Covered in a Robe of Righteousness: Justification

Idea: Jesus Christ's obedience and death are the grounds of our justification, therefore we have reason to press on in faith.

Intro. Weddings are very joyful occasions. Isn't it good to gather together to celebrate the joining together of a man and woman in marriage, to see and share in their joy and excitement? This passage is marked by the joy of salvation, a salvation that is pictured as a wedding. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God…” For what reason? Because God has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” The words strongly remind us of Hebrews 12:2 where the author says, “for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross…” They call us to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, in the language of Hebrews. Or we could put it this way from Isaiah 61, Jesus Christ's obedience and death are the grounds of our justification, therefore we have reason to press on in faith.

1. Jesus is clothed with robes of righteousness.
   • Jesus consecrated Himself to be our Redeemer.
   • Jesus' active obedience. He obeyed the Father perfectly.
2. Jesus clothes us with robes of righteousness. Imputation.
3. We are urged to press on in faith.