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In the book of Genesis, we read that after Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of   Good and Evil, they realized they were naked and used fig leaves to cover themselves. However, God replaced their clothing with garments made from animal skins, symbolizing the first sacrifice and the shedding of blood. This event points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for the remission of our sins. Sin leads to spiritual nakedness, and in an attempt to cover it, we often rely on our own works or self-righteous deeds, which, according to God’s standards, are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” In His grace, God offers us new attire through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the form of a “robe of righteousness.” Jesus is the embodiment of God’s righteousness, and we are called to seek His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. And clothe ourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14) “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof”. To put on Christ means allowing His virtues to be evident in our thoughts, words, and actions every day.

The seamless coat of Jesus Christ, as described in John 19:23, can symbolize many things, but one   significant interpretation is that it represents His righteousness. The fact that it was seamless—one   continuous piece without patches—points to the perfection and completeness of His righteousness. This also fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 22:18. On the cross, Jesus was made naked because of “our” sins, and He took on that shame once and for all, triumphing over it. When Jesus said, “I thirst” on the cross, it could also signify His deep longing for righteousness. Through His victory over sin, death, and hell, He graciously offers us His righteousness, imputed to those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:22) “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:” This robe of righteousness is available to all who trust in Jesus Christ, believe in His words, and follow His teachings—it is a one-size-fits-all garment for all believers. (Revelation 19:8) “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints”.

What an amazing gift our Heavenly Father has given us through his Son Jesus. As it is written (2 Corinthians 5:21) “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.”  To God be all the praise and glory, now and forevermore.