When you say this:
For myself it isn’t a question of impossibility. I don’t disagree with this. But I don’t come to your apparent conclusion that since it is a possibility to eventually come to an understanding of modesty alone, that equals no church should require a minimum clothing standard.Sudsy wrote: It sounds to me that what you are saying is if we don't specify what areas like modesty require one to wear than it will be impossible for that person to know where lines are to be drawn in modesty. And I guess, this is where we primarily differ. If I was outside of any community of believers (none close enough to fellowship with), I can still live a godly life according to the NT with the Spirit's guidance.
Here we see a subtle change, depending on the translation used. The version you quote really downplays the command I see in verse 3. The ESV and KJV are a bit more blunt – ESV: 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing your were – But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.Sudsy wrote: What I see is Peter making a point to what should be the most obvious in a Christian woman and it wasn't things like gold and hairdos or expensive clothing. It is this - 1 Peter 3;3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." These other ways are what the world uses to draw attention to themselves. This, then does not necessarily negate the wearing of something gold (like a little wedding band) or having a certain hairdo (that isn't a bun) but rather these areas should not stand out over what your character is as a godly woman. It is your spirit that matters most.
KJV: 1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price
I agree your character and spirit and motivations matters most, and someone wearing a gold wedding band can have a modest heart. But I don’t make the leap from there to “only the inner spirit matters and it is perfectly acceptable to wear gold and expensive clothes, and if someone disagrees they must be ignorant of the true meaning”
Regarding footwashing, & holy kiss, these may not be salvation issues. But they are very practical, humbling Biblical traditions that are nice. Of course there are other humbling services we can do to show our love and affection for on another. I’m not sure why Protestant Christianity has dropped feetwashing while keeping communion. Aren’t they both symbolic unless one believes as the Catholics?
John 13:12-15 KJV: Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I’m not saying these are always a salvation issue. But I don’t see why: Best = Obedience in spirit – Obedience in deed.
It seems to me that: Best= Obedience in spirit + Obedience in deed.
At issue is the principle of settling for what is acceptable instead of the best. But I know you thing I'm doing the same.
Generally speaking, it seems to me that the mind that has no interest in doing actual things in the Bible such as these, is primarily interested in the barest minimum they must do in order to avoid going to Hell. (Not you. I know you don’t believe in Hell)
Whereas the mind that “hungers and thirsts after righteousness” says hey, if there is something to gain spiritually by actually doing/not doing this thing that is in the Bible, then I want to do it. I want to gain every advantage possible to defeat the enemy of my soul. Both in my life here on earth and for eternal life. Not out of legalism, but out of a hunger to grow stronger spiritually.