[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]
The title above for this article was inspired by Isaiah 61:10 which follows:
"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."
To be dressed for heaven and eternity, then, our apparel must be "the garments of salvation."
Following is a quote from the "Biblical Illustrator Commentary."
"Garments are used as a covering. Is a garment for the body more needed than one for the soul? Which of us could stand in the presence of an angel without sinking to the ground in very shame? I draw your attention to the glory of God's garments for salvation : they completely cover all your iniquity and blot out all your sin.
"A garment is used to beautify, to adorn. The garment of salvation is an adornment for it reveals God in you to your neighbors. What can be more beautiful than a man or woman or child who tries to bless another - that is the life of the angels: the life of God - ministering unto others.
"Garments are used also as a sign of one's condition or occupation. Monarchs, priests, judges, and officers of state wear robes to indicate their real or implied superiority. Shakespeare says, "The apparel oft proclaims the man." You can generally tell something about a man's character and calling from his clothing. The world judges Christian people by the garments of their conduct.
"He {God/Jesus} hath clothed me'. Where is salvation? In Christ, and Christ is in and for us."
What a wonderful analogy!
Obviously, the garments of salvation are from God through Jesus Christ, the Savior. But we need to "put on" those "garments" by faith in the good Lord!
We cannot save ourselves! It is all a gift from the love and grace found in and flowing from our Lord.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
This is mindful of "the fruit of the spirit" found at Galatians 5:22-23 - Which fruit a true believer will have and possess because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit from above. However, Isaiah 61:10 concerns itself with salvation being from the Lord: The Giver of the garments of salvation; which is the same as saying "He has saved me."
Much more wonderful information on Isaiah 61:10 is found in the above "Biblical Illustrator Commentary". Check it out online.
But another note on the above commentary:
The part where Isaiah 61:10 says: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God."
The Biblical Illustrator Commentary has these encouraging words for us on the above :
"Where there is a will there is generally a way, and sad though you may be, something is gained if you will resolve to rejoice. It is always "in the Lord" that we must rejoice. Friends are dying, helps are failing, hopes are being blasted. Rejoice in the Lord!"
"And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." - 1 Thessalonians 1:6
On another commentary, the above verse is expounded a bit.... "They received the Word with joy - they realized the joy of conscious forgiveness and acceptance with God. The sinless angels, placed beyond the necessity of pardon, are incapable of experiencing this joy. It belongs exclusively to the believing penitent."
[Hawaiian Moorhen, Oahu]
"The LORD takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness." - Psalm 145:20
"Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." - 1 Peter 1:21
Following is an excellent 11 minute video concerning Jesus' imminent return for the Rapture of true believers . It is titled "Be Ready For What Is Coming."
Watch and Pray!
Concerning the fact that the Bible tells us that God's Holy Spirit dwells within us, the following 3 minute devotional is a must for you to listen to. It is by Charles Stanley's InTouch ministries:
On another source, someone has said: "Real faith grabs God's attention and will move Him to work in your behalf."
If you are not saved, not born again by believing in Jesus Christ as the Savior.... not believing that His shed blood at the Cross can wash you clean (since He died in our place and paid our sin debt in full) then please repent before it is too late! Pray for forgiveness, and believe with all your heart and soul - all of your very being - that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven !
Following are some verses for those who are not yet believers:
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.: - John 14:6
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-26
"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
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life!
