Dressing up for Eternity
In the Bible, clothing is used to communicate many different things.
Many times, in the Bible, clothing had a spiritual significance. As we read and study the Bible, we see several references throughout Scripture that refer to “garments” and “robes”.
What if clothes not only make a fashion statement, but can also actually portray the Gospel? As we journey through the Bible, we find many references to clothing which convey essential elements of the Gospel. Let’s take a closer look.
The very first example of clothing portraying something deeper than just “fashion” can be found all the way back in the Book of Genesis. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and fell into sin, they became conscious of their nakedness. They tried to cover their nakedness and then hid from God. Genesis 3:7-8
Adam and Eve’s attempt to cover their nakedness was unacceptable. God made coats of skins and clothed them. Genesis 3:21 This was the first sign that it took the shedding of blood to cover up the results of sin in Adam and Eve’s life.
We read the vivid description God gave to Moses regarding the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons were to wear while ministering in the tabernacle in Exodus 28:1-3.
This clearly illustrates that priestly garments were very important to God. Each article of clothing had a unique symbolism. The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 52:1, tells of a great revival that is coming to “Jerusalem”.
In his description, Isaiah uses the phrase “put on your beautiful garments”. In verse 10, Isaiah gives reason for these “beautiful garments”, because of the redemption and salvation of the people of God. “All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:9-10
Isaiah proclaims another spectacular time coming in the future to the people of God. He describes the gift of the “garment of praise” for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3
In verse 10, Isaiah uses this same terminology to depict a great change, a great deliverance coming to the people of God. Let’s read it in Isaiah 61:10.
What radiant imagery Isaiah uses to communicate the ultimate deliverance of the people of God! We can also find the phrase “clothed with salvation” and “clothed with righteousness” several times in the Old Testament. 2 Chronicles 6:41, Psalms 132:9,16 These verses make reference to the “priests of God” being clothed with salvation and righteousness.
Jesus Himself told a parable recorded in Matthew 22:1-14. In verse 12, we read what happened when the King noticed that one of the wedding guests did NOT have on a “wedding garment.”
The King immediately questioned the man about this and then had him bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness. This sounds so severe because it is severe. The lesson that this parable teaches is found in verse 14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” The invitation went out too many to attend this wedding, but only a few responded by actually attending. So, it is today, God is calling many, but few there be that respond to the call.
The all-important question that this parable places in our minds today is, “How do I get this wedding garment?” “How do I get this “garment of salvation”? How do I acquire this “robe of righteousness”?
We find the answer to these questions right in our Bible. In Galatians 3:26-29, we read when we put on Christ: it is when we are baptized in the wonderful Name of Jesus that we actually “put on Christ”.
To “put on Christ” takes a definite action. The word “put” is an action verb. To “put” or “place” something somewhere takes action. To put on “garments of salvation” takes action.
When you get up in the morning, it takes action to “put” on your clothes. You can believe that you are dressed all day long, but without the action of “putting” on your clothes, you remain naked.
So it is with our salvation, believing is not good enough; we have to “put on Christ”. The Scriptures tell us that this happens when we are baptized. Galatians 3:27 The only water baptism that the Bible knows is baptism by full immersion in the Name of Jesus Christ. This is what brings about the remission of sins.
When we take on the Name of Jesus through baptism, we become righteous in the sight of God because we are covered by the precious blood of our spotless Lamb, Jesus. The Bible tells us in Romans 6:4-5 that we are buried with Him by baptism. Only IF we have been planted in the likeness of his death shall we be in the likeness of His resurrection.
In Romans 4:3, we read how Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Because Abraham believed, God made a covenant with him. God then gave Abraham a seal of the righteousness of his faith, that was the sign of circumcision. Romans 4:11
Notice Abraham had to believe first, then he was given the sign of circumcision. This was not an option in the eyes of God. If any refused circumcision, they were “cut off” from the people of God because “he hath broken my covenant.” Genesis 17:14 The belief came first, then the sign of circumcision.
In the New Covenant, we “are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands”. This happens when we put off the body of the sins of the flesh. We “put off the sins of the flesh” when we are baptized in Jesus Name for the remission of sins. Colossians 2:11-14
This is what the Scriptures actually tell us, although it is NOT what many Churches teach today. Many Churches teach today that all it takes is believing. This is not what Jesus taught. Jesus said, “He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16
When we are baptized, the Scripture says that we actually “put off” the old man with his deeds and have “put on” the new man which we have to constantly renew in knowledge. Colossians 3:9-10
When we “put on” Christ through baptism, we are putting on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. This happens as we continue to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Ephesians 4:23-24 When we put on Christ, we become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
The phrase “righteousness of God” means that you are justified, delivered, righteous because you had your sins cleansed by Jesus. When does this happen? In the waters of baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ. John 20:31
Revelation 19:7-8 tells us about the wife of the Lamb “has made herself ready”. The wife of the Lamb is the Church. How did the wife make herself ready?
She was arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. This “fine linen” is identified as the “righteousness of saints”. She made sure that she was dressed for eternity.
When the multitude from all nations, kindreds, and people, that no man could number, stood worshipping before the throne, they were all clothed with white robes. Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:14 tells us how they made their robes white: they washed them in the blood of the Lamb. This multitude was before the throne because they were dressed for eternity.
These had “put on” Christ through baptism in the Name of Jesus.
Conclusion
When we are obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is found in Acts 2:37-39,41; we become the Bride of Christ adorned with the garments of salvation. When we repent and are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, God will tabernacle in us and we become His people and He becomes our God. Revelation 21:2-3
Just as Abraham had to submit himself to circumcision as a seal of his righteous faith, so we must submit ourselves to our spiritual circumcision which is water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ. This is when we “put on” Christ. This is when we “put on” the wedding garment. This is when we “put on” the robe of righteousness.
Now we are dressed for eternity.