From Pastor Bob

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed
me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a
bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her
jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds
to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up
before all nations.
Isaiah 61:10-11

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold
jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
I Peter 3:3-4

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation,
tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white
robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 7:9

"Let's go shopping!" That innocent phrase has stirred up dread in many husbands and dads - assuming
of course, the intention is to shop for clothing rather than tools! Yet, as much as many of us dread the
malls, shopping for clothes is vital - to be clothed is important. The Biblical writers were fully aware of
the importance of clothing and frequently use garments as metaphors for various aspects of spiritual
life.

In Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah describes the believer as dressed in robes of righteousness. We teach that in
Christ, we are covered by His righteousness - justification! God sees Christ, rather than our sinfulness,
which has been described as "Filthy rags" by Isaiah in Isaiah 64:6.

In Revelation 7:9, John the Revelator speaks of the glorified church as a bride wearing fine linen,
representing the righteous acts of the saints (sanctification and ultimately - glorification).

Peter contrasts an over-emphasis on physical beauty and dress and encourages us to be clothed with
the unfading inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Samuel reminds us that while men and women are looking at outward appearance, God is looking at
the heart.

Jesus criticized the religious fashion shows of the Pharisees who focused
on what the public saw. They were primarily committed to outward acts of
religion. Jesus invites them (and us) to embrace and practice justice,
mercy, and faithfulness.

Paul speaks of being dressed for spiritual warfare in the armor of God: The
belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of
peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit and the helmet of
salvation.

Finally - Paul encourages us - "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy
and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave
you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together
in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14.