FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
FIG-LEAF GARMENTS VS THE GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” Gen. 3:7, KJV.
“The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect harmony to the will of God. All the strength of their affections were given to their Heavenly Father [not towards each other]. A beautiful soft white light, the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. THE ROBE OF LIGHT WAS A SYMBOL OF THEIR SPIRITUAL GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE.
“Had they remained ever true to God it [robe of soft white light, not flashy, loud, jewelry-studded “diva-like” get ups] would ever have continued to enshroud them. But when SIN entered they SEVERED (cut off) their connection with God, and the light that encircled them DEPARTED.
“Naked and ashamed, they tried fo SUPPLY the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together [their own devisings] fig leaves for a covering. THIS IS WHAT THE TRANSGRESSORS OF GOD’S LAW HAVE DONE EVER SINCE THE DAY OF ADAM AND EVE’S DISOBEDIENCE.
They have sewed together to cover the NAKEDNESS [guilty conscience caused by transgression [of the moral and physical laws of the Creator]. They have worn the garments of their own devisings [and taught by the antinomian, popular, world-loving, mega church-“daughters of the Mother” described in Revelation 17], by works of their own they have tried to cover their sins, and make themselves to God.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311).
“Christ [the true Christian’s Example and Pattern-man] was obedient to every requirement of the law. ‘I delight to do Thy Will, O My God, yea, Thy law is within My heart.’ (Ps. 40:8).
When on earth, He said to His disciples, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments.’(John 15:10). By His perfect obedience [as God incarnate in human flesh and blood nature} He has made it POSSIBLE for every human being to obey God’s commandments [moral law of the Decalogue and the physical laws}. HOW?
“When we SUBMIT ourselves to Christ, the HEART is UNITED to His heart, the WILL is merged in His Will, the MIND becomes one with His mind, the THOUGHTS are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be CLOTHED WITH THE GARMENTS OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garments, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, HIS OWN ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” (Ibid, p. 312).
It is these faithful, commandment-keeping, overcoming saints who have received the seal of God’s approval in their foreheads that were shown to John and were described as follows:
“Let us rejoice and be glad, and give honor to Him, for the MARRIAGE of the Lamb is come, and His WIFE hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in FINE LINEN, clean and white: for the FINE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SAINTS. And He said unto me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the MARRIAGE SUPPER of the Lamb. And He saith unto me, These and the TRUE SAYINGS of God.” Rev. 19:8, 9, KJV.
Do you know how to prepare to wear this “fine linen” white wedding garment” for the “marriage supper of the Lamb”? Be sure because only those properly “attired” will be allowed into that marriage supper hall! Bless all, NMF