Friday, September 25, 2026

Scripture

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

Reflections

It is a common practice within the Church for a person to wear a white garment at the time of baptism.  Sometimes those garments are passed down and used from one generation to the next.

In baptism, something profound happens.  We become clothed with the righteousness of Christ.  Our righteousness does not come from trying to satisfy the demands of the law.  As we read in Hebrews 4:13, “before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.”

In baptism all our nakedness and shame are covered.  Our shortcomings in light of the law are no longer a part of the picture.  No longer do we need to feel like hiding.  As we read in Isaiah 61:10, “he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness”.  As our sins are like scarlet, they will become white as snow. (Is. 1:18)  We are claimed as forgiven children of God through faith.

The Eastern Orthodox Church has a particularly profound way of symbolizing this.  Those who have been baptized as an adult will often be buried in their baptismal robe—a powerful reminder that from beginning to end, we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for clothing me with your righteousness.  Thank you that from beginning to end, I am justified by faith and belong to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Galatians 3:23-29