Naked Or Clothed — Ashamed Or Not Ashamed?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn the parable of the marriage feast (Matthew 22:1-14), we see that one man in attendance did not have on the proper wedding garment (Matthew 22:11), even though he knew that he should have come prepared wearing one (Matthew 22:12).
Spiritually speaking, without the proper wedding garment, the man was considered naked (2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:18; cf. Revelation 7:13-14). What kind of wedding garment should he have worn? A white wedding garment (Revelation 7:9,13), i.e., “white raiment” (Revelation 3:18), made white by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:13-14; cf. Revelation 1:5-6).
How do we acquire this white (a symbol of purity and holiness) wedding garment? By being “clothed” with Christ. When are we “clothed” with Christ? We are “clothed” with Christ, when we “put on” Christ. We “put on” Christ when we are baptized “into Christ” (Gal 3:27 NASB). When we “put on” Christ in baptism, we immediately become “clothed” with the proper wedding garment (Revelation 19:5-8).
When Christ [the bridegroom] comes again to receive His holy bride, the church (Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 21:1-2,9; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:1-2), all the members of the wedding party, i.e., the church (Romans 12:4-5; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13), must be clothed in “white raiment” (Revelation 3:18), or they will be considered spiritually “naked” (2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:18), thus be ashamed before the King [Christ].
Note that in this parable, “everyone” was invited to the marriage feast (Matthew 22:1-10), even though some refused to come (Matthew 22:1-3). Spiritually speaking, all men are invited to the marriage feast through the gospel call (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; cf. Revelation 22:17), but many will refuse to come (Matthew 22:14; cf. Acts 13:44-46).
It is God’s desire that “all men” render obedience to the saving gospel of Christ (2 Peter 3:9; cf. 1 Timothy 2:4), thus putting on the appropriate wedding garment (Gal. 3:27 NASB), in preparation for the marriage feast of the Lamb and His bride, the church (Revelation 21:1-2,9-10).
The question is, are we “ready” to attend the marriage feast of the Lamb [Christ] and His bride (the church – Ephesians 5:25-32)? When the bridegroom [Christ] comes, only those who are “ready” (Matthew 25:10) will be allowed entrance into the marriage ceremony. All others will be rejected (Matthew 25:11-12).
Dear reader, if you have not already “clothed” yourself with the proper wedding garment, won’t you seriously consider doing that today? (2 Corinthians 6:2). Be properly “clothed” with Christ (Gal. 3:27 NASB), so you won’t be found “naked” or “ashamed” (2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:18) when the Bridegroom [Christ] returns to receive His bride, the church (Matthew 25:10; Revelation 21:1-2,9).
Naked or clothed — ashamed or not ashamed? It’s our choice (Joshua 24:14-15).
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