Two Sides
Thus the attempt to “bridge the gap” between the masculine and feminine in androgyny was done through the avenue of the dress. However, in the specific religion of Baal-peor, this attempt was not limited to the priesthood, as may have been the case with some of the other androgynous religions. In the religion of the Moabites this practice was also common among the members of the general congregation. This is evident from the following bit of historical information concerning Baal-peor:
“Men wore women’s garments and women wore men’s garments and brandished weapons.
Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore, and Symbols, Vol. 1, 94
What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1 Corinthians10:18-21
“They [Israel] joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.” Psalms 106:28. In other words, the rites of the religion of the Moabites were connected with necromancy or communication with devils disguised as the spirits of departed loved ones. This as we know it, is nothing more or less than one of the lower forms of modern Spiritualism. Therefore sufficient proof is provided from history and scripture combined to show that the exchange of garments by the sexes has its foundation in that movement which has ever been at the most deadly odds with the requirements of God and a belief in His Christ.
It was with this knowledge, and having witnessed personally the end result toward which such practices lead, that Moses was inspired to counsel in retrospect, concerning the distinction in dress between the sexes. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” Deuteronomy 22:5
Susan Penner
Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner are modern Israel led astray. "The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4. All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin and determined resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.
Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king's court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later.
GC 508,509
Gewn & Rick Shorter