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DISPLAY AND ADORNMENT The basic philosophy of Christian standards as understood by Seventh-day Adventists is set forth on page 221 to The Church Manual (1971 edition): “Standing amid the perils of the last days, facing a judgment that will culminate in the establishment of universal righteousness, and bearing the responsibility of speedily carrying the last offer of salvation to the world, let us with true heart consecrate ourselves to God, body, soul, and spirit, determining to maintain the high standards of living that must characterize those who wait for the return of their Lord.” In the light of the above declaration the one who has a personal and loving relationship with the self-sacrificing Christ, will abstain from the wearing of jewelry and all adornments that give evidence of pride and are not in keeping with the Christian principles of humility, self-denial and sacrifice.  Christ will adorn his heart and life with Christian virtues, and he will gladly heed the counsel set forth in 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, which, while addressed specifically to women, contains principles applicable to all Christians: “Women again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hair styles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.”  (NEB) Peter enunciates similar ideals in 1 Peter 3:3, 4, “Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment—the braiding of the hair, or jewelry, or dress—but in the inmost center of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God.”  (NEB) These principles are summarized in Testimonies, Vol. 3, page 366: “To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.” The following statement adapted by the General Conference Spring Meeting (April 1, 1971) further amplifies the basic philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Christian standards. “According to divine plan the remnant church is to separate itself from the world in its unique role of preparing a people to meet their Lord.  As the great controversy between Christ and Satan comes to its climax, the forces of evil will attack the church and its standards. “If the church follows the low standard of the world in such matters as dress, music, reading, eating, drinking, or recreation, it will become separated from the channel of divine power.  ‘Christ’s followers are to seek to improve the moral tone of the world, under the influence of the impartation of the Spirit of God.  They are not to come down to the world’s level, thinking that by doing this they will uplift it. In words, in dress, in spirit, in everything, there is to be a marked distinction between Christians and worldlings.  This distinction has a convincing influence upon worldlings. They see that the sons and daughters of the Lord do separate themselves from the world, and that the Lord binds them up with Himself. . . Who is willing to be raised to the highest level?’—E. G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 305 “Seventh-day Adventist Christians are therefore under obligation to study carefully their conduct, personal appearance, and attitudes in order to attain to this highest level of living.  In these days of extremes in conformity and nonconformity each individual may find in the guidebooks–the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White—a clear understanding of life patterns that will properly reflect the Saviour. “While we acknowledge that the quality of an individual’s Christianity cannot be gauged solely by external criteria, we do know that his outward appearance will reveal either conformity to the world or to the Word.  ‘The external appearance is an index to the heart.’—Ibid, p. 312.  The Seventh-day Adventist Christian will strive to reach the standard set by the Word.  He will recognize that true conformity to that Word will be revealed by a progressive transformation of life based on a deepening and lasting relationship with Christ.  In sharing the life of Christ he comes to accept a different life style which involves his whole person.  He will give evidence of this by his conduct, personal appearance, and his attitudes.  ‘Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed.  Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.’  (Romans 12:2, NEB).     “Because the family is a God-appointed unit, we believe that a Christian life style is best born and nurtured in the family setting where children learn early that true love encourages willing obedience and self-control.  Physical growth is then accompanied by commitment to the Christian way of life, development of character, and acceptance of Biblical ideals.” On the basis of such counsel with regard to Christian display and adornment, VOTED 1. That the principles of self-denial, economy, and simplicity should be applied to all areas of life—to our persons, our homes, our churches, and our institutions. 2. That in the area of personal adornment necklaces, earrings, bracelets, jewelled and other ornamental rings* should not be worn.  Articles such as ornamental watches, broaches, cufflinks, etc., should be chosen in harmony with the Christian principles of simplicity, modesty and economy.     3. That our pastors, evangelists, and Bible instructors present fully to the candidates for baptism the Bible principles regarding display and adornment; point out the dangers of clinging to customs and practices that may be inimical to spiritual development; press the claims of the gospel upon the conscience of the candidates, encouraging careful self-examination concerning the motives involved in decisions that must be made; and acquaint the candidate with the inspired counsel given by Ellen G. White. As Seventh-day Adventists we believe in the priesthood of all believers.  Each soul has direct access to God through Christ, and is accountable to Him for his life and witness.  The spiritual condition of the church is basically the sum of the spiritual experience of each individual.  In view of this, we urge all our members to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the principles set forth above. Beyond this, and because of the special opportunities that rest with leadership to help the church reach its full potential of spiritual power, we expect our church officers, ministers and their wives, teachers, and other Seventh-day Adventist workers to strongly support these principles through their public testimony and example. In this final hour of earth’s history, the church must not lower its standards, blur its identity, or muffle its witness, but must with renewed emphasis give strong support to the standards and principles that have distinguished the remnant church throughout its history and have kept it separate from the world. * “In some countries the custom of wearing the marriage ring is considered imperative, having become in the minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and hence is not regarded as an ornament.  Under such circumstances we have no disposition to condemn the practice.” –Church Manual, 1971 edition, p. 212. _________________________