to recognize the tremendous blessing that we enjoy on account of the faithfulness of our forefathers. Yes, there are bad examples in Anabaptism, but Truth is impervious to the flow of time and not conditioned upon human acceptance or rejection. It is still truth, even when nobody does it or believes it.  

The problem is our common human tendency to justify beliefs and actions even in the face of insurmountable facts to the contrary. Think of the evolutionists, the feminists, the politicians and a host of other humanities. Christians are not immune! We want so much to believe a certain way, or believe that something is true, that we ignore good common sense. Suddenly we profess to believe what is impossible, or very unlikely.

You’re playing an important game and the ball falls on the line – everyone on your team is convinced it was in; everyone on the other side is sure that it was out. All want so desperately to have the truth be in their favor that good judgment flies out the window. The person who wishes very much for something to be true, will say and believe anything to “make it true.” For him, the truth of the case is already decided; all that remains is to argue for his side. This is a grave danger when reading the Bible.

There are three basic lines of argument against the ordinance of the woman’s head covering:

We will address each of these arguments in the appropriate place within this article. The favorite of liberal scholars is the first argument, that the veiling of women and the uncovered head of men was just an ancient cultural tradition unbinding to Christians. In effect, they read it: “Now, I praise you, brethren, for keeping the traditions of the culture there in Corinth.” The Apostle says no such thing. “I praise you brethren for keeping the traditions just as I delivered them to you.” Paul was a stranger in Corinth. He brought the tradition that he had received from Christ to be delivered to His churches. They were not his ideas, but the commandments of the Lord.  

God’s ordained “chain of command”

(11:3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God

The first purpose for the uncovered head among the brethren and covered heads among the sisters in the brotherhood of believers is to remind them of the chain of authority that God designed from the very beginning (for this we call it, “The Headship Veiling”). God is the head of Christ, who is the head of Man, who is the head of Woman. Each brother or sister publicly displays his/her allegiance to Christ and His Kingdom by obeying His particular commandment for him/her.

In the beginning, God made Man after His own image and likeness – male and female created He them (Gen 1:27). To each He gave specific, individual duties and then equipped them with the particular natural capacities that would help them fulfill their tasks. He charged the Man to be the spiritual and physical leader, but set the woman’s highest responsibility to raise children for the Lord. We will return to discuss these roles later, but here at the outset of the ordinance it is fitting to note that the chief function of the Headship Veiling is to act as an outward sign that one understands and accepts God’s headship and role for him/her.

Unfortunately, the culture is vehemently opposed. The very idea of “headship” has been angrily shouted down with epithets of “women’s equality.” The culture teaches its followers to hate authority and headship because it is oppressive and unjust. Equality meanwhile, is fair and free. But let’s get real. The liberals’ idea of “equality” is a myth. It does not, cannot exist. There will always be a hierarchal order in society – whether spoken or unspoken. And that’s a good thing, for we are not all equal at every point. Society is improved by utilizing individual talents and strengths. To deny that is absurd and injurious.

Headship is a bad word only on account of society’s skewed ideas, for true equality is measured in spiritual worth. In that consideration, men and women are no different. Male and female will not exist in heaven. Worth and headship are separate concepts, but the world has conflated them into one “bad” belief. Clearly though, a police officer and an ordinary citizen are of equal worth, yet the policeman has more authority.  

As Christians, we must remember that headship authority is God’s good design. The powers that be are ordained by God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God (Rom 13:1-2). Authority and submission are integral parts of God’s Creation. It is no surprise, then, that the Devil teaches the world’s culture to reject authority and sneer at submission. Women in particular are taught to be immodest instead of discreet, to be promiscuous instead of chaste, to live for self instead of being keepers at home, to be bad instead of good, and to be rebellious instead of obedient to their own husbands (see Titus 2:5). The culture categorically rejects that women be in subjection to their own husbands (1Pet 3:1). The woman stands on her own authority, the world says.   

Please hear this: all authority is contingent upon submission to a higher authority. With only a handful of exceptions, every person’s authority is ratified by upward submission. Even the authority and power of Christ came after He submitted to the will of the Father. Amazingly, God used a Roman centurion to teach us this truth. Jesus was on His way to heal this man’s servant when he sent Him a message, Lord, trouble not thyself…but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, He marveled (Luke 7:1-10).

This centurion understood that Jesus’ authority came because He was Himself under authority. I also am a man set under authority. He saw the power of Christ and knew automatically that Jesus was a person submissive and obedient to His authority figure. Power is directly linked to submission; authority is a result of accepting and submitting to your authority above. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels (v10). It is a principle true in all of life and a very important one at that, whether in the home, church, government or work force. Power grows at the same rate that a person submits to the authorities in his/her life.

Brothers and sisters, you receive the power of Christ by humbling yourself and submitting to the authority that God has asked of you. If you do not obey and will not submit, then you have chosen the camp of that wicked one and his demons that also rebelled against God. Power does exist outside of submission, but its basis will always be outside of God’s authority. And that is rebellion.    

Years ago, I had a leadership role in a manufacturing company and met daily with department heads under my responsibility. However, I was constantly observing the workers under them, watching how they responded to problems, and evaluating their attitudes and work habits. Why? To know who was ready to move up. While I was young and inexperienced in those days, I soon learned that people who were good submitters were also good leaders and that non-submissive people made terrible bosses. Sometimes workers would complain, “Why was he promoted and not me? I have more experience, I’m better educated, etc.” The simple fact is that know-it-all, non-submissive attitudes are production killers. The person who shines at submitting to his authorities is the person who will shine in a position of authority. 

The symbolism of Head and Body

The Scripture compares the headship principle as it concerns the man and woman to the authority structure of Christ and God. Nobody has a problem with the authority of the Father over the Son, yet many have a huge problem with the head of the woman (being) the man. This blindness of thought is a result of thinking with the natural mind instead of spiritually. Remember, the ordinances were brought from an external source and delivered to the churches of Christ. They do not simply fall into the human mind by rational thought because the natural mind will not accept spiritual things (1Cor 2:12).  

John Chrysostom was impressed by the symbols that the Holy Spirit chose to illustrate the authority principle in Mankind – not a master/servant or king/subject relationship, but the head and body. This imagery highlights union, for the physical body cannot exist without a head, nor can the head exist without a body. Which is exactly what the Apostle says in verse 11, Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. The head and body work together, they have the same goals and purpose. They don’t compete with each other, they don’t envy each other, they don’t fight against each other; they are one body (1Cor 12:12).

Moreover, the head and body being one organism agrees with Jesus’ description of the husband and wife: They twain shall be one flesh (Mark 10:8). That is a beautiful picture. Yes, there is a head above, but without the heart, legs and arms, it’s not going to accomplish anything. Nor are those arms and legs of any use without a head. The husband and wife are joined in a symbiotic relationship. They are interdependent, one body.

So the one who chafes at the idea that man is the head of woman has a flawed concept of God and Christ, for these are parallel relationships. Jesus said, “I and My Father are One…but my Father is greater than Me” (John 10:30; 14:28). There is no competition, no jealousy, no power struggles in the Trinity. Indeed, Mankind has no better example of headship than the intimate communion of Christ and the Father, in which loving authority and peaceful submission stand out respectively as the highest goals for Man and Woman. Like God and Christ, the husband and wife work in loving, respectful harmony of purpose.

The husband should exercise leadership according to God’s high example of wisdom and preferential love. And just as God has highly exalted Christ and given Him a name above all names, the wife who honors her husband and is submissive to his leadership cannot fail to be elevated to his highest position of love and appreciation. For this husband, leadership is a sacred responsibility; and for this wife, submission is an honorable vocation. They are equally important positions that God ordained for equally meaningful blessings. To do His good will is not a burdensome chore, it is our joy and pleasure (Ps 16:11).

Interestingly, the Scriptures do not list the order of authority from top to bottom as we would expect – God the head of Christ, Christ the head of Man, Man the head of Woman. Instead, they are given in duplet form: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

This little sketch illustrates two key truths. First, it reminds us that Christ has a head too, so submission cannot be a bad word. Yet, God and Christ are so equal in our minds that we have difficulty separating their levels of authority. The same is true with Man and Woman; they are similarly equals, just as God with Christ. Second, it reminds Mankind of their responsibilities. The man is to point the world to God by leading in wisdom and goodness, just as God with Christ. And the woman is to point the world to Christ by peaceful submission, just as Christ with God.

God has charged the Church to preach the truth of His Word, and He has ordained that the man and woman become one to present Him to the world. Otherwise, the witness is incomplete. The woman represents certain attributes of God, while the man represents other attributes. Put together, they offer one, cohesive testimony of the Truth. We must portray these divine mysteries of God so that the world may come to know Him. We must present His attractive image, the beauties of His attributes and the marvels of His grace. The doctrine of the women’s head veiling harmonizes within this mandate.

I believe a key reason that many women are angry with the idea of man being their head is that they instinctively react to this as a 100%-0% arrangement. The man is 100% ruler and the woman submits 100% control to him. This is not consistent with the symbolism of the head/body union, nor does it agree with the example of Christ submitting to the Father (i.e. Mat 26:39). If you want percentages, think of it as a 51-49% arrangement.

The husband and wife should work together in making decisions, using their individual, complementary strengths. The man’s brain tends to focus on the facts, while a woman tends to consider the emotional effects. So when they listen to each other in discussing a topic, they are much more likely to end up with a better, balanced view of the issue. Nevertheless, God has appointed the man to be the leader and he will be held responsible for their mutual decisions.

The culture of the world, and sadly many churches, will not learn the good order of God for Mankind and they are suffering the bitter fruits of disobedience. Nations are in turmoil, families in chaos; human relationships are an iniquitous mix of perversions. Men don’t act in loving authority and women don’t act in peaceful submission. They both do as they please. The Church of Christ cannot prosper with members like these. However, many churches will not even broach the topic of headship because it results in immediate finger-pointing and argument. The human instinct to be the top dog is very strong. Who wants to play second fiddle?

This is the very attitude that Jesus tried to purge from the minds of His disciples, saying to them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister (Mark 10:42-43). It is another one of those concepts that will never come naturally to the mind. It needs to be taught by divine revelation and it requires a dramatic decision to ignore the voices of the culture. Do you want to become great in the eyes of God? Become a servant, which, by the way, is the object of the ordinance of Feetwashing.

The Husband and Wife relationship in practice

The greatest passage on the husband/wife relationship is Ephesians 5:22-28, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Similar to 1 Corinthians 11, the imagery is head and body, and the headship principle is again portrayed in duplet form. However, a new symbolism is added which will only increase the significance of the headship veiling. The duplets are, the husband is the head of the wife and Christ is the head of the Church. The parallels are strong. Christ serves as man’s example in life – just as Christ gave His life for His bride, doing what was best for her in spite of great personal suffering, so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. Likewise the Church is the woman’s example. As the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. The Church is called to be a spotless, glorious virgin dedicated to Christ, so also the wife to her husband.

Our sketch requires an update, which I formulate in the following manner:  

But thou, o man of God…follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1Tim 6:11). If you are a man of God, cherish the woman that He has entrusted to you. Lead and care for her in committed, sacrificial love as Christ caring for the Church, knowing that she is God’s own child. The bar of excellence is impossibly high! Nobody can love as much as Christ; nevertheless, He is the example you are to follow as you present God to the world. The modest veil of your wife is a reminder that she is your responsibility – to love, even unto death.

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands (1Pet 3:1). Allow him to be the leader as God designed, while you choose to be the help meet for him that He created (Gen 2:18). Wives are to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands (Titus 2:4-5). These are similar characteristics of the sanctified, unblemished and glorious Church.

This fact bears repeating: Christ also had to surrender His preferred will in order to work the will of His Head (Mark 14:36), yet in that act of humble submission, He gained His highest honor and glory. Submission is the divine antecedent to authority and power.

Husbands, remember that your wife wants to be loved and appreciated for her voluntary sacrifice. And wives, remember that your husband wants to be loved and respected for his leadership of love. This means, husbands, that your leadership should be of such quality that she genuinely delights to love you. And wives, your submission should be of such quality that he too rejoices to love you. The husband and wife that join together in mutual love and appreciation form a unit of strength, a shining testimony of hope in a broken world.

Sisters, I admit to certain sympathy for your situation. Your eyes and ears don’t lie; we husbands are quite less than perfect and even a little dumb sometimes. The fact is that men suffer from a gradual, debilitating hearing disease. “Hubby, can you empty the trash bin? It’s overflowing again.” He makes no sign that he has heard a word. It’s really sad! But enough of the funny excuses. The tough fact is that Christ’s lot in life was to submit to God who is perfect, all-wise and all-understanding, but wives are called to submit to a man that is none of these.  

Nevertheless, I’ve read all the passages and the Scriptures nowhere endorse a case for the wife to act contrary to her husband. Even if he’s wrong (and we husbands are known for that), there is no exception clause. As the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing (Eph 5:24). The one concession is in Colossians 3:18, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. She should not agree to act against clear principles of God’s Word.

However, remember sisters, that God knows all and sees all. He knows your life, your heart, your difficulties and stresses. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance and situation you will encounter. Back in the Garden, God informed the woman of her life-hardship:  He shall rule over thee. But in the same breath, He gave her a blessing:  Thy desire shall be to thy husband. At that moment, God installed in woman the desire to marry and love her husband. It is not a tremendous sacrifice for her, even knowing that she is going to be “ruled over,” because God created her to feel most useful and fulfilled when serving in her home. And that’s a blessing.

The same is true for the man. God informed him of his life-hardship:  “Work! In the sweat of thy face…till thou return unto the ground.” Yet, at the same time, He installed in man the sense of feeling most useful and fulfilled in providing for his wife and protecting her, in laboring for the family. Husband and wife, together in different hardships, but equally blessed in doing them. The world wants to overturn this noble design.

The righteous Judge of all the earth knows every detail. In the day that rewards are handed out, He will evaluate how faithfully each one has performed in the part that He has given to them. So we cannot afford to look at others, nor compare our situations with theirs. Each one of us should be dedicated fully to what He has asked of us individually.

Husband, your wife is a daughter of God and He gave her to you to love and cherish. He is watching how you treat her. Father-in-laws are notoriously interested in such things. Love your wives even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Why did Jesus lay down His life for her? Because He wanted her to love Him in return. And that’s how a man gains the love and respect of his wife – sacrificial actions, sound decisions and compassionate words of life.  

What if the husband doesn’t sacrifice himself for his wife? The Bible says that she has the power to change him. Ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the Word, they also may without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives (1Pet 3:1; Titus 2:4-5). Later we will look more closely at the woman’s sacred influence and prayer, for they are gems of great power.

The Spirit closes the doctrine on the husband and wife relationship in 1Peter 3:1-7 with these words:  Being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Men and women have different roles, but they are equal heirs of the grace of life. They are heirs together – again the picture of unity. Yet, if they fail to live according to the Word’s instructions, their prayers will be hindered.   

The commandment in brief

(v4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. (v5) But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

The heart of this doctrine is simplicity itself: the covered head of the woman and the uncovered head of the man proclaim the order of authority that God ordained at the beginning. The man/woman who keeps this ordinance is honoring his/her head, while the one who does not keep this ordinance is dishonoring his/her head. By following the commandment, each is committing themselves to God’s design for man and woman to be in submission to their respective authority, and to live in humility and modesty before Him.

Whose head is being dishonored – one’s own literal head, or his/her authority head? If the former, then only the individual is affected by the dishonorable act, but if the latter, the man is dishonoring Christ by covering his head while the woman is dishonoring her husband by not covering her head. Nevertheless, the question ends with the same answer under both options:  God is the one being dishonored when either man or woman disobey the ordinance, He is the one who commanded it.

While the principles of headship are especially important in the marriage relationship, the terms ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ do not appear in this passage. However, the Greek word aner could be translated either ‘man’ or ‘husband,’ and gune means both ‘woman’ and ‘wife.’ One must infer the writer’s intent from the context. Tertullian takes great pains to show that the terms, every woman and every man must be taken as inclusive subject heads, that is, every woman stands for all married women, widows and virgins, just as every man stands for all married men, widowers and virgins. If Paul had meant only married women, or only widows, or only virgins, or any two of the three, he would have made that distinction as he did in chapter seven (see “On the Veiling of Virgins,” ca A.D. 200). Virtually all English translations have rendered the words ‘man’ and woman.’

Thus, this ordinance is far more than just a sign of a wife’s submission to her husband. The covered/uncovered head is for both married and unmarried persons. All people, men and women have authority figures in their lives. Likewise, all Christians, married or unmarried, are called to a life of humility and modesty. Who is the head of the unmarried, the widows and young virgins? The Apostle does not say, but see chapter seven. Bruce Terry writes, “In this case, a woman’s head may well be a father, brother, or son, as is often the case in eastern countries” (“No Such Custom,” pg 3).

The man shows his submission to Christ by keeping his head uncovered, while the woman shows submission to her head by keeping her head covered. These actions are quite contrary to the natural instincts of worldly men and women. The natural woman wishes to display her glory and be admired for it. She wishes to be unveiled. The natural man, meanwhile, receives greater honor by wearing something on his head; to go bare-headed is to go unrecognized. Thus, the Jewish priests wore bonnets and the high priest wore a mitre (Lev 8:13; Ex 28:4); kings wore crowns and Olympic winners received wreaths. Even today, Catholic popes and cardinals are identified by their own special headgear, and the Jewish men wear the kippah. The policeman puts on his special hat, along with each member of the armed forces. Yet Christ taught that church leaders should not elevate themselves. The man’s uncovered head is a consistent action within this principle.

A quick google – “when did women stop wearing veils” – returned this top response: “The church saw a change in the 1950s and 1960s with the sexual revolution. Radical feminists encouraged women to stop wearing their veils, which they thought were a sign of subjugation.” How sad. Churches gave in to the Devil’s clamoring crowd. They took that next step and now they are reaping the terrible fruits. Make no mistake, the primary reason that churches are struggling in this area is because of the tremendous leaps of wickedness that Satan has provoked in the modern-day culture that has bled into many churches. Unless a church is radically committed to following the commandments of Scripture, it cannot survive in today’s social climate. The headship veiling is God’s tool to help us.

Unfortunately, the authority of the Bible is rapidly losing ground in the very temples of God. The Feminist movement, Intellectualism and Socialism have worked their poisonous influence in the Christian population. The Scriptures are now subject to further review by self-appointed Bible “commentators.” Consider this quote from former president Jimmy Carter, well-known for his Christian faith: “I find it difficult to question Holy Scripture but I admit that I do have trouble with Paul sometimes, especially when he says that woman’s place is with her husband and that she should keep quiet and cover her head in church. I just can’t go along with that” (Time Magazine. https://time.com/vault/issue/1976-05-10/page/28/). It is a shockingly arrogant statement, by which Mr. Carter informs the world that he knows better than the Apostle Paul about God’s will for Mankind.

Praying and prophesying

It is commonly thought that to prophesy is to predict the future, but that is not exactly true. God sent the prophets of old to communicate His will to the children of Israel and to warn them of the consequences if they disobeyed. Often that included foretelling future events, but the greater purpose of prophesying was to teach and preach. This primary function of prophesy continues true in the New Testament. Paul writes, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort (1Cor 14:3), and he says, the gift of prophecy is above all the other gifts (14:1).

Praying or prophesying. Finny Kuruvilla explains that this phrase is probably intended as a merism, which is a language idiom that refers to the whole by naming two of its separate parts. An example of a merism is: “He looked high and low for the missing key,” meaning that he looked everywhere. Merisms are common in the Bible. David said that he cried out to God day and night – by that we understand that he prayed without ceasing. God made the “heaven and the earth” – the whole universe. The cherubim covered their feet and their faces in the presence of God – meaning that they honored God with their whole beings, from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet.

The appearance of these terms, praying and prophesying, is surely not coincidental. They are two crucial actions which refer to the whole of Christian service. Surely the Apostle did not intend to restrict the ordinance to these two actions only. How about singing and testifying? How about serving the saints and helping the weak? How about teaching and listening to the Word? Praying embodies vertical worship; prophesying encompasses horizontal service.

Some try to make the phrase, praying or prophesying, refer strictly to the worship service. They say that the Apostle is teaching that the veiling be worn only during church. Their argument is easily falsified by advancing a few pages to where Paul speaks directly on the subject of prophesying in the church congregation. He says, For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted…Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church (1Cor 14:31-34).

Sisters are not permitted to prophesy in the church service, the Apostle says; it is shameful for them to speak in church. Clearly then, he is not talking about the assembly when saying that women should prophesy with covered heads. To allege that this ordinance only applies to the worship service forces a blatant contradiction upon these chapters. Hear this: there is not one hint that this passage concerns the Christian assembly apart from the general reference to praying and prophesying, which obviously takes place outside of the church service also. People are reading into the text what is not there; looking for ways to make that ball land on their side of the line. The Apostle’s arguments are based upon the general roles of men and women which God has ordained from the Creation, not the worship service.

Now, that Christian women do pray and prophesy (and sing, teach, testify, etc) goes without argument. Moreover, their God-ordained domain is very important:  first, their own children and family, then with other Christian women, young people and children, but also in the world of unbelievers. They cover their heads in order to be empowered with the authority of Christ Himself. In contrast to Judaism, Christian women assemble to worship with the men. They sing, pray and listen to the teaching of the Word. Yet, God’s ordained authority structure does not allow for a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man (1Tim 2:11-15).

So the ordinance of the covered/uncovered head is not intended for the church service alone. It’s for all those times that Christians pray and prophesy, which is to say, “all the day long.” Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1Pet 3:15). Pray without ceasing (1Thes 5:17). Be instant in season and out of season (2Tim 4:2). We live in communion with Christ every moment of the day. Obviously, the headship principle continues beyond the walls of the church building, where the roles of male and female continue. All of the significations for this ordinance are important in everyday life – submission, humility and modesty. They cannot be limited to the worship service alone.   

These arguments are very strong, to which we add the following considerations. The Christian woman’s veil is also a sign to angels, apparently for identification and protection. Surely that is an important reason to wear it outside of the church building. And finally, observe the textual flow of this chapter. The Apostle begins in verse two, “Now I praise you, brethren, that you keep the ordinances.” But in verse 17 he changes tone and topic, “Now in this that follows, I praise you not; for you come together not for the better, but for the worse.” By this he advises that he is about to talk about the church service, and consequently begins to refer to the assembly in his dictation (v17, 18, 20, 33, 34).

What about the customs of the day?

We noted earlier that a commonly used argument against the veiling of Christian women is that the Apostle Paul was simply applauding the Corinthian church for upholding a wise custom of the day (see page 9). There are several variations to this approach, but they all fail dramatically at the very outset. Paul never mentions cultural mores as a reason for the veiling of women, but speaks expressly of spiritual significance based upon God’s design from the beginning of the world. Would Baptism become optional if it were discovered to have been a social/religious custom of that day? Of course not. The Scriptures have given it significance beyond any local or happenstance tradition.  

Nevertheless, for the sake of thoroughness let us consider the customs of that day, for some Bible commentators have cluttered their ideas of this passage with doubtful assertions, such that it was a law that all Jewish women be veiled in public (Clarke) or that only prostitutes went about unveiled (Barnes), etc. Some cite the Jewish Talmud (written several centuries after Christ) and some are just repeating the conjectures of others with no corroborating facts.

In truth, the customs of Paul’s day were not monolithic among the varied cultures, in which Greeks, Romans and Jews intermingled. It seems that women generally wore veils in public, although there was no hard rule. Jewish women were more likely to wear veils, while Gentile women were less likely. Men were also used to wearing something on the head for religious, social and civil reasons. The Pontifex Maximus is a famous statue of Caesar Augustus that shows him veiled at a sacrifice (see also, “When Men Wore Veils to Worship” by Richard Oster). The men of that day were more affected by this Christian ordinance than the women.

Bruce Terry has compiled an impressive list of early sources. He writes: “By way of summary, it may be noted that in the first century among the Romans, both men and women worshiped with the head covered; among the Greeks, both men and women worshiped with the head uncovered; and among the Jews, men covered their heads and women uncovered theirs when they worshiped. Thus Paul is introducing a new Christian tradition, which he grounds, not in the social customs of his day, but in theological arguments” (No Such Custom).

Thus, attempts to dismiss this ordinance by saying the covered head of women and uncovered head of men was simply a cultural norm of that day, or a custom of the people in Corinth, are faced with the severe problem of having the facts pointing in the opposite direction. None of the cultures were accustomed to men uncovering the head and women covering the head. Instead, it was the commonly-taught practice of the churches of God (1Cor 11:16).

Nevertheless, since women (among the Greeks at least) did worship in heathen temples unveiled and since immorality was an accepted part of idol worship, some scholars have put forth the notion that removing one’s veiling was imitating idol worship. So, they say, Paul established the woman’s veiling in order to make sure that Christian women worshipping in church would not look like unveiled prostitutes in heathen temples. Since idol worship is not a concern in our day, they dismiss the headship veiling entirely. Why then, we ask, doesn’t the text mention prostitutes or temple worship? Their idea is firmly based on thin conjecture.

A related posture is that Corinthian prostitutes were shaven. Paul wished the Corinthian women to be veiled so that the two groups would not be confused. Again, there is absolutely no ancient support for such an idea. Rather, the Apostle states three times that this epistle teaches the same doctrines that he taught in all the churches (1Cor 11:16; 4:17; 7:17).  

Another flimsy argument used to reject this ordinance is that it implies men should not wear hats. Clearly though, the uncovered head portrays a spiritual truth by using a particular object of spiritual consequence (a veil in the case of sisters). So the man who wears a hat as protection from the elements is not violating the commandment any more than a worldly woman is keeping the commandment by happening to have her head covered by reason of fashion or weather. And by the way, I personally know men who do not wear hats, even for bad weather, to keep this ordinance in all good conscience.

The cultural argument is further disproved by verse 10, where the Apostle says that the woman should wear a covering because of the angels – not because of the culture. We will explore that interesting theme later on. Finally, to propose that this passage is “cultural” opens up a Pandora’s Box of speculation concerning which New Testament verses are cultural and which are authoritative. No, the Holy Scriptures are written for God’s people for all eternity. Although heaven and earth pass away, God’s Word will endure forever. 

Symbolism of the Covered/Uncovered head

(v6) For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

In many cultures, Judaism included, for a woman to uncover or shave the head would be a dramatic indication that something is wrong. Under the Law for instance, a woman accused of adultery was to be brought before the priest, who would uncover her head and require her to drink a bitter water that would make her sick if she was guilty (see Num 5). Another example is found in Isaiah 47, which prophesies the ruination of Babylon under the imagery of a princess who is forced to sit in the dust and grind meal with her hair uncovered (LXX – “remove thy veil, uncover thy white hairs”).

According to the doctrine of these verses, if a woman doesn’t want to cover her head, then she should shave off her hair. Her defenders say, “But that would be shameful to her!” The Apostle responds, “Ok, fine. Let her be covered then.”

Bruce Terry writes, “he says, ‘let her cover her head,’ or as it may also be translated to bring out the significance of the present tense of the verb: ‘let her keep covering herself.’ In Greek this verb as well as the previous ‘let her shear herself’ are in the third person imperative mood. These are commands which are conditional based on the if statements that precede them. But they are interlocked in such a way that Paul is saying ‘either do one or the other’” (No Such Custom, page 4).

Verse six also completely wrecks the idea that the woman’s hair is her prayer veiling (see 1Cor 11:15). Observe the logical error:  If the woman be not covered, that is, she has no hair, then let her also be shorn. How is she to cut off her hair if she doesn’t have any? Equally illogical is the thought of a man trying to put his hair back on after praying. Clearly this passage contemplates an article of clothing which may be put on or taken off. It’s quite simple, Paul says. “If a woman refuses to cover herself with a veil, then let her be shorn.”

The act of covering carries a weight of symbolism in the Scriptures. The coverings of the tabernacle were carefully designed by God to portray deep symbolic meanings beyond serving as protections from the weather. The very first act of covering in the Bible is also instructive. Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened to their nakedness and they tried to cover their shame by making fig leaf aprons. They instinctively knew that their fallen glory needed to be covered. Another example are the seraphim, who cover their face and feet, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory (Isa 6:2). They cover their own glory, in all modesty and humility, in the presence of God’s overwhelming glory.

The example of Lucifer proves the contrasting symbolism, for while he was originally created to be the covering cherub (Eze 28:16), Satan lifted up his heart in pride against God and renounced humility, submission and modesty (Eze 28:17). The man or woman who refuses to follow Christ’s pattern is following the Devil’s pattern, and the ordinance of the covered/uncovered head fits the analogy. On the other hand, the man who keeps his head uncovered in obedience to God stands in contrast to Lucifer, who took off his covering in rebellion against God

The Scriptures liken Jesus’ earthly body to a veil (Heb 10:20). His human flesh served as a covering for His true glory and honor. There is no greater testimony of humility, submission and modesty than the life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Sisters, rejoice in this, that God has given to you the privilege of demonstrating the attributes of that God who humbled Himself and became a servant. Made in the likeness of men, He covered His divine glory and was obedient to the Father even unto death.  

Interestingly, God in the Old Testament told Moses to make bonnets for the Jewish priests for glory and for beauty (Ex 28:40), but in the New Testament He told Paul to teach in the churches that men were not to cover their heads. It is far from the only covenantal change. See Matthew 5 for several other dramatic changes for the people of Christ’s New Covenant.

The symbolism of this new “uncovering” is revelation (cover – kalupto, revelation – apo-kalupto), for until the opening of the New Covenant, the glory of Christ was hidden, but after His resurrection the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…is now made manifest (Rom 16:25-26).

To demonstrate this new revelation, God tore the veil of the temple in two at Jesus’ death, revealing the secrets of the Holy of Holies to common eyes (Mat 27:51). While Moses had to cover his face to hide the glory of his countenance from the Old Covenant people, we can now with open face behold the glory of the Lord (2Cor 3:7-18).

The veiling and Christian modesty

The ordinance of the woman’s veiling is not simply putting on a piece of cloth in the morning. John Chrysostom wrote, “But I fear lest having assumed the dress, yet in their deeds some of our women should be found immodest and in other ways uncovered….For if one ought not to have the head bare, but everywhere to carry about the token of authority [the veiling], much more is it becoming to exhibit the same in our deeds.”  Keeping the physical ordinance is validated by living according to its principles. The weightier matter is to live the principle, but do not think to leave undone the lesser, physical part (see Mat 23:23). The headship veiling helps the whole church to better walk in the Way, for it reminds us of our allegiance to those foundational principles of Christ – humility, submission and modesty – which are so opposite the world’s values.

In the Old Testament, God required numerous physical reminders of His people. One was the blue ribband rule for all their garments. Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue…that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: that ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God (Num 15:38-40). This simple custom was ordained to remind the Israelites that they were a peculiar people set apart by God and that they were to do all His commandments. It was just one of many rituals, rules, festivals, customs, laws and ceremonies in that Covenant which governed every aspect of life.

The New Covenant however is focused upon purity of heart and soul and has just a few ordinances. It is cause to stop and ponder. Surely the new ordinances were carefully selected. We are sobered by those who have been lost into the world because their parents thought the headship veiling ordinance was unimportant. To disregard the wisdom of the Scriptures is flat-out foolishness, no matter how “wise” the intellectual man who teaches otherwise. Blessed is the servant who, when his Lord returns, is found so doing what he had been told (Mat 24:46). What, could you not watch with Me one hour? Could you not do even the few rules I asked? 

It goes without saying that the veiling of sisters is consistent with modest attire and chaste behavior. The Scriptures ask that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh women professing godliness with good works (1Tim 2:9-10). Tertullian wrote, “For nothing is to Him dearer than humility; nothing more acceptable than modesty; nothing more offensive than “glory” and the study of men-pleasing” (On the Veiling of Virgins, pg 328). Young women (are) to be sober…discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good (Tit 2:4-5).

Of course, modesty is not just for the women. Aged men (are to) be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience (Tit 2:2). In leaving his head uncovered, the man is demonstrating modesty in a different way, for refusing to wear any symbol of recognition is choosing meekness and modesty. Speaking to the whole church, the Apostle Peter said, Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (1Pet 5:5). The woman’s veiling is an appropriate article of modest dress. 

The principle of modesty is taught throughout the Bible, but the exact details of practice are not. Certainly it is a matter with some latitude in regard to the conscience of the individual. However, the conscience must be correctly adjusted to match the principles in the Word of God. The bounds of modesty have been far overpassed in modern day Christianity, such that the conscience can no longer correctly discern what God considers to be modest and immodest. If one does not continuously exercise the spiritual senses, they become dull and unable to rightly discern good and evil (Heb 5:12-14).

While the Scriptures do not give every detail, they do present what God considers to be modest. The first example of modest dress took place at the beginning, when God made for Adam and Eve coats (Greek – chiton) of skin, and clothed them (Gen 3:21). This provides a good idea of what God judges to be a modestly covered human body, for the fig-leaf aprons they had made were not sufficient (Gen 3:7). The chiton was a garment that covered the body from the shoulders down to feet. Examples are Joseph’s chiton of many colors and Jesus’ seamless chiton (John 19:23) which was apparently modeled after the high priest’s holy linen chiton (Lev 16:4).

The coats of skin that God made for Adam and Eve teach that our bodies, men and women, should be modestly covered. Nature itself teaches it, and by “nature” we mean God, who created Man’s nature.  Our clothing choices should correspond with the principles of modesty, humility and holiness.

Of course, an important aspect of modesty is the manner and materials employed. To cover the body with ostentatious, expensive clothing is neither humble nor modest. Not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array…but with modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety (1Tim 2:9; 1Pet 3:3). This rule is consistent with the description of God’s people in the New Testament (Eph 5:27; 1Pet 2:9).

Modesty applies to men also, for God made Adam a coat along with Eve. The church that regulates the principles of modesty differently for men and women presents a disconsonant picture of God’s creation. How clashing to see a modestly dressed and veiled young lady walking down the street with a boy wearing designer jeans and a tee shirt with a picture emblazoned upon it. Young man, the Scriptures teach that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:12).

Modesty, humility, submission – these are in the sight of God of great price (1Pet 3:1-5). They are the ornaments of inner beauty which characterize the true saints in the churches of the Kingdom, for they suppress pride, excess and self-centeredness. Satan has directly opposed these three jewels. Instead of power through submission, he sows chaos through rebellion. Instead of humility, he sows pride and arrogance. And instead of modesty and shamefacedness, he sows vainglory and brazenness.

Man and Woman at the Creation

(v7-9) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

The principles of headship are based on God’s design at the beginning of the world, when He created man in His own image…male and female created He them (Gen 1:27). First, He formed Adam from the dust of the ground and put him in the Garden of Eden, warning him to not eat from the two forbidden trees (Gen 2:7-17). Then God made the animals and Adam named each one, but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. Adam saw that the animals came in pairs, but he was alone. The Bible says that God put Adam to sleep and took out one of his ribs, from which he made a woman and Adam was content. The picture is that the man was created to honor and glorify God, but when he felt incomplete and alone, God made Eve because Adam needed her (1Cor 11:9).

Someone has observed that God did not take the woman from Adam’s feet as if to tread upon her, neither from his head as if to be superior to her, but from his side – that part of his body closest to his heart – to cherish and serve as his dear companion. He did not create Eve exactly like Adam, but with slight physical and emotional differences that would suit her best, for everything that God created was designed to purpose. Yet in a profound way, the man and the woman belong together. They are one, for each completes what the other lacks. The term “mankind” cannot be contemplated unless both the man and woman are present, just as a padlock without a key is useless.

At the base of Satan’s wickedness is an exorbitant desire to distort, corrupt and destroy God’s creation so that it no longer performs its purpose. This is the focus of the great struggle between good and evil that began with Satan deceiving Eve. He is constantly working to discredit God, to mock Him and to tarnish His Holy Name. If he corrupts Mankind, who are made in God’s own image and likeness, he comes closest to mocking God Himself.

How logical then, that men and women look and behave in ways that honor the One they were created to resemble. The Christian’s body is not his own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. When men and women live as God designed, we honor and glorify Him; but to disregard the roles of male and female determined by God is to assist Satan in his constant endeavor to corrupt and destroy God’s created order and purpose. Imagine someone using a lawn mower to trim his trees – awkward, and with undesirable results. Like everything else, men and women work best when they apply their efforts in doing the things that they were designed to do.

The Great Design of Life

God designed the universe with a perfect eye for organization and detail. It is an amazing, synchronized display of living art. Our human eyes are awed at the intricate, inter-connected beauties of life, from the large animals to the microscopic world. Concerning the spiritual realm though, we have just the barest of ideas. Without doubt, it is equally amazing. The Bible speaks of principalities, powers, archangels, seraphim, cherubim, messenger angels, etc. They are without number (Rev 5:11). Then there is the celestial world of galaxies, constellations, stars and planets. The universe is an awesome testimony to the absolute knowledge and power of God’s mind. He thought it and then spoke it into existence.  

We really don’t understand Mankind’s location in this (apparently) infinite spectrum of Creation, but we are sobered to see that man and woman have been placed at the very center of it. This incomprehensible universe was created and put into motion for the glory of God – a mind-boggling synchronization of animate and inanimate characters which ingenuously intermingle in a constant series of acts and plays. In all this marvel, men and women are the only heirs of salvation and seemingly the only living beings that were created in God’s own likeness and image.

From the very beginning in Genesis and unto the Apocalypse, the Scriptures show that male and female are sacred, distinct genders to be esteemed in all honor and integrity. One of the many Old Testament laws that demonstrate this was the prohibition of men to wear a woman’s clothes and vice versa; all that do so are abomination unto the Lord (Deut 22:5). God created the male and female to glorify Him within His design parameters, and the Scriptures everywhere celebrate true masculinity and femininity as separate, equally essential and honorable vocations that shall not be mixed.

To paraphrase John Chrysostom,  “If a man or woman does not abide within his/her own parameters and laws ordained by God, but thinks rather to mount up to the glory of the other, he/she falls from his/her proper honor. The woman who goes beyond unto the man decreases in honor.” The uncovered head of the man and the covered head of the woman are reasonable aspects in the separation of the genders, for it matches nature’s (i.e. God’s) blessing the woman with long hair. 

Finny Kuruvilla proposes two mottos (which I have modified slightly) for the man and woman in this grand production of Life that God has created. For the man the motto is “Loving Authority” and for the woman it is, “Peaceful Submission.” The Father and the Son are perfect examples of these mottos. The Father loves the Son without measure. His authority is nothing but pure love in actions of benevolence, compassion and wisdom.

Christ, meanwhile, is the embodiment of peaceful submission. He willingly accepted His role, even when it was difficult for Him. Ponder His words, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt (Mark 14:36). Now that is serious submission. It took a little struggle to yield, but in the end, He was at peace with it. When a man or woman grasps the significance of his/her role, the hardships of life suddenly take on new purpose and meaning. 

Woman, the glory of Mankind

According to Genesis 1:27, the male and female were both created in the image and likeness of God, which means they were given the capacity to learn and comprehend, think and analyze, deliberate and choose. These aspects make them unique in the creation of God. What does Paul mean then, by separating the man from the woman? For, he says, a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man (v7). I perceive two substances to the Apostle’s words.

First, he is giving the order of creation as the next verses explain. God made Adam and approved of His creation. But the man needed a companion and so God made him an help meet. The animals could provide Adam a certain friendship, but none of them could be his help meet. When Adam saw Eve, he waxed eloquent, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man (Gen 2:23). As if to say, “Finally! This one is mine. She is my treasure, my glory, for she was taken out of me.”

Second, the Woman is truly the glory of Mankind. In the animal kingdom, with only rare exceptions, the male is the most colorful and beautiful of the species, while the female is plain and drab. Not so with God’s highest creation. He made the man with rough skin and beard; his features are coarse and his voice is gruff. But the woman He formed with artistic hand. Eve was His last creative act, and He formed a masterpiece. She is elegantly made and graceful; her features are designed for beauty and charm; her skin is soft and smooth, the lines of her eyes, brows and lashes are delicately drawn, her hair is long, thick and flowing.   

In all truth, the woman is the glory of the species and unique in the creation of God, being the mother of all living (Gen 3:20). There is nothing so human as being born of a woman. Consider this, even the angelic realm lacks a female being. It is entirely appropriate then that the woman be called the glory of the man, for she is the glory of the human species. Yet, as we have pointed out, the glory of Mankind is badly tarnished and tainted by sin. Mankind is a fallen creature, filled with pride and bent to rebellion and sin. His ‘glory’ cannot be allowed to shine. Therefore shall the man stand bareheaded before God and the woman cover her head.

The man and the woman are made in the image of God and have the same spiritual privileges and values before Him. They reflect the perfect design of God; not in parallel, but male and female together as one image – the man in his masculinity and the woman in her femininity, each representing their respective aspects of God according to His mind and workmanship. Not as interchangeable parts, but two specially created pieces that dovetail in one spire for the world to see and believe in the God of heaven and earth (John 17:21).

No wonder the Devil has worked so diligently to destroy the image of God as portrayed in the husband/wife relationship. Recently, he has taken the battle to new levels, trying to erase even the obvious differences of male and female, and so stain the creative hand of God. The man is stronger of body, taller and built for long hours of hard labor to provide for the family. His mind operates like a machine, slowly calculating the numbers and analyzing the options. The woman is beautiful, delicate and designed for working in the home and raising children for the Lord. Her mind operates more like a high-speed interpreter of issues and events.

True masculinity and femininity join to form one finely-tuned machine, perfectly designed as to function and fulfillment. The husband and wife experience joys and multiply happiness together. They comfort one another in sorrows and help each other in the duties of life. The culture is working to change people’s minds and turn God’s plan upside down. Let us make sure that it does not succeed.

Male and female are one in Christ

While the headship principle is not new to the New Testament (ex: Num 30:1-7), Christ did restore the Woman to her rightful, honorable place in the New Covenant. All of the ancient cultures until Christ treated women as virtual articles of possession. Being the weaker vessel, they could not defend themselves and so were often sold into slavery or otherwise mistreated. Even in Judaism, husbands could divorce their wives or marry more than one woman at a time, while wives did not have reciprocal rights. Women were not permitted to enter into the temple, nor could they give testimony before a judge. Christ and the Apostles dramatically changed the order of things.

During His ministry, Jesus associated often with women and gave them equal honor in God’s sight. He commended several women for their great faith. In His first, great Sermon, Jesus decreed the end to the Old Testament practices of divorce and polygamy. Even the Apostles were astonished that Christ completely forbade husbands to put away their wives (see Mat 19:10). What’s more, Jesus chose several women to be the first witnesses of His resurrection. Those were only the first colossal changes to the tenets of Judaism concerning men and women.   

The Apostle Paul, delivering to the churches exactly what he had received from Christ, pronounced these earthshaking words in Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Those were new, brave words. And Peter, speaking by the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, assured the people that God had foretold these days through the prophet Joel: I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy …And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).

The Old Testament does not contain one instance of the Spirit coming upon a woman, and just once does it mention that a woman prophesied. Of course, the Spirit only rarely came upon men under the Old Covenant, and just because there is no record does not mean that He never appeared to women. Nevertheless, this doctrine was new and without precedent. Maybe some in Corinth were unsure how far this spiritual equality extended.

Biblical Femininity versus Cultural Feminism

If “peaceful submission” is the Christian woman’s motto, then her inspiration is “voluntary sacrifice,” which is the crown jewel of Biblical femininity. The Godly wife gives up her rights, privileges and freedom, and then she gives her body to bear children. Feminism meanwhile, is shouting: “Women! Fight for your rights. Do what YOU want with your body. YOU decide the future. Say ‘no’ to child-bearing and ‘yes’ to abortion.” Today, even many Christians are quick to discuss feminism but cannot think of anything to say when someone mentions “femininity.”

The Bible is ardently clear: femininity is a precious jewel in the eyes of God. And why not? Those very characteristics we associated with femininity in the previous paragraph are exactly what Christ did for us. He gave up His rights, His privileges and His time to come down and walk the dirty streets of Judea. And yes, He gave up His body too. Jesus Christ is the epitome of voluntary sacrifice. Godly women are but following His steps. The beauty of femininity is that it is content to accept what God offers, which happens to be an absolutely unique honor and essential function in the trajectory of Life.

The virtuous woman who lives in voluntary sacrifice will, without a shadow of doubt, receive blessings in double measure. First, in the praises of her husband and children, and second in the smiling favor of God on that day when He sits down to make up the jewels in His Kingdom (Mal 3:17). Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies (Pro 31:10).

By covering her head with a veil the woman is saying, “I accept the position that God is offering to me. I accept the image that God wants me to show to the world. I volunteer to sacrifice my rights and privileges in favor of doing His calling.” The Proverbs say more about this woman:  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her…She will do him good all the days of her life (Pro 31:11-12). Seeing her sacrifice motivates him to do his part.  

On the other hand, a woman who dresses and behaves like a man defiles nature. Likewise any man who grooms himself as a woman. It is a disturbing distortion of God’s order in Creation. A long-haired man is as shameful as a short-haired woman. In today’s North American culture however, the natural division of the sexes is being rejected more and more. Feminism and homosexuality have turned the world’s fashions and norms upside down.

Today, women who dress provocatively and decide not to marry so they can work in a career are applauded. Likewise those who divorce their husbands for any and every cause and carry on as lesbians. Never has the need for a godly feminine witness been so great. Some cultures are even denying the idea that the woman is beautiful and valuable as a female. To them, any argument is already lost. They have been deceived into thinking the woman’s only value is achieved by living the man’s role. Unfortunately, these awful ideas are creeping into the churches and hindering Christian women from following their God-given mandate.

The feminist movement is promoting the very lies of Satan, saying that the only way women can be valuable is to be like men. Instead of rejoicing in their unique abilities and beauties, women are pushed to do the role of a man. And that’s because feminism believes that femininity is inferior to masculinity. Yet, the Word of God exalts both in equal measure.  

Because of the Angels

(v10) For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

The Apostle has explained the authority case of man and woman and has detailed the ordinance. Now he says why. It’s because of the angels. The Scriptures speak of a vast, inscrutable realm of good and evil angels that surround us on all sides as they battle over the souls of men (Rev 12:9; Mat 25:41). For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12). The war is final and mortal – the Devil and his demons fight evilly with the deadly poison of sin while God’s protecting ministers of fire help the saints to overcome these wicked ones (Heb 1:7, 14).

The hosts of the angelic realm cannot be seen by human eyes and are only dimly understood by our finite minds. Apparently created on (or before) day four of the Creation week (Job 38:6-7), the angels are remarkable spirit-beings of very high intelligence. They have supernatural powers and are described as beautiful, immortal creatures capable of emotion, mobility, freedom of choice and communication. Some men are tempted to worship them (Col 2:18; Gal 1:8).

On the other hand, angels do not marry and have offspring (Mat 22:30; Luke 20:34-36). They are not heirs of salvation (Heb 1:14) – meaning that the son of God did not become an angel to atone for their sins. Nevertheless, heaven is filled with these beautiful, holy beings (Rev 5:11; Dan 7:9-10). There are seraphim, cherubim, archangels, messengers and protectors. They are deeply interested in God’s plan unfolding upon the earth (1Pet 1:12) and are in constant action, ministering in the spiritual realm concerning the things of God in perfect accordance to His will. When the angels are not working, they are singing and praising the Lamb (Rev 7:11-12).

However, not all the angels are good. Satan was originally created as the chief angel in God’s service, the anointed cherub that covereth (Eze 28:14). Because of his surpassing beauty and wisdom, Satan’s heart was lifted up in pride and so was cast out of God’s presence (Eze 28:11-19). A large portion of the lesser angels were deceived by Satan and left their proper estate (Rev 12:3-4; Jude 6). Therefore God has appointed them a place in the bottomless pit (2Pet 2:4). Apparently then, the angels do have the ability of choice, or at least they did at one time. The good angels will live in heaven with the saints and the bad angels will be tormented in hell along with all wicked men.

There are many remarkable passages that show the power of angels over the natural realm of mankind, from the single Destroyer who killed all the firstborn of Egypt in one night (Ex 12:23), to the chariots of fire who protected Elisha and his servant (2Kings 6:15-17) and the angelic army of Ezekiel 9. One of my favorites is Hebrews 12:1-2, which paints the scene of a tremendous stadium in which a race is taking place. The runners are the earth-bound saints of God, but the spectators are the heavenly cloud of witnesses – angelic beings and those heirs of salvation who have already gained the victory. They are watching us, cheering us on, helping as much as they are able while we run the race set before us.  

The woman (ought) to have power on her head because of the angels. The simple truth of this verse is that the woman who covers her head receives a power that she would otherwise not have. Her veiled head gives her authority in the spiritual world of the angels, good and bad, who recognize her as a woman living in God’s ordained order. She is identified by her veiling, that power on her head. It is no small advantage to have the angels of God at your side! The husband is benefitted by this power, the family is strengthened, the brotherhood reinforced – and the Church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of truth is fortified.

The angelic realm observes the solemn order of the church body, in which the brethren live according to God’s ordained plan for them and the sisters also. In a remarkable passage which should be read in its entirety to appreciate its significance, the Apostle Paul says, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3:10). In all obedience and chastity, the Church of God shows herself to the heavenly powers of good and evil. The principalities of the spiritual realm learn the manifold wisdom of God by the Bride’s faithful, modest service to her betrothed. This mystery that was kept hidden from the beginning of time is the eternal purpose of God (Eph 3:9-11). The ordinance of the covered/uncovered head is a striking feature of this manifestation.  

Children are constantly protected by angels of God in the heavenly realm (Matt 18:10), why not women? Both are physically vulnerable, which is what we infer from the beginning phrase of this verse. For this cause – it means we need to backtrack to read about the cause. The previous verses refer to the Creation account in Genesis, where the woman was formed as the beautiful and delicate glory of mankind in contrast to the powerful physique of the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head. She ought to have the help of angels to offset her disadvantage in the physical world. It is no wonder then, to hear the many stories of veiled sisters being supernaturally protected from imminent threat of evil actions against them.

The veiling identifies her to angelic eyes. Then be sure that it is not so small or well-camouflaged as to go unnoticed. E.H. Skolfield writes, “Remember what you are wearing it for. It is a spiritual “No Trespassing” sign to the fallen angels, and a rallying banner to the holy ones. Surely you would want both sides to know where your heart is, that your soul, and the souls of the family you represent, belong to Jesus!” (Sunset of the Western Church, page 109).

In the last days, Satan will be loosed for a little season upon this earth. He and his demons will go out to deceive the world as never before and the camp of the saints will not escape his fury (Rev 20). It will become increasingly more important to be protected from his terrible attacks for Mankind is no match for his power. Revelation chapter 9 paints a grim picture of Satan’s demons in action.

The woman, by her covered head, is authorized to pray in Jesus’ name. In demonstrating her authority to her husband by wearing a veiling, she gains the power of direct access to God – not as praying and prophesying by the authority of her husband, but gaining the authority of Christ by obeying His commandment. This is the power that is on her head which even the angels acknowledge and respect.

Because of her unique, God-created qualities, the woman is more attuned to the spirit world than the man. From the earliest eras of history, the woman appears more likely than the man to attempt to communicate with angels and spirits. Saul asked his men to find him a woman that hath a familiar spirit (1Sam 28:7) and Paul had to deal with a woman with a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16). Satan communicated with Eve, but did not even talk to Adam. E.H. Skofield writes, “Women are more sensitive to messages from spirits than men are. They have better spiritual antenna, I suppose. This is easily provable today. Mediums, fortune tellers, palmists and witches are rarely men. That is why Satan tempted Eve… she could get the message!”

People typically communicate with the spirit world because they want to know the future, but in truth, the beings of the angelic world cannot see into the future – not even Satan himself knows more than what anybody can read in the Word of Truth. If he could have seen into the future, Satan would not have crucified the Lord of Glory (1Cor 2:8). The resurrection of Christ absolutely crushed the main power of the Devil over Mankind (Heb 2:14) and it changed the kingdom of angels and demons forever (Rev 12; John 12:31; Luke 10:18; Mat 12:19).

Yes, the angels are very intelligent beings, capable of predicting events with greater certainty the men just because they are able to understand and interpret events better than we. And that’s why predictions of witchcraft often come true – but not always. Only God can see the future and only He can see and know the hearts of Man. Only He can read your thoughts and understand the intentions and ideas of your mind (Heb 4:12; Mat 12:25).

So if you are in serious trouble or under demonic attack, do not hesitate to pray out loud. For while God can hear your silent prayers, the Devil and his angels cannot. They are afraid of the Name of Christ! Say it out loud, cry out to God for help and so resist the Devil (Acts 16:18; Mark 16:17). I think that’s why Jesus spoke so frankly to Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (Mat 16:23). He wasn’t talking to Peter, He was talking to the Devil.

These important facts add serious reasons for the woman to cover her head – because of the angels. Her veil identifies her as a Christ-follower and gives her authority and power in the presence of God’s angels and Satan’s demons. Now, if the woman’s long hair is her prayer covering (as some teach) then this verse has no meaning. Angels would see no difference between a Christian woman with long hair and a non-Christian woman with long hair.

Let us ever beware of that Serpent who connived in Eve’s mind to make her doubt God’s goodness: Hath God said? Intimating this:  “Are you sure that’s what He said? Eve, lissssten to meeeee. You have to be careful with God. Believe me, he’s hiding things from you. Read my little snake lips: God doesn’t really have your best interests in mind.” Well guess what, the Devil has only gotten better in the trickery-and-deceits business. He loves nothing more than to sow confusion and doubts in the mind. And he’s awfully good at it.

Because of the angels. It seems to be a rather important reason to follow this ordinance.

The woman’s sacred influence

Power on her head. Here, the Greek word for power is exousia, which is usually translated “authority.” The two words are close in meaning, but not perfect synonyms. Dynamite has potential power, but it must be triggered by an authority. Have you ever stopped to consider why the people were astonished at Jesus’ doctrine? For He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes (Mark 1:22). And why did the people come in droves to hear John the Baptist? The scribes, priests and elders used the same Scripture texts as Jesus and John, but their words had no impact. What was the difference? A potent one.  Jesus and John spoke under the authority of the Holy Spirit. When they read and explained a passage, they taught as one that had authority.

The power that comes from being under authority is perfectly pure and trustworthy because it is based upon the principles of the God that ordained it. Power does exist outside of the chain of authority, but it is impure and untrustworthy because it is based on that wicked rebel, Satan. Jesus and John knew that their authority came from submitting to the authorities in their life (John 3:30).

Brothers and sisters, perhaps you feel no different in following the ordinance of the covered/uncovered head and perhaps you do. Yet, the real effect is not based on your feelings, but by how others are affected by your prayers and prophesying.

I will not say that the Holy Spirit comes only upon sons and daughters who follow this commandment, but do say that the Headship Veiling principles of submission, humility and modesty are the right ingredients to that true power which comes only from being under authority and accepting one’s God-ordained place in life. God’s plan is often broken by Mankind, but He does not immediately throw them away. He works in imperfect situations. Yet, without a doubt, a Christian’s power is limited by his own deficiencies, by not following God’s good and righteous Plan.

We have seen in the example of Jesus that peaceful submission translates to power. Sisters, the Headship Veiling authorizes you to exercise a power given by God apart from your husband-head. By praying and prophesying with covered head, you are agreeing to the terms of God’s authority. The result is power, the power to act in His authority. The centurion understood that his authority was contingent upon doing the requisites and will of the authority immediately above him, for one cannot ignore the chain of command and jump over his/her authority. The woman’s veil however, puts power on her head so that she acts in the authority above her husband-head.  

For this cause – because the woman was created for the man, she needs a power to access the Divine Head. Obviously, this authority apart from her husband-head does not translate into an exemption to being subject to one’s husband, but it does mean that she walks in the authority of Christ who ordained this rule.

The Scriptures show that the power the Godly woman receives from Christ’s authority is “sacred influence.” It’s not the “come here, go there” command of the centurion, but a chaste conversation coupled with fear…even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1Pet 3:1-7). The godly husband cannot ignore the words of this kind of wife. In fact, he will be miraculously healed from his hearing infirmity! You might even find him doing things before you ask.

The wise husband wants to hear his wife’s thoughts because it helps him to make better decisions. The power of influence is recognized and wielded in great might in worldly affairs too, and that’s why we need to make that in the husband/wife relationship it is sacred influence, which means that it is honest and without ulterior motives. Manipulation and/or contention are not sacred. 

What about Christians that do not veil?

In Anabaptist circles, the main reason for rejecting the ordinance of the veiling is a result of looking around in Christianity and noting that others are ignoring it, seemingly without consequences (see 2Cor 10:12). If other Christians can “get by” without veiling, then why not I? After all, it is such an anti-cultural practice. Isn’t this just Paul’s idea anyway? Plus, it hinders the Gospel and damages our evangelistic efforts.

I ask in reply, “What Gospel are you talking about? We preach the New Testament as God’s very Word of Truth. And that is the Gospel.” Moreover, Paul says in this very epistle: If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord (1Cor 14:37).

Is the Bible authoritative? Is it really God’s Word, worthy of being trusted on all matters pertaining unto salvation? If we answer “yes,” then all that remains is to carefully study to do it. Right is right even when nobody does it; wrong is wrong even when everyone does it. Let’s leave the matter of judging in the hands of God and focus on doing the will of our heavenly Father. Maybe some do “get by” here on earth, but nobody will “get by” at the Judgment Bar. Then the rewards will be judiciously given according to our obedience to the Word (Mat 16:27; 1Cor 3:8; 2Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12; Rev 22:12). Many who were first on earth will be found to be last in heaven. Sincerity by itself is worthless (Mat 5:19).

Those who cut 1 Corinthians 11 out of the Bible are arrogating to themselves authority above the Apostle Paul. And that is an outrageously foolish thought – to value the ideas of one’s own mind above the teaching of the Scriptures. Furthermore, upon deciding that this teaching is no longer relevant, the door is opened to exclude other Bible passages. The Word of God cannot be subjected to such wrangling; else it is not the Divine Truth. The book of Corinthians is specifically addressed unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:2). He didn’t leave anyone out. It will not do to remove this ordinance from the Bible just because it doesn’t fit our fleshly minds.

This world is falling into deeper and deeper bondage to paganism and humanism. It takes real courage to stand out for Jesus Christ and the Word of His Truth. Yet, God is in business to reward boldness. Think of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, Daniel at his morning prayers and those three boys who refused to bow down to an idol. Think of God’s blessing and smiling favor. Reach out to Him and obey His Word in simple faith. He will never disappoint this kind of heart. He is just waiting in heaven to pour out a blessing that your little world is not big enough to receive (Mal 3:10). But you need to give Him a reason to do it. His hand is stayed only on account of your own level of faith.

Anabaptist churches cannot afford to lose sight of the important aspects of the Christian woman’s veiling. God has given us this special testimony to the world and to other churches. How else will they know? Many churches are practically as ignorant as the secular world concerning God’s order of humility, submission and modesty. Of course, it is essential that we do not just solemnly uphold the visible ordinance while failing to follow its deeper principles. Is there any value in a woman wearing a veil while living in selfishness, insubordination and evil-speaking? Absolutely not. The symbol is not greater than the principle, but vice versa. The principle must be lived or the veiling is a contradiction. It is like a man taking communion but then going out and living a sinful life.

Wearing a veil in present-day culture will provoke stares and animosity at times. Rather than chafe at the attention, use it as opportunity to witness for Christ. It will not do to be ashamed of Him and His Word (Luke 9:26). Let us follow Him outside the camp with confidence and courage (Heb 13:13). Cultivating this attitude will help to purge the unhealthy desire to hide the hope of our faith within and the evidences of it without (Mat 5:14).

Jesus said to His people, Ye are the light of the world. I join the chorus of voices that know this:  the modestly dressed and veiled Christian woman shines as the strongest, noblest testimony of Christianity in this world of shameful wickedness and brazen corruption. She outstandingly presents the true Christ – pure, meek, holy and submissive. And she is a powerful example of dedication and purity in life to those within the church. Her witness sanctifies the body of Christ and inspires it to be that glorious church without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish before Him (Eph 5:27).

One in the Lord

(v11-12) Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

In the plan of God, the man and the woman become one flesh. They cannot exist independently or else human life will cease. The man needs the woman, the woman needs the man. And when both perform their roles and responsibilities nothing is lacking – in the home, in the church, in all of life. God’s beautiful design in the husband/wife relationship is plainly evident just by observation, yet secular society, under satanic influence, constantly tries to deny that it exists.

In North America, secular intelligentsia teaches that woman has evolved farther than man, so men should become more woman-like (whatever that means). While most Christian churches would never agree with this preposterous idea, many such secular concepts have nevertheless infiltrated present-day Christianity. The very notion of a woman acknowledging her “inferiority” to a man by veiling her head is considered to be an insult. Yet, the wise-hearted, spiritually minded person appreciates immediately why God would establish the headship veiling – it aids men and women in the Christian home and church to fulfill their God-given places and duties. It is a natural, reasonable service (Rom 12:1).

The Scriptures call for men to be leaders in the home and church, to wisely and righteously provide for the spiritual and physical well-beings of those that God has put in their charge. The Apostle said it quite clearly in 1 Timothy 2:11-14, Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (See also 1Cor 14:33-37). Jesus, while including many women in His ministry, chose twelve men to carry the Gospel to the four corners of the world. Although there are many references to godly women in the churches of Christ, not one was called to be an elder in the church – that is part of the man’s role.

The woman’s primary role is to raise her children to fear the Lord and to teach them the precepts of God. That’s why God gave her greater quantities of love, patience, compassion and mercy. The Scriptures exalt the example of Timothy’s mother and grandmother who taught him the unfeigned faith (2Tim 1:5). The woman is the mother of all human life, her role is essential. She shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety – not that the woman is literally saved by having children, but that her high vocation is to raise a Godly seed for the Church of Jesus Christ.

The churches of the Kingdom depend upon the success of her hand in this life-long mission to propagate the faith unto future generations. History is filled with testimonies of men and women who attribute their salvation to their mother’s prayers and daily ministrations. May it never be said that the woman was not given a particular life-mission, but was charged only with supporting her husband. Her assignment might not be the glamorous one of standing before the people and preaching the Word to the congregation, but the importance of her life-work as a Christian mother can never be overstated.

Oh, how the world needs Godly mothers! Her sacred influences can move mountains and her children will not forget them. Even after death, the law of (their) mother remains alive in their hearts.   

The argument from nature

(v13-15) Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Here Paul gives a final reason why a woman should be veiled, which is the case of natural physiology. By nature a woman grows long hair while a man’s hair is shorter. It is not uncommon for a woman’s hair to reach to the knees. Nature itself, in giving the woman long hair like a veil and men much shorter hair, teaches that the woman should be veiled. Their natural hair-covering calls for a veil-covering.

This argument has the same ground as the one in verse six, For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn. That is, if she refuses her veil-covering, let her refuse nature’s hair-covering also, for it is as much a shame for a woman to be shorn as it is for her to be uncovered before God.

If a woman’s long hair is a glory to her, judge yourselves:  is it proper for her to uncover her hair when praying to God? No. She should approach God in humility, submission and modesty. She should cover her glory. For as we have shown earlier, the woman is the glory of the man (v7); she is the splendor of the species. However, that glory is fallen and therefore should be covered.

There is one man that the Bible seems to describe as a “perfect natural man,” in almost eerie parallel to Satan. Absalom was a marvel of human perfection and highly praised for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. He also had hair like a woman, so thick and long that when he cut it each year it weighed 200 shekels (2Sam 14:25-26). Absalom stood out as the high glory of Mankind, but when he took the path of pride, deception and rebellion, he suffered an equally ignoble end as Satan – he was killed and cast into a great pit in the woods for his wickedness against his father, King David.       

Nature’s covering comes natural to a woman; she need do nothing to be covered by it. Not so with the covering for prayer and prophecy, which the woman must choose to put on. John Chrysostom made the following observation, “If (her hair) be given her for a covering…wherefore need she add another covering? That not nature only, but also her own will may have part in her acknowledgment of subjection. For that thou oughtest to be covered nature herself by anticipation enacted a law (by giving her long hair). Add now, I pray, thine own part also (and cover thy head) that thou mayest not seem to subvert the very laws of nature” (homily 26 on 1Corinthians, text in parenthesis added for clarity). 

“Her hair is given her for a covering”

An argument frequently employed against the headship veiling ordinance is that the woman’s long hair is her prayer-covering. This approach is often used by once-conservative people who remove their head coverings. Believing still in the infallibility of the Scriptures, they see the terrible danger inherent in the “cultural tradition” argument of the liberal scholars and so resort to this tactic, which as I suppose, the liberals have rejected for being impossibly damaging to logic itself.

Again, the Apostle’s point is that the woman’s natural hair-covering calls for her to be veil-covered. This is more easily seen in the Greek, where the word for nature’s covering in verse 15 is peribolaion. This word is a noun and does not appear elsewhere in the passage, even as another part of speech. It is absolutely alone here. Instead, we find the word covered is katakephale (v4) or katakalupto (v5,6,7,13). The latter is a verb that means to wrap up and cover (katakalumma is the noun-form). Nature’s hair is a covering (peribolaion), but it is not the covering which a woman should wear while praying and prophesying. The correct word for that covering would be katakalumma (veil, covering) to correspond with katakalupto, which in verse 7 is in present tense imperative form, meaning that an action is required – “let her keep covering herself.”

A quick word study in the Septuagint conclusively confirms the above. In the case of katakephale, we find this sentence in Esther 6:12, Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered (katakephale). He was so mortified by the day’s events – having to run ahead of his enemy, Mordecai, and proclaim the king’s honor – that he covered his head and hurried home. Surely it cannot mean that he put on more hair to cover his head.

The same is true for the word kalupto (covered). In 1 Corinthians 11 the Apostle added the prefix, kata. The Greek version of 2Samuel 15:30 describes David ascending mount Olivet, weeping, barefoot, and with his head covered, and everyone with him covered every man his head (epi kalupto). Another example is Genesis 38:15, where Judah mistook Tamar to be an harlot; because she had covered her face (katakalupto). Moses was instructed to screen (katakalupto) with the veil the Ark of the Testimony (Ex 26:34, LXX).

Peribolaion, meanwhile, is a multipurpose word, a noun that is typically translated “covering” or “garment” (see Ex 22:27; Job 26:6; Ps 104:6; Isa 50:3; Heb 1:12). The natural peribolaion of the woman demonstrates that she should be katakalupto. Her long glorious hair serves as a beautiful natural veil, and teaches that she should cover her head with a veil.

Here is a summary of issues that arise with the proposal that the woman’s long hair is her prayer-covering. 1) It entertains the impossible situation of a person removing his or her hair and then putting it back on. 2) The woman’s long hair is a glory to her; then it should be covered. 3) If the Apostle wished to communicate that the woman’s long hair is her prayer-covering, why didn’t he just say so? Surely he would have written, “Every man praying or prophesying having long hair dishonors his head, and every woman that prays or prophesies with short hair dishonors her head” (v4-5). Instead, he finishes that part by saying, “if a woman be not covered, let her also be shorn.” If the hair is her covering, then the whole passage becomes an absurdity, being based on several impossibilities. 4) Christian women should be veiled on account of the angels (v10). Yet, if hair is the veiling, how will the angels know the difference between pious women and the ungodly? 5) If the woman’s hair is the covered head that the Apostle taught in all the churches, why did women in the early churches all wear veils? Indeed, it has been the standard, universal practice of the Church ever since 1 Corinthians 11 was written. Only in the last 200 years or so has that changed.

In Latin American countries, the pre-dominant excuse for not practicing the veiling of Christian women is “the hair is the covering” fallacy. Presented the full passage, the evangelical will revert to repeating again and again, “But, her hair is given her for a covering.” They annul the entire passage by citing a fallacious extrapolation of this phrase.

This approach is disturbingly premised upon accepting that the Bible here contains a serious error. They choose to believe the Apostle misspoke at verse 6 and then force their specious interpretation of that phrase in verse 16. Wasn’t that the very error of the Pharisees? They evaded a clear commandment by invoking a supposed counter-commandment (Mark 7:10-13). Take heed; for many “wrest the Word to their own destruction” (2Pet 3:16).

What if some are contentious?

(v16) But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Some recent Bible commentators have taken this final verse to mean, “But if anyone disagrees, then just forget the whole thing.” Yet as Bruce Terry says, “It hardly seems likely that Paul would write for thirteen verses arguing for and even commanding a practice and then at the end say, ‘But if you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to.’” The NIV and NASB translators have rectified the contradiction by rendering it: We have no other custom, nor do the churches of God. 

There is another, better option that makes the KJV read perfectly normal. Remember that Paul is answering a question put to him by the Corinthians (see comments on verse 2). They asked (as I suppose): “Is it lawful for a woman to go about unveiled?” The Apostle gives careful answer and ends: “Let any person who wishes to argue the matter observe that the churches of God have no such custom (of women praying or prophesying with uncovered heads).”

Notice that the same rendering also fits the alternate question, “Should Christian men cover their heads?” Answer: “We have no such custom.”

Regardless of the wording, Paul clearly intends to point out to the Corinthians that he is teaching exactly what the other churches of God were already doing. In effect he is saying, “And if you don’t like it, I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is” (Bruce Terry).  

There is no translation problem here, just a reading problem for those who seek to disregard this teaching. The bald fact is that there would be no trouble at all to understand this passage if not for the sad recent history of Christian men and women to ignore it. That assertion is corroborated by John Chrysostom’s fourth century comment on this verse: “It is then contentiousness to oppose these things, and not any exercise of reason…However, even if the Corinthians were then contentious, yet now the whole world hath both received and kept this law.” 

Does it matter to God?

How does God view those who do not follow this commandment? Is it a “salvation issue” that will keep a person out of heaven? Those are questions that God alone can answer. It is not our place to judge another man’s servant (Rom 14:4), although we are called to hold those within our own church body to the standard of the Scriptures (1Cor 5:12-13). It is sufficient to us, having the will of God in our hands (James 4:17), to be doers of the Word (James 1:22), in all things being an example of obedience to the churches of Christ. The judgments of God are perfect and righteous. He takes into account those that are ignorant and also those that know His will, but refuse to do it (Luke 12:47-48).

I have seen firsthand what happens when an Anabaptist family decides that the Christian woman’s veiling is not necessary. It is virtually always a spiritually fatal step, if not for the parents then for the children. A person deceived does not know he is deceived – he thinks he is ever so right, even “enlightened.” How difficult then, bordering on impossible, for such people to recognize that they are deceived. Once started down the path there is no stopping, no check to the headlong rush to the cliff. Never once has the result turned out otherwise. Every time it ends in disaster, a shipwreck of souls that only Satan enjoys. Removing the head covering is almost always a reflection of a pre-existing condition – an unsubmissive heart that is set upon taking its own path.

Do you have full faith in God’s Word? Do you really believe that it can make you wise unto salvation (2Tim 3:15)? Then embrace it like Peter, fully and enthusiastically, “Lord, don’t wash just my feet, do my hands and head too.” Live according to the example of Abraham, who obeyed God’s command even though he didn’t understand it all. Remember the high favor of God afterwards, “Because you have done this thing and obeyed My voice, I will bless you and multiply your seed like the sands of the sea” (Gen 22:10-18).

I doubt not that a corresponding reward awaits those that obey His voice in this commandment. “Well done, thou faithful servant, well done! Enter into the joy of your Lord!”  

On the other hand, remember the example of Saul who, because he rejected the Word of the Lord in not waiting for Samuel, was in turn rejected by God (1Sam 15:26). Remember too that God sent a lion to kill His own prophet for hearkening to the voice of the false prophet (1Kings 13). Add the case of Moses that we’ve already mentioned and we burst abruptly into the valley of decision.

So be ever so wary when someone says, “This isn’t a salvation issue.” How do they know? Did God really sanction the Holy Spirit to enter optional doctrines in His Word? And who is the man of such high authority to point out these noncompulsory commandments? “Baptism is essential to salvation, but the head veiling is not.”

We are very content to leave those judgments to the all-merciful, all-righteous Judge of all the earth. He will decide all on that Day. Nevertheless, Jesus sent the Spirit to record the will of God in the Holy Scriptures and He has said, He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48). Christ gave the doctrine of the head veiling to the Apostle Paul, who writing by the Spirit delivered it to the churches just as he had received it.

Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Many eminent Bible scholars agree that the doctrine of the headship veiling is sufficiently clear in this passage. Nevertheless, most do not imitate Paul as he imitates Christ in this matter due to one simple reason: the headship principles and literal practice of a woman being veiled clash tremendously and terribly with present-day social thought and norms. To follow this Biblical custom is a radical, ostracizing step that will bring criticism, misunderstanding and outright ridicule. It becomes a test of love and obedience to Christ. Am I willing to turn my back on the world and its ideology in order to follow God’s plan for Mankind? Am I willing to truly renounce all earth’s pleasures and delights to identify wholly with Christ? Or is this one calling that is just a little too much for me?

It is increasingly popular to excuse the uncovering of the woman’s head by saying, “I have no conviction to put on a veil. I see it in the Bible, but God hasn’t called me to that. I’m not convicted to do it.” Ha! Try using that tactic the next time a policeman stops you. “Yes, officer, I saw the stop sign, but I didn’t feel convicted to stop. In my case, I didn’t think it was necessary.” Somehow I don’t think that logic is going to fly with the big man.

Personal convictions have no effect on truth; not even the tiniest bit. What God has said, that is what needs to become our conviction. Inviting Christ into one’s life is submitting to His rule. We must change our minds and will and be born again. As Paul said, I am crucified (dead!) with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20).

The conscience is not a static device. It must be trained and tuned to the Word of God. For that reason the Apostle wrote, Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2). It’s a command directed to the believer, that with the help of the Holy Spirit we work to transform our minds to conform to the the teachings and practices of the Word.

Seriously now, what you or I think doesn’t matter in the least. But what God thinks and has said, now that matters a lot.

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool…all those things hath Mine hand made…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word (Is 66:1-2). The Almighty God of the Universe is looking for humble, submissive hearts that live to do His will. A hundred and fifty years ago, most Christian women wore veils. It is fitting to ask, was Christianity improved by that change, or has it lost something very, very important?

FIN.

Should I serve on the mission field, or stay in my present job? Should I buy a new car? Should I tell Mark that I will marry him? Which church should I attend?

These are a just a few examples of the many questions Christians will be presented in life. Some decisions are so important that they will affect you and others all through life and even beyond. Other choices are less drastic. Yet, every decision you make has consequences. It is worth remembering, for there is nothing that so glorifies God as seeing His children walking in the truth, making wise decisions and changing their lives to be in tune with His will (2John 1:4). Looking at those giants of Faith in Hebrews 11, we are impressed that every one of them made serious and difficult choices that commended them to God.  

How can you know the will of God in every decision that you encounter? How can you know what will best please Him? Some follow the “open door” formula to discern the will of God, while others stress the “inner peace” method. However, many misinterpret those signs to follow their own selfish course anyway. Most people think they are following God’s will. Are they? The list that follows is a series of questions that help to avoid such errors. It is arranged in order of most important to least important. This is a man-made list, so don’t put it in the place of God’s Word. Nevertheless, we have made every attempt to take these points directly from the Scriptures themselves.

Before seeking God’s will in a certain matter you must be already doing His will! God is looking for honest, sincere followers of Christ to bless and to direct, but if Self is on the throne in your life and you are ignoring His Word, well, let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord (James 1:7). So before going through the following list, stop and evaluate. Are you doing the full will of the Father according to His divine Word? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life? Are you living in faith, wisdom and humility?

1. Which option helps you best glorify God and advance His Kingdom? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1Cor 10:31). Never let yourself be involved in anything that might bring shame or disrepute to the name of Christ, whether in manners of action, speech or dress. This point is deeply dependent upon correctly dividing the Word of Truth, of reading and applying the Scriptures to every part of your life.
2. Are you free of all selfish motives? Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). How easily the heart can secretly harbor selfish motives. These will always cloud the choices and make the decision difficult.
3. Am you willing to do all that God asks? And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me (Mat 10:38). To discover God’s will, it is absolutely essential to be willing to obey God no matter what He asks, no matter the cost.
4. Is the matter in accordance with the universal will of God? Whatsoever is not of faith is sin…Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (Rom 14:23; James 4:17). God will never ask you to do something contrary to what His Word has already taught, nor will He ask you to disobey a Bible commandment. Recognize this, often the decisions you must make are not between right and wrong, but between good and better. Always choose what best matches the basic principles of the Bible.
5. What do the authorities in your life say? Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:17). Ask God to speak through your pastors, teachers and parents.
6. What makes the best use of your assets and talents? He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10). God expects you to make wise use of the talents and possessions that He has given. They are to build His Kingdom, not yours.
7. Is this the right moment; is it in God’s timing? Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him (Ps 37:7). Sometimes the answer isn’t yes or no, but “wait awhile.” There are many biblical examples of waiting for the “latter rain” (Hos 6:3). Guard against the error of comparing your life and times with those of other Christians.
8. Should I put out a fleece? And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night (Judges 6:39-40). If there are no clear answers to the above questions, it might be appropriate to put out a fleece. Do so with great caution to avoid tempting God. Hearts can easily guard secret prejudices and pre-determined choices. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9). If you do put out a fleece, form it such that God can clearly, simply speak. A fleece that would require God to work a miracle in order to show His will is tempting Him. Instead, lay out a simple, unbiased fleece to be sure that God is free to work. 
9. Is the road ahead clear and open? For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1Cor 16:9). God often opens doors and clears the path ahead, but not always. The Devil is in the business of obstruction and if thinks he can discourage you by hindering the path, he will definitely try to do so. Answer the previous questions first, then handle this one with care. We’ve heard many people use this single sign for going and coming – and they never seem to stop that to-and-fro movement. 
10. Do you have inner peace? And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left (Is 30:21). The Holy Spirit speaks in a still, small voice, often by using the Scriptures. It brings great peace of soul to see you paths confirmed in the teachings of the Bible! On the other hand, the Devil is in the business of taking away peace and he is awfully good at it! It is his most favorite weapon, in my opinion. So be careful with this sign. Looking back at the lives of devout men and women, we are impressed by the difficulties and sadnesses they had to endure. True inner peace comes from doing the will of God.

Conclusion: In discerning the will of God, a pure, honest and sincere heart is essential. It is so easy to think that God is speaking when in fact your heart has secretly decided already, perhaps without you even knowing it. You might see an open door, or feel inner peace, and think, “That’s it!” But wait. Don’t make an important decision without answering the other 8 questions first. When you honestly want to know God’s will, it is then that He really wants to show it to you! Remember, discerning God’s will in a particular matter is important, but the mark of true wisdom is doing His will. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1John 2:17).

Do not think it strange if you are presented with complex, difficult decisions that make the path seem quite cloudy ahead. Expect to be faced with two or three options. God is blessed by wise decisions, so of course He will test you! On the other hand, do not over-charge every situation with the thought that this is a dire, severe choice that will change your life forever. God can make good things happen from bad choices (Rom 8:38). I am convinced that God does not have a pre-planned path for every person to walk, and if you mess up along the way you’ve ruined everything. Rather, life is a constant presentation of choices and paths, and as you go along you are making choices that are either pleasing God displeasing Him. Choose wisely.

This paper is a response to David R. Reagan’s article of the same title, which can be read here: https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/has-the-church-replaced-israel/.  I was motivated to write this refutation after being asked by a brother in Christ to express an opinion. I do not know Reagan and my aim is not to criticize him as a person. His arguments are however, generally representative of Dispensationalism and therefore useful as a referential base. Some readers may object to the strong, categorical tone of this paper! Please understand that I have absolutely no desire to offend anyone. Rather, I hope to jolt your mind to soberly ponder the testimony of Scripture on this important topic.       

Replacement theology, also called Supersessionism, is the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s eternal plan. Neither title is particularly accurate, probably because they were coined by their Dispensationalist opponents, many of which add the ultimate pejorative, calling it “the heresy of replacement theology.” However, Reagan himself admits that Replacement theology has been the pre-dominant Christian understanding of the Word since the time of the Apostles. I add that it was virtually the universal Christian belief until just a few centuries ago. This paper intends to take a careful look at the Scriptural basis for replacement theology – but not of Dispensationalism in general – to see what the Bible says about national Israel retaining its place as God’s chosen people.

One of the most important principles of Bible interpretation is “aggregate investigation,” which means to study all of the relevant passages concerning a particular topic and then synthesize them into a robust doctrine that does not contradict the Word at any point. Many, many false doctrines have plagued the churches of Christ because they have not been careful to follow that standard. Instead, they work from the position that is sometimes called “proof-texting,” which is the technique of citing the verses in support of a pre-decided belief, while avoiding those Scriptures that would undermine such belief. That’s how the JW’s end up saying Jesus is not God and how the Adventists claim that wicked men will not be eternally punished in Hell. Closer home, that’s how others have come to embrace the false doctrines of Calvinism and Dispensationalism in recent centuries. Some of you will be tempted to stop reading right here. I encourage you to continue on, for my fervent goal is to not to think or go above that which is written (1Cor 4:6).

Obviously, Dispensationalism and the idea that God has NOT replaced Israel with the Church are intricately related. They rise and fall together. Nevertheless, the focus of this article is upon so-called “Replacement Theology.” (Later I show that the title does not express our actual belief.) I defer an examination of full-blown Dispensationalism, yet enter it briefly to make this basic point:  Dispensationalism relies heavily on Old Testament prophecies to organize its eschatology. For instance, Reagan cites 9 OT passages and just 2 NT passages in his outline of “God’s plan for the Jews in the end times.” This is a flashing warning alert. Jesus came to fulfill the Old; the New Testament explains the Old. It is imperative that we allow the New Testament to act as the divine and infallible interpreter of the Old Testament.

And this is particularly important in the case of prophecy, for the entire Old Testament was written before the Jews returned from their Babylonian Captivity (or during it). So the hundreds of prophecies that refer to the Jews returning to their land, rebuilding their temple, offering sacrifices to God, and once again experiencing the general blessings of God did actually take place, but centuries before Jesus was born. How can Reagan dare to base his ten-point scheme of Israel in the end-time almost entirely on those Old Testament prophecies? Well, let me tell you a poorly-kept secret about Dispensationalism: The New Testament does not support it.

Make no mistake, if there were NT passages that teach the basic tenants of Dispensationalism, Reagan would have certainly included those citations. They don’t exist. Not one NT passage prophesies that, 1) the Jews will return to the land of Israel, 2) the temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem, 3) the nation of Israel will rise to prominence at the end-times, 4) the Jews will turn to God en masse before the end of the world. Those prophecies are found frequently in the OT, but they were fulfilled in the Jews’ deliverance from Babylon under Ezra. That is a simple matter of fact. Dispensationalists make the vague claim that they weren’t “entirely” fulfilled and so there must be a future fulfillment. Okay, then why don’t we find them repeated in the New Testament?

The function of the prophets was to encourage the people of God to conduct themselves as His people should, and to warn them of the consequences if they acted otherwise. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and the others interacted daily with the people to that end. Without doubt, the Spirit wove prophecies of the future into their contemporary issues, but the OT prophets’ first purpose was to preach to the people of their own time. The same is true of NT prophecies, so we should look there first in things relating to the Church Age.      

The New Testament report of the Jewish race

The main objective of Reagan’s article is apparently to defend the Jewish race and decry antisemitism. I say that because one must read down to the last few paragraphs of the article before arriving at his first Scriptural citation. He details the world’s mistreatment of the Jews in history and then generally absolves them from crucifying their Messiah by criticizing anyone who speaks against them. Here are a few New Testament assessments of the natural Jews according to the flesh.      

(They have) both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost (1Th 2:15-16).

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it (Acts 7:51-53).

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children (Mat 27:21-25).

Let’s not mince words to diminish Jewish guilt. Their chastisements down through the centuries of time are deserved. It is bad enough that the Jews accepted the guilt of killing an innocent man, but this was the Son of God. Shocking wickedness. Nicodemus, and by extension his fellow Council members, knew that Jesus was come from God – because no mere man could do the signs that He did (John 3:1). They worked to have him killed Him because He was not the Messiah that they wanted. That is the blatant truth of the matter, and it’s in full view in the Gospel accounts. Now, I don’t believe that those wicked Jews had authority to bring down guilt on their posterity, but I do believe that their words were included in the Scriptures for our benefit in a prophetic manner much like Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied of Jesus’ death (John 18:14). The Pharisees’ call for guilt upon their race has not only turned out to be eerily true, but ever since then the Jews have been the most hardened of all races unto saving faith in God.

In choosing Barabbas, the Jews chose the Devil.
In refusing Jesus, they refused God.
In accepting His blood upon their hands, they rejected His blood over their sins.

The Romans crucified Jesus upon a single cross, but at the destruction of Jerusalem they crucified so many fleeing Jews that, according to Josephus, they ran out of land and wood to erect more crosses. So they hung three or four men upon the same cross. His blood be on us, and on our children. How dreadful those words! In the history of the world, no tribe has suffered more death and discrimination than the Jews according to blood. However, the real reason Jews remain the most hated and afflicted race on earth is because they continue to show themselves obstinate, selfish and rebellious. They are opposed to Godly Faith. Some will now call me antisemitic. I’m not. My best friend is a Jew.

Science has shown that human DNA contributes much to the traits, tendencies and personality of the individual, but recent politics doesn’t allow us to say that anymore. Jews are by nature a highly gifted race: intellectually brilliant in mind, very astute in legal and business matters. However, that blessing is accompanied by the negative dispositions of that race which I’ve already mentioned. And their history emphatically confirms that assessment.

All people groups are under the curse, but there seems to be a special curse hanging over the Jews down to this day – not specifically for crucifying their God, but for rationally choosing to reject Him again and again and again. Salvation is available! But they must look to the One upon the tree, and so few of them will do that. Far from being a mark of God’s blessing, their existence as a nation and race is a perpetual witness of the calamities and judgments that are destined for all those who refuse the only Name whereby salvation is attained. I do not say that based on opinion nor human reason, but because that’s what the Word of God exactly says (see Deut 28; Acts 4:12). The Jewish race has always shown itself to be contrary to all men, stiffnecked against Truth and crucifying afresh their greatest Prophet.

In fact, Jesus’ words surpass even the Apostles’ recriminations: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation (the Jewish race). O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate (waste, desert, wilderness). For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord (Mat 25:35-39).

The tenor of this passage is that the Jewish nation will be spiritually barren of fruit until the coming of the Lord at the end of the Age. Why then, do Dispensationalists cite this passage to support their belief that the Jews will return to the Lord? Because it’s about the best support they can find in the NT. Jesus pronounced these words to the Jewish generation just before His death, saying that they would not see Him again until He returned in the clouds of heaven with His holy angels to finish His work of righteousness (Rom 9:28). At that moment all the tribes of the earth will mourn (Mat 24:30) and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him before God (Rom 14:11). These desolated, blood-guilty Jews won’t be rejoicing as they say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord – they will be finally admitting their error and reverencing Him as the Christ (Rev 3:9). Even the ones who pierced Him will behold His coming in the clouds of heaven. All these will bitterly mourn their loss, for the day of repentance has passed (Zech 12:10; cf Rev 1:7).

Another salient prophecy of Christ concerning the Jews is the cursing of the fig tree (an OT type of Israel) as He entered the city of Jerusalem during His last days on earth (Mat 21:18-19). Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. His pronunciation accurately describes the moral decadence of the Jewish people over the last 2000 years. Jesus followed that broadcast with two devastating parables predicting the imminent end of the Judaic nation – the parable of the two sons in Mat 21:28-32 and the parable of the householder in Mat 21:33-44. And He closes with this resounding declaration: Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Mat 21:43). That’s pretty solid stuff.

Some will think me a racist for saying that God has gifted the people groups of the world in different ways. Yet the proof is in the pudding! Without dispute, some of history’s most intelligent people have been Jews (Einstein, Marx, Freud come to mind) and they continue to wield tremendous influence in world affairs (such as Facebook’s Zuckerberg, Google’s Page and Brin, moneymasters Soros and Bloomberg, supreme court justices Breyer and Kagan, etc). Nevertheless, Jews continue to be among the most selfish, anti-God people in the world. Many centuries ago, God said of the Jewish race, I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiffnecked people (Deut 9:13; Ex 33:3). That refrain is repeated many times in the Bible (Neh 9:16-17; Mat 23:23-25; Acts 7:51; 1Th 2:15). And to this very day, the Jews are renowned for their general obstinacy and self-centeredness. They are adept at finding ways to make large sums of money and influence people, but are bankrupt when searching for God and Truth.   

Has the Church replaced Israel as God’s new “chosen people?”

The historical record over 2000 years shouts, “Yes!” How can it possibly be thought that God is favoring the Jews and the nation of Israel? They have lived in fear of their lives for two full millennia. How can Dispensationalists claim that God has been saving them alive in order to bless them? Clearly, their existence is a standing example of what happens to those who reject Him! And their terrible, ages-long mistreatment by the people of the world is a constant reminder of what happens to those that ignore the New Covenant that God has so graciously extended to every kindred, tongue, people and nation (Rev 5:9).  

Again, that’s not my opinion, it’s what God warned way back when the Jews were set to enter the Promised Land. All nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers…And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day (Deut 29:24-28). Hundreds of years later, the prophets repeated that warning. Here’s one example: The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate (Is 24:5-6; Eze 14 is another). We’ve already given the New Testament equivalents, but one bears repeating in this context: They please not God, and are contrary to all men…the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost (1Th 2:15-16).

In spite of these clear Scriptures, Dispensationalists think that the hand of God has worked in the last century to return the Jews to their land “in unbelief to show just how great is His grace” (see Reagan). God has never worked that way. He gives grace to those who want it, never to those who reject it. God cannot act contrary to His character and He does not lie. He will not force Himself upon people who do not want it – that’s not an opinion, it’s a Bible fact. Do the research. From Noah in the Old Testament to Mary in the New, God chooses to grace those who choose to honor Him (Gen 6:8; Luke 1:30). There isn’t even one example of God forgiving or blessing someone who is rejecting Him. 

The visible evidences show that the truly blessed people of God are not the natural Jews in Israel, but the spiritual Jews of the Church. All praise and thanks to Him. Yet, satisfying as they are, visible evidences that the Church is the new Israel of God (Gal 6:16) are not enough. We need to hear the NT witness. It is far from silent. Beware of the concision, the Apostle Paul said, For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Php 3:2-3). The ultimate identification mark of being a Jew was to be circumcised on the eighth day. There was simply no greater proof to being Jewish. Yet Paul says the Christian, not the Jew, is the truly circumcised person of God! In another passage he even strengthens that statement (if it be possible). For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God (Rom 2:28-29).

Today, the force of these verses has been lost because the Jew/Gentile cultural clash has greatly diminished. Try substituting two contemporary races in Paul’s words to get the full effect. Some would accuse Paul of “cultural expropriation.”     

Nevertheless, a Christian living in the New Covenant is the true Jew – not by physical blood but by spiritual attributes. Paul explains in Galatians 3:7-29, Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham…That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. The promises to Abraham have fallen on the new children of Abraham. Israel after the flesh has not obtained them (Rom 11:7).

So the Christian is a child of Abraham, a Jew by adoption according to faith in Christ. There is no difference between blood Jews and Greeks, for God is no respecter of persons. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit (1Cor 12:13).

Finally, consider the Apostle Peter’s usage of very Jewish terms to describe the Church:  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. What dreadful cultural expropriation! (See Ex 19:5; Deut 7:6; 14:2; 26:18.) Peter takes specific, identification terms that had always been claimed by the Jews to be exclusively theirs and applies them to the New Testament Church of Christ. Has the Church replaced Israel as God’s people? The answer of the New Testament is abundantly clear.

The Olive Tree of the Lord

The Apostle Paul likens God’s eternal plan to a single olive tree that begins as entirely Jewish but then receives Gentile branch-grafts into its stock. This, and not “replacement theology,” accurately describes our beliefs concerning natural Jews and Gentiles. The Church has not literally replaced the Jews as God’s people, but continues the ages-old chosen generation of God. Jews and Gentiles together make up His new peculiar people. Read the beautiful portrait of God’s olive tree in Romans 11:15-25. The root of the tree (referring to Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs) was holy, but when some of the branches did not bear good fruit, God purged them from His tree (John 15:1-6). The holy firstfruit was contaminated by a little leaven which had leavened the whole lump (1Cor 5:6-7; Gal 5:9). Yet, cannot the Potter make from the same lump of clay a new vessel (Rom 9:21)? Yes, and He did it in stunning, unthinkable fashion – taking a people which in time past were not a people and making them now the people of God (1Pet 2:10).

Tree grafting makes an apt analogy of the people of Christ’s Kingdom, for it illustrates beautifully the origins of the New Covenant. God didn’t cut down the Jewish olive tree and plant a new Gentile tree, nor did He just ignore the unfruitful Jewish tree and cultivate a new Gentile tree. Instead, He worked in a marvelous way with the Jewish tree so that it would accept and nourish Gentile branches! The olive tree represents the true people of God, which are now found in Jesus Christ’s Covenant of Peace (Eze 34:23-26). Even today the secular world recognizes the olive branch as a symbol of peace. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of Israel as a green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit, but on account of her evil ways, the Planter had caused her branches to be broken off (Jer 11:16-17).

The two key points in this analogy is that God has only one tree and by nature it is Jewish. The Jews are the natural branches and the Gentiles branches are taken from a wild olive tree. This is the unfailing doctrine of the NT, which, as we have seen, presents the New Covenant people in OT terms and identifies the children of Abraham spiritually instead of genetically. The true Jew is determined inwardly, and that allows the Gentiles to be considered “the true circumcision” instead of Israel after the flesh (Php 3:3; Col 2:11). Natural Israel are all those that say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan (Rev 2:9; 3:9). The Gentile with faith in Christ is a child of Abraham and so a Jew; not by blood but by adoption, by being graffed in.

The Scriptures consistently, constantly teach that the true people of God in the New Covenant are Jews. They are no less vigorous in teaching that God has only one tree, or people (Heb 8:10). I am the vine, ye are the branches (John 15:5). There is one fold, and one Shepherd (John 10:16). He has once and for all broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Eph 2:14). There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Rom 10:12). They are one stick in His hand (Eze 37:16-28), one body (Eph 4:4) of God’s (one) building (1Cor 3:9), an holy temple (Eph 2:21), and a spiritual house (1Pet 2:5).

How can it be thought that God will undo these affirmations and return to make a covenant with natural Israel, the Jews after the flesh? There is just one tree. And the Keeper of this olive tree works with all branches so that they might bring forth good fruit (Mat 7:17-19). Some branches will not produce and must be cut off and burned. Other branches are graffed in wild, to partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree. The wild branches have become one with the natural branches. Together they receive the same blessings that were given to Abraham.

For the hope of Israel, the incarcerated Paul preached to the Jews in Rome. What did the Apostle hold forth to them as “the ideal Jewish hope?” That they might receive again God’s blessing in their land and temple? That they might return to the head of the nations? That God would renew the Israelite Covenant with them? No! The Scriptures say that Paul, preaching the hope of Israel…expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets (Acts 28:16-24). The real hope of Israel is to again become part of God’s olive tree by choosing faith in Jesus Christ. For they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again (Rom 11:23). Note however, that there are conditions – they will be graffed in only if they abide not still in unbelief.

Christ has reconciled Jew and Gentile into one body, the new Household of God. 

The book of Ephesians has long been recognized as the treatise par-excellence on the Church of God. In it, the Apostle shows that from the beginning He had planned this “gathering together in one all things in Christ…such that He is head over all things for the Church” (1:10, 22-23). Then in chapter 2, the Spirit shows this powerful fusion of all bloods into one body, one building, one people, one temple in the Lord. It is nothing less than the spotless, blameless, holy, unblemished Church of Jesus Christ (5:27). This is not some short, obscure reference, but a careful, detailed explanation! Read for yourself:       

(Ephesians 2:11-21) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14) For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us…for to make in Himself of twain one new man…and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross…and preached peace to you which were afar off, AND to them that were nigh. 18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father…therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21) In whom all THE building fitly framed together groweth unto AN holy temple in the Lord.

The Scripture here is abundantly clear. Yes, the Church has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people! And who is the Church? Gentiles and Jews together growing into a holy temple in the Lord. This is the true commonwealth of Israel, not those circumcised in the flesh, but those that have been circumcised in heart and spirit (Rom 2:29). These twain are now together the true household of God – one building with its foundation in both the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament Apostles. Amen. Audaciously, Dispensationalists propose that this holy, spiritual temple of God is going to be set aside so that Christ can rebuild the physical temple in the city of Jerusalem! Why? And where are their NT texts?

The wrestings and manipulations that the Word of God has suffered at the hands of unlearned and unstable false teachers are appalling and astonishing (2Pet 3:16-17). We are the circumcision! The Church is the holy nation, the peculiar people of God! The natural Jew is an unbeliever, an alien to the commonwealth of Israel, a stranger and foreigner to the household of God. That is the constant witness of the New Testament.     

Completing the picture of the Jews’ future in Romans 11 

The dangerous error of proof-texting (see paragraph two of this paper) obliges us to consider two or three other Scriptures which speak of the Church replacing Israel and of the Jewish future. Let’s return to Romans 11, for while the powerful analogy of the Lord’s single olive tree is found therein, it also contains a couple of NT “proof-texts” of Dispensationalism.

The book of Romans is a careful explanation of God’s eternal plan of salvation for both the Gentiles and natural Israel. The Apostle’s closing appeal to his Jewish countrymen in chapters 9-11 is a masterpiece of persuasion coupled with humility. Reagan cites Romans 11:1 in support of his theory that God will re-establish a covenant with the Jews, yet dishonestly ignores the surrounding verses that show the Apostle’s real intention is otherwise. Here is a condensed paraphrase of Romans 11:1-15.

“Has God cast away His people the Jews? No! I myself am a Jew. Remember that Elijah thought he was the only man of God left in Israel when there were actually 7000 who had not bowed to Baal. Even so today a remnant of Jews, the election of grace, has obtained the Promise. Meanwhile, Israel after the flesh has stumbled into deep slumber. Yet, their stumble has resulted in spiritual riches for the Gentiles. Would not their restoration to God be highly blessed? We believing Gentiles may help to restore them in fullness; for might we not provoke some of them to jealousy when they see God’s blessings being poured out upon us? If their casting away means the world is reconciled unto God, to receive them back again would be life from the dead.”

Reading the book of Romans, it would be possible to think that God had cut off the Jews from any chance at salvation (i.e. Rom 10:16-21), but in chapter 11 the Apostle affirms that is not the case. Many thousands of Jews were saved, many became leaders in the churches of Christ, a holy remnant did receive grace by believing the Gospel. These were true branches on the olive tree of the Lord. Even now, whenever a Jew turns to the Lord, the vail of spiritual blindness is removed (2Cor 3:13-15). Meanwhile, the astounding offenses of natural Israel ended with God dispossessing them. Now, His chosen ones are the new Israel of God made up of Jews and Gentiles according to the faith of Abraham instead of physical blood lineage. God has turned the stumbling of the Jews into beauty, for through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles.

Paul did not openly distain the Jewish race for their contumacy, but expressed his fervent wish that they be saved with the Gentiles. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? (Gk-pleroma, to fill up, fulfill, full). That is, “If their diminishing resulted in Gentile blessing, would not their fulness be even more blessed?” Yes, it would, but during the last 2000 years we haven’t seen natural Jews becoming jealous of the Gentiles being accepted by God. Rather than softening their stance on Jesus Christ, Jews in general have stiffened themselves even more against Him. The Apostle, however, yearned for the olive tree to be filled up with Jewish branches too, and finishes with this hope:  if by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them (v14).

Romans 11:15-24 contains the analogy of the Lord’s single olive tree, which we have already discussed. And after that the Apostle writes:

25) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30) For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31) Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32) For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

While a holy remnant was saved (9:27), most of natural Israel were blinded (v25). This blindness in part will continue until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Dispensationalists say this indicates an end to the Gentile Covenant and a renewal of the Jewish Covenant. While one could infer that, we need to rightly divide the Word and not just take a possibility to be a certainty. The phrase matches Christ’s words, And they (the Jews) shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke 21:24). This is the Church Age, or present Era of Grace that ends with the Second Coming of Christ (2Pet 3:9-15), for only then will the Gentiles have “filled up” their share in the Kingdom. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him (Eph 1:10).

Peter’s pre-Gentile sermon to the Jews agrees: But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:18-21). There is wide agreement among students of eschatology that this phrase refers to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the Age.

So Paul’s candid, consistent idea in Rom 11:25 is that natural Israel will remain blinded to the Gospel during the Church Age and right up to the final consummation. If his real intent was to predict the return of the Jews to God’s favor before the end of the world, why didn’t he plainly say so? Because that would entirely undo what he has been saying to this point! For three long chapters he has explained the sad situation of natural Israel and is even yet teaching the simple analogy of the single olive tree of the Lord made up of Jewish and Gentile branches being broken off and graffed back in based on faith in Christ (v23-24). Are we expected to hear him suddenly undo all that by predicting a new hope of Israel based on a different covenant which excludes the Gentiles? The idea is impossibly contrary to the Apostle’s teaching in these chapters.

The book of Romans has unequivocally defined the genuine Jew to be a spiritual child of Abraham by faith (Gal 3:29). Jesus told the frightfully hardened Jews who saw His miracles and yet refused to believe: If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham…ye are of your father the devil (John 8:39-44). The above truths have no end-point; they’re still in force today. In another place Jesus warned: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham (Mat 3:9). Well guess what, He practically did just that by grafting Gentile branches into the Jewish olive tree. The idea that God will someday cut off all Gentile branches from His tree is entirely contrary to His character. It would be no less than denying the victory of Christ in dying for the sins of the whole world, Gentile or Jewish.

And so all Israel shall be saved. Here Paul quotes Isaiah 45:17-25, Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation…in the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified. The book of Romans has presented the true Israel of God to be made up of Jews of faith and not by blood. All Israel shall indeed be saved – Jewish and Gentile branches together. There are probably hundreds of OT prophecies that promise salvation and blessings for natural Israel, but the NT prophets say the promises have fallen upon spiritual Israel – the remnant gathered into the early church which was divinely expanded to include all nations of the world just as this epistle describes.

There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer. Continuing to quote the prophet Isaiah, but from a different chapter, Paul describes how all the true seed of Israel is saved. The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob (Is 59:20). While both titles are appropriate, Christ as the Redeemer or Ransomer of His people is an especially emotive picture of Jesus coming to the Israelite nation. The Gaal (kinsman-redeemer, Ruth 4:14) arose in Zion to give His life a ransom for many (Mat 20:28; John 12:15). Christ was the chief corner stone placed in Sion, that spiritual city of the living God where the saints of the Kingdom now dwell in the peace of His salvation (Rom 9:33; Heb 12:22; 1Pet 2:6). These additional verses further confirm the Apostle’s point – all Israel shall be saved at His appearing and His Kingdom (2Tim 4:1), in which there is neither Jew nor Greek.  

For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. The quote continues in Isaiah 59:20-21, but the last phrase is drawn from an earlier chapter: Therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be taken away; and this is his blessing, when I shall have taken away his sin (Is 27:9, LXX). The birth angel famously informed Joseph of this Messianic purpose: Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins (Mat 1:21). “His people” are the true spiritual Jews of all bloods, nations and races, for He hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth (Acts 17:26). The Son was manifested to take away our sins (1John 3:5). These verses again link the salvation of the Jews to the same cleansing fountain that has come to the Gentiles (Zec 13:1; Rev 21:6), the same new, better and everlasting Covenant (Heb 8:6-13; 12:24; 13:20) that Christ ratified with His own blood.

Dispensationalism takes Paul’s quotation of Isaiah to be a prophecy of Jesus saving national Israel:  There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Yet, the Deliverer has already come out of Sion! He has already worked a miraculous, unimaginable way of grace for Jacob to be justified. He has already opened My Covenant unto them and has sealed it by His own blood at Calvary. He has already taken away their sins by bearing them in His own body. Are we to ignore these extraordinary, singular events and expect a different salvation in a future age? A return to the Old Covenant? God forbid.

In effect, Dispensationalists read the Isaiah quotation as, “And then all Israel shall be saved.” This, they think, gives license to briefly place the mind of the Apostle far into the future, in vision of another Jewish age that will be ushered in after the rapture of the Christian church. There is simply no basis for this grammatical transformation. And so, means, “Like this,” or “In this way.” The Apostle is showing how all Israel will be saved – by looking to the Deliverer and accepting the one and only Covenant that really can take away sins (Heb 10:1-13).

Any attempt to make all Israel refer to natural Jews will be extremely troubled, for under what construct can we conceive that all Israel after the flesh will be saved? Adam Clarke, himself a believer in a future salvation of the Jews, illustrates the extreme vexedness of this case. He writes: “for no man can conceive that a time will ever come in which every Jew then living, shall be taken to the kingdom of glory. The term saved, as applied to the Israelites in different parts of the Scripture, signifies no more than their being gathered out of the nations of the world, separated to God, and possessed of the high privilege of being his peculiar people.” What an astonishing, dumbfounding admission! In this particular case, Clarke wishes us to know, “all” doesn’t mean all, and “saved” doesn’t mean unto salvation. 

It is far more satisfying and Biblically logical to see all spiritual Israel truly saved by the Deliverer taking away their sins. The underlined words are a literal word-for-word translation of Rom 11:26, except for my addition of that one word, “spiritual.” By this time the Apostle expects us to have understood him well enough to supply that word ourselves. After all, he has said it so many times and in so many ways in the book of Romans. Does he really expect us to insert the alternate word? And so all natural Israel shall be saved. It is either one or the other! Honest analysis of the Scripture emphatically favors the former.

And so all Israel shall be saved, meaning all true Israel, the olive tree of elect Jews under both covenants along with the grafted-in Gentiles, shall be finally gathered together into the eternal Kingdom of the Father (Mat 24:31). This is the Apostle’s conclusion of the topic. Excluded from Israel are the faithless Jews that rejected the Prophets, excluded are the scribes and Pharisees who condemned their Messiah to death, excluded are all those who do not confess the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9-10). For a remnant according to the election of grace in Israel were indeed saved (Rom 11:5) with the Gentiles (Rom 11:11).

It would be appropriate at this point to examine the Dispensationalist idea that Christ will return for His Church more than 1000 years before the end of the world, but the intention of the present paper is to show that the Church has indeed replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. For my thoughts on the former topic, I refer the interested reader to my book study on the Revelation.

But as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. The election is the believing remnant of natural Israel (v5) who did receive the promises along with the graffed in Gentiles. Natural Israel is God’s enemy because they have forsaken Him (Is 63:10; Mal 3:7). And so it is even in the present Age of Grace. They have labored long under tribulation and curse because they continue to reject the Lord! The strange work that the prophet Isaiah continues, for the Lord has risen up in wrath against the unfaithful Jews who will not accept His Son (Is 28:16-21).

The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. It is fitting that, in the middle of his explication of Israel rejecting Christ, Paul reminds us that God’s promises will not fail nor will His Word return unto Him void: All Israel will indeed be saved; but they are not all Israel which are of Israel (Rom 9:6). God never changes. He offers salvation to repentant Jews even today. The Calvinist however, takes this verse to mean that God will bless natural Israel in spite of her rebellion and rejection of His Son. “Because the gifts and calling of God are unchanging, He will return the Jews to their land even in unbelief,” the Dispensationalist claims. Now, I don’t doubt the first part of that statement, but the latter does not Scripturally follow! Nor is it compatible with His character. God has said He will restore them to the olive tree when they believe upon Him, not before, and not in spite of their unbelief.

God has fulfilled His word to the prophets and patriarchs and He will always keep His Word and Covenants. He does not change from time to time (Num 23:19; Heb 13:8); nor is there in Him any variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). Thus, Jesus Christ came to the Jewish nation and lived as a devout Jew under the Mosaic Law; He was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (Rom 15:8). God’s invitation to natural Israel has not been withdrawn. If she were to confess the Christ of the Covenant, surely He would accept them again into the olive tree. But she won’t. Natural Israel will be blinded to Christ until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (v25).

Dispensationalist affirmations notwithstanding, the promises of the Covenant will never be awarded to those who fail to keep the conditions of the Covenant (Ex 19:5; Heb 8:6-13). If ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which He sware unto thy fathers (Deut 7:12). This is the constant witness of Scripture. God cannot gift a person or nation who refuses to receive the gift. He ever seeks the willing heart upon which to shower His favor (2Chr 16:9).

Natural Israel did not hearken. And so God has revised the Covenant to accept the Gentiles as actual, true Jews of the New Covenant (Php 3:3). In spite of this, many Christians today mistakenly hold blood Jews in special honor. A personal acquaintance, citing this verse along with Genesis 12:2, actually chooses to buy from unrighteous Jews at the local farmer’s market instead of Christian sellers because he is afraid that God will otherwise curse him! How sad. How unbiblical. The New Testament teaches that Christ-followers are the true Jews and all others are imposters (see Rev 3:9).

The fact of God’s immutability must be reconciled with many occasions where He did “change His mind.” He told the Ninevehites that He was going to destroy their city in 40 days, but repented of that plan when they humbled themselves in sackcloth and ashes. Indeed, the prophets were so familiar with this trait that Jonah cited it as the reason he fled from Nineveh instead of preaching there: I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. God “changes His mind” because His goodness and mercy are wonderfully deep and marvelously powerful. If natural Israel were to repent, without doubt God would receive them. He calls them even as before; they have not been shut out of His mercy – God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew (Rom 11:2).

Yet, one might ask, has God not changed? After all, He annulled the Jewish sacrifices, rituals and laws of the Old Testament. But no! The New Testament explains in many ways and places how God has re-applied the physical precepts and laws of the Old into the spiritual reality of a New Covenant – the new and better way. The literal requirements of the Old Covenant have been refitted to spiritual forms. The physical OT sacrifices for sin are now realized in the spirit, by grace through faith. The old rituals and feasts continue on, yet expressed in NT truths of mercy, love and worship.

The Kingdom of Christ is a world-encompassing spiritual rule in the hearts and minds of all with faith as Abraham. God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. (Acts 10:34-35). Jews, Greeks and every other race have equal access to God through Jesus Christ.

Let us not give heed to Jewish fables (Titus 1:14); namely that Christ is going to restore the Jewish nation to God’s favor, rebuild the temple and reinstate the Old Covenant. Jesus prophesied at length of the fall of Jerusalem and the natural Jews – and He did not predict their return God’s favor. Instead, in dozens of parables and teachings, He ALWAYS showed the absolute end of the Jewish Covenant (ej Mat 22:1-14; Mark 12:1-10; Luke 13:6-9).

Natural Israel is blinded to Christ. Hear the Apostle once more in another epistle:  Not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15) But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16) Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away (2Cor 3:13-16). Or as other versions translate this last verse, But whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. The hope of Israel is to turn to Christ and the cleansing blood of the New Covenant – not rebuild the physical temple and worship Christ on a literal throne! 

Other New Testament passages concerning natural Israel  

In A.D. 27, Messianic expectations in Judea soared to fever pitch with the heralding of this new, urgent message: The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! The Baptist, Jesus, and His disciples preached the coming Kingdom throughout the land of Israel (Mat 3:1; Mark 1:14; Mat 10). The people went to hear in droves, enchanted by the stunning new doctrine of the Nazarene. However, they all completely misunderstood the Kingdom, right down to the chosen twelve Apostles. The Jewish people had long been taught that Messiah’s coming would precipitate Israel’s return to head the nations again, that He would unify the Jewish people and drive out the Romans from Judea, that He would raise up the Davidic throne and rule in righteousness and honor.

This Jewish hope is veiled in the Spirit’s announcement at the birth of John:  And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; as He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; the oath which He sware to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:67-79).

This was the real ministry of John the Baptist and Christ, yet, it was only after years that the Apostles began to actually understand Zacharias’ prophecy, for all during His ministry, they held to the natural Jewish hope. That’s why Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him for saying He was going up to Jerusalem to die (Mat 16:21-23). That’s why the disciples were so devastated when they saw Him dead, for they trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel (Luke 24:21). That’s why the Pharisees rejected Him – for He was so clearly no man of war; rather, He was humble and meek, riding on a donkey instead of stallion. That’s also why Jesus had to depart alone to the mountains, because He perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king (John 6:15). Amazingly, the one man you would think should have been afraid of this King of the Jews was not. Pilate’s trial was based on that very claim (Luke 23:20; John 18:33-38).

This Jewish expectation was still latent within the disciples forty days later, when just before His ascension they asked, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Surely now was the time, they thought, surely now their Messianic hope would become reality! Yet His answer created far more doubts than answers. And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (Acts 1:6). Wow. Far from hinting at “when,” He declined to assure them that Kingdom would ever be restored to Israel.   

Upon further thought, His answer makes perfect sense. For while the Kingdom that Jesus had been preaching had certainly begun, they had not yet seen the Kingdom of God come with power (Mark 9:1). Yes, He had ratified the covenant with His blood, He had saved and redeemed Israel, He was ascending even now to the heavenly throne; however, astonishing, unthinkable events remained to be realized! The Spirit had not yet been poured out, the thousands of remnant Jews had not yet entered the Church, the Word of God had not yet been given to human hands – and they still had no idea that the Gentiles would be given place in the Kingdom!

It amazes me that Dispensationalists would cite Jesus’ words in Acts 1:6 to support their idea that God will re-establish His Covenant with the Jews at some future date. And it illustrates the paucity of their biblical argument. Jesus neither hints nor prophesies about restoring the Kingdom to Israel and instead refuses to answer their question. The Dispensationalists are grasping at prophetic straws here. Presented the opportunity, Jesus particularly declined to affirm any restoration of Israel.

Another NT text that is sometimes construed to refer to natural Israel is 2Thessalonians 2:1-12, even though that passage never once mentions the Jews or Israel and is particularly speaking about the coming of Christ for the purpose of our gathering together unto Him. The Apostle warns that a great falling away must precede the return of Christ, and that this mystery of iniquity would be the work of a sinister man of sin who was even then preparing himself to appear. This son of perdition (Judas Iscariot’s title) is most evidently the Pope, who shortly arose in the Christian Church and who exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. I cannot imagine a more accurate description, indeed it is his very title. The terms “Vicar of Christ” (Latin) and “Antichrist” (Greek) have perfectly similar transliterations – “in the place of Christ.”

Hear Pope Nicholas: “I am all in all and above all, so that God Himself, and I, the Vicar of God, have both one consistory, and I am able to do almost all that God can do…wherefore, if those things that I do be said not to be done of man, but of God, what can you make me but God?  No marvel then if it be in my power to dispense with all things, yea, with the precepts of Christ.” Now that is dragon speech (Rev 13:11). The popes bear responsibility for the spiritual deaths of billions of souls and they will “wear out the saints” (Dan 7:25) until the Lord destroys them with the brightness of His coming (2Thes 2:8).    

Dispensationalists ignore the obvious fulfillment and say the Apostle is speaking of a future man of sin who will arise in the endtime. And, they tell us, he will sit in the rebuilt Jewish temple of God demanding the worship of the world. Do the research. Paul uses the term temple of God on various occasions in his epistles, but never once in reference to the Jewish temple. Rather, the Church is the temple of God (i.e. 1Cor 6:19; 2Cor 6:16; 1Cor 3:16-17; Eph 2:21). Moreover, Israel and the Jewish temple are utterly foreign subjects to the entire second epistle to the Thessalonians! The Apostle is specifically warning of a coming apostasy in the Christian church – not in Israel or among the Jews.           

Notably, we have not entered the book of Revelation in this paper. I have avoided that important prophecy because Dispensationalists and A-millennialists hold deeply conflicting premises as they read this final Word of Christ to His people. Is it written for the Church, or for the Jews? Obviously there is little benefit in quoting the Revelation’s view of the beautiful olive tree of the Church to those who adamantly believe that Rev 4-22 will take place after God has removed the Church from the earth. I spent seven years in writing a study of the Revelation and was greatly impressed by that highly divisive fact. If the two viewpoints cannot even agree on the era of fulfillment (to say nothing about the intended audience, Jew or Gentile), then it is no wonder that they cannot agree on particular prophecies and verses in those chapters. They end up talking past one another.

On the other hand, the Revelation is only infrequently cited by Dispensationalists in their arguments that God will again choose Israel, for while it does figure large in Futurist eschatology, it is silent concerning a return to the Jewish covenant, etc. Instead, Dispensationalists will take verses like Rev 11:1-2 to assume that Israel has rebuilt its temple, or Rev 7:4-8 to assume that God has chosen the Jews again. Yet we have seen that the NT Scriptures teach that a Jew in the New Covenant is determined not by blood but by spiritual attributes. And in the New Testament, there is no physical temple, but the people of God are the temple where He has chosen to dwell (1Cor 3:16-17; 2Cor 6:16).

Nevertheless, let’s take a quick look at what is probably the principle text in the Revelation used by Dispensationalists to support their idea of a future Jewish restoration to covenant with God. And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months (Rev 11:1-2).

Surely this must be a spiritually intended vision. One doesn’t measure worshippers with a reed, nor leave out the court for it has been given to the Gentiles while the temple and its altar are, what…Jewish? If we read this passage using the New Testament meanings of those terms, the picture is quite clear: God has perfect knowledge of each worshipper in His temple, the church; each one has been cleansed at the Altar, they have entered into the Holy of Holies with Christ (Heb 9). All those without are unbelievers and strangers (Gentile or Jew), and these shall possess Jerusalem until the mystery of God is finished. The 42 months represent the time between the Cross and the Consummation (see my commentary, “The Mystery of Christ in the Revelation”).    

The Revelation draws deeply on Old Testament imagery to depict spiritual beauties in the New Covenant. The altar of incense before the throne of God in heaven (Rev 8), the Lamb standing on Mount Sion with the redeemed of all the earth (Rev 14), the tabernacle of the Testimony opened in heaven to reveal the angels administering before God (Rev 15), the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19) and many more. The scene of the temple being measured fits well in these contexts, not as a literal building in Jerusalem but as a spiritual home of Christ with His people.

Selected Old Testament passages concerning natural Israel  

This paper does not intend to make an exhaustive review of the Old Testament’s picture of natural Israel. As we have mentioned, all of the prophets wrote before or during the Jewish return from Babylon. Instead, we have turned the focus brightly upon NT “proof-texts” of the proposed Jewish restoration, coupling them with other passages in order to view this topic in biblical fullness. In this section however, I’d like to examine some oft-cited Old Testament passages that supposedly pertain to Jewish eschatology. For simplicity, I will divide these into several classes.

The first and most important class of Jewish prophecy concerns the Jews as a blood race forever being blessed by God, just because they are Jews. Here are a few examples of this type of prophecy:

And I will make of thee (Abram) a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Gen 12:2-3).

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee (Israel). Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar…If those ordinances depart from before Me…then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever…If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD (Jer 31:35-37)

For thus saith the LORD of hosts…he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye (Zech 2:8).

Remember however, the New Testament’s revelation that Jews in the New Covenant are identified by faith in the God of Abraham, not by being his blood descendants. So then, these beautiful OT promises are for the new people of God in the Age of Grace (Gal 3:14, 29). I have to chuckle when dispensationalists appropriate for themselves the following oft-memorized OT promise:  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jer 29:11). This beautiful encouragement was spoken specifically to the captive Jews in Babylon, yet we see it cited in Christian circles everywhere, artists have incorporated it into popular wall-hangings and decorations. Under what criteria do Dispensationalists discover that verse is for the Christian Church, but the ones we cited above are not?

Another class of Old Testament prophecies involves the promise that God would give the land of Judea to the Jews forever (i.e. Josh 14:9; 1Chr 28:8). Reagan even states that “the Jews have never occupied all the land that was promised them in the Abrahamic Covenant.” Yet the book of Joshua says otherwise:  And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass (Josh 21:43-45). 

Reagan also makes the following claim: “David wrote in the psalms that the land promise is everlasting in nature and is yet to be fulfilled” (Ps 105:8-11). How can an everlasting promise not be fulfilled? Once made, is it not perpetually fulfilled from that moment? Yet the Jews have controlled Judea for only about 800 of the roughly 4000 years since Abraham. Now, I do not dispute that God’s covenants are everlasting (remember Rom 11:29), but I do dispute with all vigor the idea that God’s covenants are somehow unconditional. Read the last words of Moses to the children of Israel over three long chapters (Deut 28-30). Again and again he says, “If you hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord, then I will establish you, but if you will not hearken, then all these curses will fall upon you.” The idea that God will restore the Jews to the land of Israel even in unbelief would radically contradict His words in those chapters! If they repent and obey His voice, then will He deliver them from their captivity (Deut 30:1-3).

The real fulfillment of the land promises is spiritual in nature, not physical. Thus, in the charter of Christ’s Kingdom we read, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven…Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Mat 5:3-5). And the Apostle says, For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith (Rom 4:13). In the new Kingdom, Jesus said, worshippers are not tied to the land of Israel nor the temple, but worship the Father in spirit (John 4:19-24). Furthermore in that passage, Jesus affirmed that salvation is of the Jews – not according to blood, but according to faith in Christ. The whole earth is the Lord’s (1Cor 10:26),    

Another class of Old Testament citations focuses on the everlasting covenant that God made with Abraham (Gen 17:7-9). We do not deny these to be fervently true! Yet we are convinced by the New Testament Scriptures that the promises to Abraham have fallen upon his seed according to faith (Rom 4:16). Less known is that God also made an everlasting covenant with Aaron to minister before Him by a perpetual statute…by an ordinance forever (i.e. Num 25:12-13, 18:8; 1Chr 23:13; Lev 24:3-9). The Aaronic priesthood has, however, ceased to exist and its genealogical line has been lost to the mists of deep time, demonstrating once again that there are conditions to every covenant. The Jews did not keep the statutes of the Covenant. Aaron’s posterity did not keep the statutes.

Conversely, Dispensationalists and Calvinists teach that both the Old and New Covenants are “unconditional,” and that the party of Man does nothing to become part of the Covenant. They claim he cannot choose to leave the Covenant, nor act in such a manner that he is disqualified. To the Dispensationalist, the physical Jew is forever and unconditionally part of the everlasting covenant that God made with Abraham, while the Calvinist believes that the Christian is forever and unconditionally part of the New Covenant.

 The absurdity of an “unconditional covenant” is plainly evident by briefly contemplating the definition of a covenant – “an agreement between two or more parties upon determined and mutually agreed conditions.” The covenants that God has made with the children of men always have conditions. Sometimes they appear in other passages or are linked with other covenants, but they are always there. The Dispensationalist invention of an “unconditional covenant” would be laughable if so many people hadn’t fallen for it.

Summary of Dispensationalist Eschatology  

Dispensationalism teaches that before the final disintegration of the world, God will bring about the general salvation of the Jewish population. There is a wide range of ideas concerning how, what and when all this will take place, but one point all Dispensationalists agree is that the natural Jews are still God’s chosen people and the Church has not replaced Israel. Their typical explanation is that the Church Age is a “parenthesis” in God’s time-scheme. The real Covenant was made with Abraham and his seed, they say, and it was eternal, unconditional and irrevocable. When the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, God interjected the Church Age into His larger Grand Plan as an interim arrangement until such time that the Jews WOULD accept Him. Because of this, Dispensationalists say, the New Testament is not really seen in the Old. All the promises, all the prophecies, all the history of the Old Testament revolves around Israel and the Jews. To them, the Church Era delayed the time-clock of prophecy for an indeterminate period. Daniel’s 490-year prophecy stopped at year 483 and now the Church parenthesis has gone on for 2000 years. The clock will start to count off the last seven years of that prophecy after the Church Age has ended. They liken this to a valley between two mountain peaks. From a distance one can only see the peaks, not the valley below. Just so, the prophets of old did not see the valley, but prophesied the peaks at Jesus’ first and second comings.

I find these tenants of Dispensationalism to be breathtakingly unbiblical and deeply detrimental to the character of God and His Son, as well as His confessed, chosen Bride – the Church of the Living God. Moreover, Dispensationalist doctrine has served to confuse and distract the people of God from their true purpose in life – seek ye first the Kingdom of heaven. Many Christians are so distracted by “signs” and “fulfillments” of the end-time that they forget the Great Commission.

Reagan begins his article by out-right admitting that from the earliest beginnings of the Church, all of its eminent members have been anti-Dispensationalist. He disparages many of the apostolic-age Christian writers as anti-Semites – Justin Martyr, Ireneaus, Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen – all were church leaders and immediate successors to the Apostles. Some had probably met the Apostle John in person and heard him speak about his visions. Surely they wrote what they believed the Apostles to be teaching in the churches! These were people who lived practically in the time of the Twelve Apostles. They read the Scriptures in their own language. They knew first-hand the idioms of culture and literature of both the Jews and Greeks. These all believed and taught the same anti-dispensationalist doctrine, that God had “taken the Kingdom from the Jews and given it to a nation which bring forth the appropriate fruits” (Mat 21:43). Using Reagan’s criteria, Christ and the Apostles would also be anti-semites.

Reagan also writes, “But the distinctive Jewish flavor of early Christianity was not to last long. As the Church began to spread beyond Judea, its message was embraced by more and more Gentiles who had no interest in maintaining contact with the Church’s Jewish roots.” Wait, isn’t that exactly what Jesus wanted to happen? The Church is not the Jewish institution of the Old Covenant, it’s a new, all-embracing Kingdom that encompasses every tribe, nation and language under heaven. The Jewish remnant that converted to Christianity had to reject Judaism. Paul counted the Old Covenant to be rubbish and dung in order to win Christ (Php 3:4-8). There’s a reason it’s called the Old Testament, for that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away (Heb 8:13).

Reagan details the antisemitic behavior of the Catholics and many Protestants (which I find equally appalling). However, he then makes some startling conclusions, alleging that the reason the Jews are rabidly anti-Christian is on account of their mistreatment by Jesus’ people. This ignores several obvious facts. First, the best friends the Jews have ever had are the true people of God – not the Catholic Church, not the Protestant reformers, but the real Christian who loves all men and worketh good unto all. It was good Christian men and women who risked their lives to hide the Jews during the Holocaust. Second, there is a wealth of true Jewish blood running in the veins of many Christians today. The entire early Church was Jewish – thousands upon thousands of them – until the Spirit revealed to Peter that the Gentiles were going to be grafted in also. These Jews willing gave up their ancestry and names to be counted with Christ. Their physical genealogical record is lost, but their sons and daughters are sitting in our church benches today. On the other hand, the sons and the daughters of the blinded are blinded still (largely). Presently about two-thirds of the Israelite population classify themselves as either atheist or not religious. And that’s the better conclusion to why the Jewish people reject Christ.   

Reagan wonders: “Why would God continue to pursue such a stubborn and rebellious people? The answer is that they are witnesses of God, and through them God is demonstrating His unfathomable grace….He pursues us in love despite our sinfulness, and regardless of how stiff-necked we may be, He never washes His hands of us.”

He is using the erroneous Reformation-era definition of Grace that the Protestants invented and which surely contributed to the later rise of Dispensationalism. Grace is God’s favor working on man’s behalf. It is never, ever bestowed upon unwilling, rebellious people. Every time that grace is seen at work in Man it is because the person wished to receive that grace. I certainly believe that God “pursues us in love despite of our sinfulness,” but He will not graciously cleanse us without our consent. Yet, in Protestant theology, He does just that, saving whomsoever He will whether they want to or not, and damning whomsoever He will just because He has so chosen. That’s the Protestant idea of Grace and it is a deeply pernicious doctrine.

The above fits quite well with the Dispensationalist mind, for if God really chooses to give grace arbitrarily, why would He not choose the Jews even though they are among the most anti-God race that history has ever known? We have not so learned Christ. He is all-good, all-wise, all-righteous, all-true, all-just. He cannot lie. He cannot act contrary to His character. The tenants of general Protestantism upend those beautiful attributes of God, making Him an uncaring, unmerciful tyrant. Dispensationalism is linked at the hip with Calvinism, yet many Anabaptists have failed to make the easy connection.

Why have many Christians accepted Dispensationalism? It is an important question, for this paper has shown that it is not a New Testament doctrine. I believe a key part of the answer is that many Christians harbor deep sentimental feelings for the Jews. I know that I do. Although I am convinced it has nothing to do with Bible prophecy, I cannot help but hope the Jews make a place for themselves in the land of Israel. Their ages-long history and culture remind me of God and Christ – all the prophets and apostles were devoted Jews. Seeing them in Palestine is like seeing again the relatives of old friends. We want the Jews to succeed. We are amazed at their Old Testament experiences with God. Unfortunately, this “sentimentalism” works to cloud the bare teaching of the New Testament concerning natural Israel. Beware:  analyzing facts using the emotions always leads to deception. Do not simply “follow your heart” (Jer 17:9), but follow the Truth (John 17:17), follow the Man of Truth and Life (John 14:6).

Conclusion: does all this even matter? 

In the past, I spent quite a bit of time reading and studying eschatology. I immersed myself in the prophecies of the Bible. I worked to cross-link this passage with that doctrine. I read the prophets, studied the contexts and surrounding histories. And I’ve satisfied my mind on the big picture – Christ has taken the Throne of His kingdom and will reign over the earth until the end, at which moment He will return in the clouds of heaven to end the world and resurrect the dead in the twinkle of an eye for all eternity.

When Christ returns for the saints of the Kingdom, time will be no more – there will be no future covenant with the Jews, a thousand year literal reign of Christ in Jerusalem, etc. I live with the constant belief that this world will generally continue in normal life until, without warning, the sign of the Son of Man suddenly appears in the air. And that’s the end.

What if I’ve come to the wrong conclusion? What if time does continue after Christ returns for the saints? Well, surprise, surprise – it makes very little difference to you and me. We Christians won’t be here either way; whether it’s the end (as I believe) or just the first phase of “Christ’s second coming in the air” (as Dispensationalists believe). As it affects personal salvation, I say that what you believe about the Second Coming of Christ matters virtually nothing.

In fact, my interest in end-time prophecy waned considerably when I came to understand that the Big Sign of Christ return is this:  there will be no sign. He comes at an hour that we think not, when all are least expecting Him (Luke 12:40). Life will be going on normally, eating and drinking, peace and safety, when sudden destruction falls (Mat 27:38; 1Thes 5:3). But of that day and of that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven (Mark 13:32). It will come as a thief in the night (2Pet 3:10), when many are sleeping (Mat 25:5). So take heed to yourselves, lest… that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy…to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:34-36)

However, while one’s beliefs on the end-time are of little consequence to personal salvation, they are of great consequence to the salvation of others. Because of their Dispensationalist beliefs, many well-meaning Christians are offering false hope to natural Israel. They give money to the Jews, invite them to speak in their churches (!), promote their agendas and travel to Israel to work in their projects and synagogues. They profess to be motivated by prophecy – “we need to do this so that Christ can return.” But guess what – God didn’t need help from the Jews to bring fulfillments to the prophecies of the Old Testament. And He is abundantly capable of orchestrating the necessary conditions for Christ to return exactly as He has decided. Second, the Jews tried to help Jesus carry out His mission too – and remember how that turned out for them.

The biggest concern, however, is the commitment of valuable Kingdom resources to enemies of the Gospel, (Rom 11:28). Let us learn from Christ’s example of evangelism. He was ever ready to share with those who were truly interested, yet would not answer the hardened Pharisees (Mat 21:23-27) and refused to explain His parables to those who rejected Him (Mat 13:10-17). Jesus told His evangelists, “If they don’t receive your message, shake off the dust of your feet against them and go to another city” (Luke 9:5). The Spirit led Paul to preach to people that were open to the Gospel and forbade him to go to others (Acts 16:6).

Dispensationalists face this huge conflict:  on one hand they think that by converting a Jew to Christianity they’ve done God a special favor, they’ve saved a soul that He has especially loved above all others; but on the other hand they believe the Jews need to return to the Old Covenant and get that temple rebuilt so they can go about sacrificing and sprinkling ashes again. Those are vigorously different goals! Which will it be? Reagan and others have made their choice. Witness the full-slate of Christian websites dedicated to actively support the Orthodox Jews’ plan to rebuild the temple – even though that would further separate them from Christ. Under the pretense of fulfilling Bible Prophecy, Christians report on the search for red heifers, assist in making the special temple utensils and furniture, help to re-formulate “biblical crimson,” etc – how can they fail to see that they are undoing the Gospel?

The Apostles’ hardest labor was to convince the Jews to abandon the physical works of the Law and put their faith only in Christ (Php 3:4-11). Paul wrote, O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth…This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?…Christ is become of no effect unto you (who think to be) justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace (Gal 3:1-2; 5:4). Jews and Gentiles are saved in the same way – by believing that Jesus is the Son of God who shed His blood for the remission of sins (Mat 26:28). There is no other name under heaven whereby Man can be eternally saved (Acts 4:12).

Will there be an end-time revival among the Jewish people? That is not given for us to know (Acts 1:7). With the apostle Paul, we hope for that (Rom 10:1). Yet the only way to God is to be grafted back into olive tree of Christ, not make themselves a great nation again. The big point in this:  there is no prophetic requirement, and I repeat, NOT EVEN ONE, that natural Israel will either be saved or will turn to Christ before the end of the world. The glimmers and inferences of a handful of proof-texts are far out-weighed by Christ and the Apostles’ emphatic, direct descriptions and teachings concerning the destitution of natural Israel in favor of the new Israel of God – the Church of Jesus Christ.