Covered in Righteousness

What’s the most expensive piece of clothing you have ever purchased? Imagine buying your loved one an evening gown that costs $30 million. The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur dress was designed by Faisol Abdullah in 2009. Studded with 750 diamonds, the red burgundy taffeta, chiffon, silk, and satin dress literally sparkles.

There’s a far more expensive wedding garment that cost all of heaven, but it’s being offered to you at no charge. This free gift came through the shed blood of Christ on Calvary. The robe of Jesus’ perfect righteousness is necessary for you to enter the gates of heaven and join in the great wedding supper (Revelation 19:9).

The perfect life that Christ offers is portrayed in a parable where guests were invited to a wedding. Each guest was offered a wedding garment. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:11, 12). Coming to the wedding was not enough; he needed a wedding garment.

The same imagery is portrayed in the parable of the lost son. When the prodigal son returned home, broken and repentant, the father quickly told the servants to cover this son who was in filthy clothing. “Bring out the best robe and put it on him” (Luke 15:22).

Sinners need more than their ragged garments removed, they need new clothing. That is, they need a new life in Christ. When Jesus rose from the dead, His perfect life empowered us to live like Christ and “follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). When we depend on the life and death of Jesus, we are promised that His righteous life will be ours. As Paul stated, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Apply It:

What’s the most expensive piece of clothing you have ever purchased?

Dig Deeper:

Genesis 3:21; Zechariah 3:3, 4; Revelation 7:14

Key Bible Texts

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27 KJV)