What does it mean to "keep one's clothes" in Revelation 16:15? The Verse in View “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk naked and let his shame be exposed.” (Revelation 16:15) Staying Awake—A Call to Readiness • The phrase “remains awake” pairs with “keeps his clothes”; both picture alert, continuous readiness for the Lord’s sudden return (cf. Matthew 24:42–44). • Spiritual drowsiness—falling into complacency, compromise, or unbelief—leads to shame when Christ appears unexpectedly. What “Keeps His Clothes” Means • Guarding the garment of salvation granted at conversion (Isaiah 61:10). • Preserving a life of practical holiness so the white robe stays “bright and pure” (Revelation 19:7-8). • Refusing to let sin, false teaching, or worldly compromise soil one’s spiritual clothing (Revelation 3:4). • Maintaining daily fellowship with Christ so the covering He provides remains unblemished (1 John 1:7). Old Testament Foundations • Adam and Eve hid in shame when they realized their nakedness (Genesis 3:7-10); sin always exposes us. • Priests served in holy garments; if defiled, they were disqualified (Exodus 28:2; Leviticus 16:4). • Zechariah 3:3-4—Joshua’s filthy robes are removed and replaced with “splendid robes,” picturing God’s imputed righteousness. New Testament Echoes • Romans 13:14—“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” • Ephesians 6:11—“Put on the full armor of God.” • Jude 23—hate even “the clothing stained by the flesh.” • Revelation 3:18—buy “white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed.” Why Nakedness Equals Shame • In Scripture, nakedness often represents uncovered sin and lost dignity (Nahum 3:5). • At Christ’s return, the unprepared will face exposure—no works of righteousness to display (1 John 2:28). • The believer who guards his garments stands confident, not embarrassed, before the Judge. Practical Ways to Keep Your Clothes • Stay in the Word daily—let truth wash and renew your mind (Ephesians 5:26). • Confess sin quickly; don’t allow stains to set (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate prayerful watchfulness—guard against spiritual slumber (Mark 13:33-37). • Fellowship with other believers who help spot and scrub away emerging stains (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Actively put on Christlike virtues—compassion, humility, purity, steadfast faith (Colossians 3:12-14). The Promise of Blessing • “Blessed is the one…”—the beatitude assures joy, honor, and reward for those who stay awake and clothed. • White garments will be acknowledged publicly by the Lord (Revelation 3:5). • Eternal fellowship with the Lamb, clothed forever in His righteousness, becomes the believer’s glorious destiny (Revelation 7:14-17). Staying spiritually alert and guarding the spotless garment Christ provides preserves us from shame and prepares us to welcome the King with confidence and delight. |
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