This short article explores the symbolism of clothing in the context of salvation. It highlights how biblical themes of garments and redemption resonate with Asian cultural values of honor and purity, emphasizing the transformative power of being clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

Clothing is a profound metaphor in the Bible, often symbolizing identity, status, and transformation. In the context of salvation, clothing imagery symbolizes how God redeems human shame and imparts righteousness.

Genesis of Grace: From Shame to Salvation

As mentioned in previous article, the story of Adam and Eve introduces the theme of clothing and shame. After their disobedience, Adam and Eve realized their nakedness and felt shame, prompting them to make coverings from fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). This act represents humanity’s initial, inadequate attempt to address sin and shame.

God’s response is significant: “The Lord made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). This divine provision not only covered their physical nakedness but also symbolized a deeper act of grace and protection. John Chrysostom, an important 4th century pastor-theologian, explains that the act of God clothing Adam and Eve with garments of skins after the fall is significant.¹ It symbolizes God’s continued care and provision despite their sin. God did not simply cover them with skins; He gave them clothing as a teacher and a healer. He clothed them so that they might have a sign of their own shame and sin. Chrysostom notes that when they look at their clothes, Adam and Eve must have remembered their fall, yet they must also have seen in the clothing a sign of His compassion and care for them.

Chrysostom sees this gesture as mercy, covering their shame and nakedness resulting from their disobedience. He emphasizes that the garments represent not just physical covering but also a sign of God’s grace, even amid judgment. This interpretation highlights the dual aspects of clothing in the context of sin and shame. It serves as a reminder of humanity’s fallen state and the need for repentance. At the same time, it reflects God’s mercy and grace in providing for their needs even after their disobedience.

Threads of Redemption: Old Testament Garments of Salvation

The motif of clothing as a symbol of salvation and righteousness continues to be woven into the Bible’s story throughout the Old Testament. The coat of many colors given to Joseph by his father Jacob (Israel) symbolizes favor, distinction, and blessing: “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him” (Genesis 37:3). Notably, Joseph’s social standing was changed through the bestowal of his new attire.² Although it’s not explicitly referred to as a

“garment of salvation,” this special garment in some sense signifies Joseph’s unique role and the future deliverance he would bring to his family during the famine. The coat likely represents divine favor and a foreshadowing of salvation for his family through his leadership in Egypt.

In the next book of the Old Testament, we learn of the holy garments of Aaron and his sons, described in detail in Exodus 28, which represent sanctification and the priestly role in mediating between God and the people. These garments symbolize the righteousness and purity required to serve before God, prefiguring the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, and the salvation He would bring. In this case, garments are closely associated with the holiness and redemptive work of the priesthood.

We get yet another powerful “garment” illustration in Zechariah 3:3-4. There, we learn about Joshua, the high priest, who stands before the angel of the Lord in filthy garments, representing sin and impurity. The angel commands, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he says, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” This act symbolizes the removal of sin and the bestowal of righteousness, highlighting God’s transformative power using the tangible symbol of clothing.

Robed in Righteousness: Christ’s New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament brings the motif of clothing and salvation to its full realization in Christ. Galatians 3:27 encapsulates the profound transformation that occurs through salvation by speaking of being “clothed in Christ.” This phrasing signifies that believers are covered with Christ’s righteousness, effectively removing the shame of our sin. Paul also writes in Colossians 3:9-10: “You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” This passage underscores the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers continually shed their old, sinful nature and embrace their new identity in Christ.

The Wedding Garment: A Parable of Readiness

Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 underscores the importance of being properly clothed in righteousness. In the parable, a king invites guests to his son’s wedding banquet. However, one guest was found without a wedding garment and was cast out. This wedding garment represents the righteousness required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, which God provides through Christ. The wedding garment represents a transformation required by the invitation to God’s kingdom. Without this transformation, which signifies the acceptance of God’s righteousness, one cannot partake in the feast, symbolizing salvation and eternal life with God.³

Cultural Resonance: Honor and Purity in the Asian Context

In many Asian cultures, clothing is deeply symbolic of honor, status, purity, and communal identity.⁴ The biblical narrative of being clothed in Christ’s righteousness resonates with these cultural values, providing a profound sense of honor and belonging. In societies where communal identity and social standing are paramount, the gospel’s message of receiving a new, honorable identity in Christ speaks powerfully.

The concept of honor and shame is particularly relevant. In Asian contexts, where family and community honor are vital, the shame of sin can be a heavy burden. The message that Christ covers our shame and clothes us with His righteousness offers profound hope (cf. Rom. 9:33). It restores not only individual dignity but also familial and communal honor.⁵

Practical Implications: Living Out the New Identity

The biblical exhortation to “clothe yourselves with Christ” has practical implications for daily living. Paul urges believers in Colossians 3:12-14:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Living out this new identity involves embodying the virtues that reflect Christ’s character. This transformation not only covers our shame but also empowers us to live honorably, reflecting God’s grace and love in our interactions with others.

Conclusion

The symbolism of clothing in the context of salvation offers profound insights into the transformative power of being clothed in Christ’s righteousness. In the context of Asian cultures, where honor and purity are deeply esteemed, the gospel message resonates deeply, offering new identity and restored honor in Christ. As believers, we are called to live out this new identity, embodying the virtues that reflect our status as God’s redeemed people. This daily pursuit not only covers our shame but also empowers us to live with dignity and honor, shining as examples of God’s grace in a world in need of His redemptive love.

John Leones Jr. is a faculty member and current chair of the Theology Department at the International Graduate School of Theology. He is married to Awit and has two children, Timothy John and Trinity Jan. An ordained minister and church planter, he previously served as the pioneering pastor-teacher of Borongan City Evangelical Church in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Theological Studies with AGST.