Warts and All

We don’t know for certain where the phrase, “warts and all” originates, but the ever trusty “Dr. Google” tells us it was likely used for the first time in the 1600’s by a man named Sir Oliver Cromwell.

If indeed this is accurate, the expression finds its roots in an interesting piece of history. According to some historical records, an artist was hired to paint a portrait of Cromwell, who served as the Lord Protector of England. Long before cameras and Kodak, artists would be employed to paint portraits of wealthy persons, high ranking government officials, and Royalty. These paintings were made either because of one’s own vanity, or that it was customary, or for historical purposes. Or perhaps some of all those reasons?

Not surprisingly, it was normal for these painters to take some “artistic license” when making a likeness of these persons, especially if they were rich or very powerful. By “artistic license” I mean, they would paint their subjects in a very flattering manner, often making them far more attractive on canvas than they were in real life. The artists would shrewdly make their subjects look thinner, more fit, more beautiful, more handsome, or more impressive-looking.

However, Cromwell wanted nothing of the sort and instructed the artist to “paint true.” Cromwell demanded the painter not seek to flatter him, or alter his likeness in anyway, but paint him as he was, “warts and all.” So, if you are seeing this article in the newspaper; if you’d like, you can stop reading and do an online search for Sir Oliver Cromwell and see a picture of him. To put it kindly, he is not the most visually appealing of men. The artist did as he was tasked, and painted an image of Cromwell, though not what most of us would call attractive, it was (presumably) quite accurate. And includes the bumps, blemishes, and growths on Cromwell’s face.

Over time, this expression, “warts and all” has come to mean; describing something or someone as they truly are, with all their faults, and failures – with no attempt to hide the ugly parts.

I relate that story for this reason … one thing you can say about the Bible is this; it accurately portrays men as they are …“warts and all.” God’s Word doesn’t hide, sugar-coat, or cover up our many imperfections. We live in an age of photo-editing and apps that enhance the attractiveness of online photos. But the Bible does no such thing. Scripture records the history of both triumphs and tragedies … our successes and our defeats. Moments of elation and desperation are all described on the pages of Holy Writ.

Think about Moses, the godly leader of Israel who stood defiant in the face of Pharaoh and demanded the Egyptian ruler let God’s people go. Moses met with God on Mt. Sinai and was given the unique privilege of beholding a portion of God’s glory. He faithfully led the nation for 40 years as they wandered in the wilderness. But, in a moment of anger and rage, he disobeyed God and it cost him dearly.

Or perhaps you remember the story of King David? At one point he was known as the giant-slaying fearless shepherd who was Israel’s national hero. Then, not long after, he was guilty of adultery and murder.

Recently, our church has been studying the life of Elijah, and let me tell you – what a mighty man of God he was indeed!

In an act of righteous judgment against idolatrous Israel, he prayed, and it did not rain for the space of three and a half years. After that, on the top of Mount Carmel, Elijah bravely stood strong (and alone) against the wicked King Ahab and some 450 prophets of the pagan god, Baal. As God’s bold mouthpiece, he mocked the false prophets and their false god.

Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice on the altar, proving there is only One True and Living God, and His Name is Yahweh. Elijah then prayed again, and brought rain to the parched promised land. Yet … when threatened by a woman, the cruel Queen Jezebel, he tucked his tail between his legs and ran for his life (1 Kings 19).

Neither time nor space will allow us to go much further. But think of the Apostle Peter who arrogantly insisted he would never deny the Lord … but did that very thing three times. Or John Mark who got out on the mission field and found out it wasn’t all glory and glam, and went running home to his momma. Many others could be cited as evidence the Bible portrays the history of men with all our faults and failures. Or as Cromwell put it, “warts and all.”

If you were writing a biography and seeking to curry favor, you’d be tempted to edit out those private and public failures. It is likely you’d downplay those embarrassing events and sinful incidents. But God paints true. His brush reveals our every bump and blemish. Enabled by the Holy Spirit and with the mirror of His Holy Word, we can see how sin has damaged and deformed us. His perfect law reveals our every imperfection.

And though we are by nature, spiritually unattractive; God doesn’t do like those ancient artists and paint an inaccurate flattering image of us. Instead, He lovingly shows us our every spiritual flaw, and then points us to the Glorious Person of His Sinless Son. Friends, it is only when we see the true ugliness of our innate depravity, that we will cry out to be remade. Thankfully, God can make us new creations in Christ!

Neither Maybelline or L’Oréal, or their best powder and concealer can mask the ugliness of sin from God. He sees us,“warts and all.” You can’t hide your impurities from Him. But you can find forgiveness, cleansing and healing in Him. And one sweet day, when the Almighty artist is done working on His people, the truth of this verse will be unveiled; “… that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27).

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.