Robes of Righteousness

Text: Isaiah 61:10

“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…”

• Last Sunday we talked about the garment of salvation, the covering God gives that rescues and restores us.
• But salvation is just the beginning. God doesn’t stop at forgiving us; He covers us with the robe of righteousness.
• Isaiah 61:10 uses two garments: one saves, the other identifies.
• The robe of righteousness declares that we now belong to Him and must walk like Him.

Point 1: Righteousness Belongs to God Alone

• Isaiah 61:10 – “He hath covered me…”  this robe comes from Him.
• Isaiah 45:8 – “I the LORD have created it.”
• Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”
• Hebrew: tṣedeq / tṣedāqāh = “rightness, justice, covenant faithfulness.”
  
  • It’s not human decency; it’s divine nature.
  • To be righteous is to live in right relationship with God and others.
• God doesn’t ask us to produce righteousness; He gives it to us as His own covering.
• Righteousness begins with who He is, not who we are.

We Are Clothed with Righteousness Through Christ

• Greek: dikaiosýnē = “to be declared right with God, to align with His will.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”
• The robe was woven on the cross.
• We are not just pardoned criminals; we are adopted children wearing the Father’s robe.
• Philippians 3:9 – “Not having my own righteousness… but that which is through faith in Christ.”
• Salvation washed us clean; righteousness dresses us for service.
• This robe isn’t earned by effort – it’s worn by faith.

The Robe Identifies and Transforms the Wearer

• In Scripture, robes signify identity and authority
• Luke 15:22 – The prodigal son was clothed with “the best robe”  restoration of sonship.
• When we wear His righteousness, we reflect His nature justice, integrity, mercy, and holiness.
• Righteousness isn’t just imputed (declared); it’s lived out.
  • Hebrew thought: right action proves right relationship.
  • Greek thought: right standing produces right living.
• Ephesians 4:24  “Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
• You can’t wear the robe and live in rebellion. The robe changes how you walk, talk, and respond.

We Must Keep the Robe Clean

• Revelation 19:8 – “The fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
• Revelation 3:4–5 – “They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
• The robe of righteousness is not meant to be hidden or stained with compromise.
• We maintain it through repentance, humility, and obedience.
• Righteousness isn’t perfection, it’s alignment with the will and nature of God.

Application

• You can’t earn this robe, but you must wear it.
• God’s righteousness is both imputed (given by faith) and practiced (lived out in daily life).
• Wearing it means:
  • Living in integrity when no one’s watching.
  • Treating others with justice and compassion.
  • Representing Christ in word and action.
• Don’t take off what He clothed you with.

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Key Takeaways

• The robe of righteousness is more than a covering, it’s a calling.
• The garment of salvation saves you from sin.
• The robe of righteousness sets you apart for God.
• You wear His nature, His authority, His purity.
• Let your life show what it means to be clothed by God.
  “He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.”