Do You Have Your Wedding Clothes?

I think I was a freshman in college when a friend and I waltzed into a grocery store to pick up some food for a road trip.  It was mid-summer, hot, and accordingly we were shoeless.  We figured that our feet were cleaner than most people's shoes so we disregarded the big sign on the door that read, "Shirt and Shoes Required".  I guess wearing pants was self-evident.  When we got to the deli section a stern looking man with a red bow tie said, "Fellas, you can't be in here without shoes.  I'm going to have to ask you to leave."  Apparently, we weren't wearing the required clothes to be welcome in the store.  So out we went.  No food.  No road trip.

I've heard a number of people make comments about how they will question or complain to God when they get to heaven.  They have a list of things that they didn't like or didn't understand and they look forward to confronting God with their list.  This assumes two things: 

1) They'll be going to Heaven

2) They'll be able stand in the presence of God.

I want to address both of these things today and I'd like you look inward and see where you stand.  I'll do the same.

If you're going to Heaven (and I hope you are) you better be wearing the right attire.  It would appear that there is a sign (at least figuratively) at Heaven's door that says, "Wedding Clothes Mandatory".  Like the grocery store that required shoes, Heaven requires wedding clothes.  Tuxedo, shiny black shoes, and a cumber bun?   A long Versace gown and Jimmy Choo pumps? Nope.  You must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ. 

In Matthew chapter 22 Jesus told the parable of a wedding banquet. He was helping his disciples to understand the kingdom of Heaven.  After he described a group of people who were invited but refused to come, he went on to tell how his servants then went into the streets to invite who would ever come, "both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests."  Notice that there were guests who were good and bad and notice also that they weren't even on the original guest list.  But here is where it gets interesting.  Jesus continued:

"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  "For many are invited, but few are chosen."

The Bible describes a transaction that occurs when we accept Christ and are born again of the Spirit.  God no longer sees us as we are (broken and sinful) but as pure and holy.  Why?  Because all of a sudden we are perfect and no longer sin?  No.  Because we are covered.  Covered with Jesus Christ.  Paul put it this way in his letter to the church at Galatia:

"You are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ."

Your wedding clothes will be the Holiness of Christ, the Love of Christ, and the Righteousness of Christ.  How sweet is that!  They'll fit you perfectly but you can't buy them with money and they won't be worn by all.  And, you can take this to the bank:  without them you won't be at the feast.  Do you have your wedding clothes?  

As to the second assumption (i.e. standing in the presence of God) I just want to say that every time in the Bible someone found himself in the presence of God they ended up prostrate and trembling.  Why?  Because God is so much more immense, so much more holy, and so much more awesome than the white haired, grandfather figure we've made him out to be.  When we stand before God (and we all will for good or for bad), the God who breathed out the stars and galaxies, who conjured up DNA, your brain, and blue whales we will not be asking him to explain himself.  I have a feeling that we will say as Isaiah did, "Woe to me! I am ruined! I am a man of unclean lips!"  But maybe, if we are wearing the wedding clothes, we will instead just praise him for the eternity of peace and joy that we just entered into because of the gift of the cross.

If you're not sure that you have on the proper attire for Heaven it's time to ask God for forgiveness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.  Drop us a note if you have any questions or just need prayer.  That's why we're here!

Peace in Christ,

David