The concept of the "Robe of Righteousness" is a metaphorical expression found within the Christian Scriptures, symbolizing the righteousness granted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with themes of salvation, sanctification, and divine grace.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The phrase "Robe of Righteousness" is most directly referenced in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 61:10 states, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Here, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a divine transformation, where God clothes His people with righteousness, akin to a garment that signifies purity, honor, and acceptance.

The imagery of clothing in the Bible often represents one's spiritual state. In the Old Testament, garments can symbolize both sin and righteousness. For instance, Zechariah 3:3-4 describes the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the LORD in filthy garments, which are then replaced with "festal robes," symbolizing the removal of iniquity and the bestowal of righteousness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being clothed in righteousness is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 illustrates the necessity of wearing the proper wedding garment, which can be interpreted as the righteousness required to enter the kingdom of heaven. The apostle Paul also uses clothing imagery to describe the believer's new identity in Christ. In Galatians 3:27 , he writes, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

Paul's epistles frequently emphasize the imputed righteousness of Christ to believers. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 , he declares, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, received through faith.

Theological Significance

The Robe of Righteousness signifies the believer's justification before God. It is a declaration of being made right with God through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This righteousness is both positional and practical. Positionally, believers are seen as righteous in God's sight because of Christ's atoning work. Practically, it calls believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity, pursuing holiness and godliness.

The Robe of Righteousness also underscores the transformative power of the gospel. It assures believers of their acceptance and standing before God, providing comfort and assurance of salvation. This metaphor highlights the grace and mercy of God, who, despite human sinfulness, offers a way to be reconciled to Him through Christ.

Conclusion

The Robe of Righteousness is a profound biblical metaphor that encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel. It speaks to the heart of the believer's relationship with God, emphasizing the grace that clothes them in righteousness and the call to live out that righteousness in daily life.2 Chronicles 6:41
Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength: let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
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Revelation 6:11
And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brothers, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
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Revelation 7:9,13
After this I beheld, and, see, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Nave's Topical Index

Spiritual Apparel; Namely, the Robe of Righteousness, and Garments ...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:20. Spiritual apparel; namely, the robe of righteousness,
and garments of salvation, Isa. 61. 10. 1 Awake, my ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 20 spiritual apparel namely.htm

"Grief, Like a Garment, Cloth'd Me Round, "And Sackcloth was My ...
... 7 "Grief, like a garment, cloth'd me round, "And sackcloth was my dress,
"While I procur'd for naked souls "A robe of righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/7 grief like a garment.htm

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... Other places of Scripture figure it as the robe of righteousness; here it is conceived
of as the breastplate, but the idea of assumption is the same. ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... Cherubic garments and seraphic mantles shall not be so lordly so priestly, so divine,
as this robe of righteousness this everlasting perfection which Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... The robe of righteousness in which you must stand at last must be without spot or
blemish, and if there be but one microscopic stain upon it, which is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

February 1 Evening
... 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, as a ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/february 1 evening.htm

July 9 Morning
... 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. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/july 9 morning.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... Christ is spoken of, as imputed to Christians: "He hath clothed me with the garments
of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." "And to ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

Its Results
... 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, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

June 4 Evening
... He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."I will go in the strength of
the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/june 4 evening.htm

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