“For in his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound imagery of being clothed in Christ’s robe of righteousness, portraying it as a divine gift that brings joy, salvation, and transformation, far beyond mere acknowledgment of truth, as exemplified by the 144,000 as symbols of victory over sin, Paul’s encounter in Ephesus illustrating spiritual growth, the reflection of God’s boundless love in this provision, and the daily practice of surrendering to Christ to live a life reflecting His character, ultimately calling the community to embrace this gift for preparation in God’s kingdom.

THE ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: CLOTHED IN HIS PERFECTION, EMBRACING CHRIST’S GIFT

Isaiah 61:10 paints a beautiful picture: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” This verse, like a beacon in the night, illuminates the path to true joy and salvation. It speaks of a divine exchange, where we are clothed not in our own tattered garments of sin, but in the radiant “robe of righteousness” provided by God. This robe isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift, freely offered through Jesus Christ. Like a loving parent dressing their child in their finest clothes for a special occasion, God desires to clothe us in His perfect righteousness. Scripture reveals this truth further in Romans 3:22, which declares, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference,” and Philippians 3:9 states, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” In The Review and Herald we read, “The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed. The righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven; the second is our fitness for heaven” (The Review and Herald, June 4, 1895). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Christ has become our sacrifice and surety. He has become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Through faith in His name, He imputes unto us His righteousness, and it becomes a living principle in our life” (The Review and Herald, July 12, 1892). This is the very heart of the gospel, the good news that sets us free. But what does it mean to truly embrace this divine garment in our daily lives?

IS ASSENT ALONE THE KEY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ, but what does it mean to wear this robe? It’s more than just a Sunday-best kind of righteousness. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus; we must actively put on His righteousness. As Ellen G. White so powerfully states, “The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309). Think of it like this: accepting an invitation to a wedding is one thing, but actually putting on the provided wedding garment is quite another. Matthew 22 illustrates this perfectly with the parable of the wedding feast. The king provided the garments, symbolizing Christ’s righteousness, and those who refused to wear them were cast out. This parable is a stark reminder that embracing Christ’s righteousness is not optional; it’s essential for entering God’s kingdom. We must allow this righteousness to permeate every aspect of our lives, transforming us from the inside out. Romans 13:14 urges, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof,” while Galatians 3:27 affirms, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Through inspired counsel we are told, “No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven” (The Desire of Ages, 555, 1898). A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us, “Christ imputes to us His sinless character, and presents us to the Father in His own purity. There are many who think that it is impossible to escape from the power of sin, but the promise is that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. We aim too low. The mark is much higher” (The Review and Herald, July 12, 1892). Embracing this righteousness leads to profound change. Who then stands as living proof of this victory?

WHO SHINES AS TROPHIES OF GRACE?

The 144,000 described in Revelation stand as shining examples of what it means to be clothed in Christ’s righteousness. They are not a select few, but a symbol of all those who, through faith in Christ, have achieved complete victory over sin. They are “trophies of God’s grace,” (The Great Controversy, p. 665) demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s righteousness. Like triumphal arches, they proclaim God’s victory in redeeming humanity. Their triumph isn’t achieved through their own efforts, but through the “spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs” (The Great Controversy, p. 665). This gives me hope! If they could achieve such a victory, so can we, through the same grace and power. Ephesians 4:24 instructs, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” and Colossians 3:10 adds, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” The inspired pen notes, “Jesus is our great High Priest in heaven. And what is He doing? He is making intercession and atonement for His people who believe in Him. Through His imputed righteousness, they are accepted of God as those who are manifesting to the world that they acknowledge allegiance to God, keeping all His commandments” (The Review and Herald, August 22, 1893). In Counsels to Teachers we read, “In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating influence that transforms the entire being, lifting man above every debasing, groveling vice, and raising the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven. Linked to the Infinite One, man is made partaker of the divine nature. Upon him the shafts of evil have no effect; for he is clothed with the panoply of Christ’s righteousness” (Counsels to Teachers, 51, 52, 1913). Such examples inspire the community to pursue similar transformation. What practical illustration reveals this process in action?

WHAT LESSONS UNFOLD FROM PAUL’S ENCOUNTER?

The story of Paul in Ephesus in Acts 19:1-5 provides a practical example of this transformative process. The disciples Paul encountered had been baptized by John, but they lacked a full understanding of the Holy Spirit. After Paul explained the truth more fully, they were baptized again in the name of Jesus. This wasn’t a rejection of their previous experience, but a step forward into a deeper understanding and commitment. It’s a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. We must be open to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to refine and perfect us, clothing us more and more in the likeness of Christ. Titus 3:5 explains, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,” while 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Sr. White wrote, “It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end” (The Desire of Ages, 323, 324, 1898). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s message in verity’” (The Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). Growth in righteousness demands continual surrender. How does this divine provision mirror a greater love?

HOW DOES LOVE DRIVE SALVATION’S PLAN?

God’s love is the driving force behind the entire plan of salvation. He doesn’t offer us Christ’s righteousness because He’s a harsh taskmaster, but because He loves us beyond measure. As 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love.” This love motivated Him to send His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and die a sacrificial death, making it possible for us to receive this free gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse is a testament to the immeasurable love of God, which is the foundation of our hope and salvation. He desires that we be clothed in His righteousness, not to condemn us, but to draw us closer to Himself and empower us to live a life of joy and purpose. This act of clothing us in His righteousness is the ultimate expression of His grace and love. Romans 5:17 proclaims, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ,” and Romans 4:5 notes, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us, “When the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then, according to His unfailing promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for him, as his atonement and righteousness” (The Review and Herald, November 4, 1890). The inspired pen notes, “The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a precious thought” (Gospel Workers, 161, 1915). Love thus becomes the catalyst for our redemption. How then do we apply this gift each day?

HOW TO EMBRACE CHRIST’S GIFT DAILY?

Christ ministers daily in our lives, so how do we put on Christ’s righteousness? It’s a daily process, a conscious choice to surrender our lives to Him. It involves studying His Word, spending time in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us. It means confessing our sins and accepting His forgiveness. It means choosing to follow His example, even when it’s difficult. For me, this means starting each day by asking God to clothe me anew in His righteousness, to empower me to live a life that reflects His character. For us, it means creating a community where we can support and encourage one another on this journey. We must be a safe place where people can come and find grace, where we can learn together what it means to truly live a life clothed in Christ. Just as a bride meticulously prepares for her wedding day, so too must we prepare for Christ’s return, ensuring that we are clothed in the spotless garment of His righteousness. Scripture further illustrates this in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” and Ephesians 4:23-24, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Sr. White wrote, “By faith he [the sinner, who has so grievously wronged and offended God] can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure” (The Review and Herald, November 4, 1890). A prophetic voice once wrote, “As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind and spirit of Christ, that you may work the works of Christ. If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit, and then you can be a living preacher in your home, in the church, and in the world” (The Review and Herald, February 23, 1892). Let us, therefore, embrace this incredible gift, allowing it to transform us into the people God created us to be.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of imputed and imparted righteousness, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these profound themes of Christ’s robe to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about righteousness by faith in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of being clothed in Christ’s righteousness and God’s ultimate victory over sin?