Naked and Righteous

When you read about the priest in the Old Testament, you will notice they made sacrifices wearing a special robe or garment. The word in the Hebrew that described the coat-like garment literally meant “to cover” or “to hide.” The same root word is used in Genesis chapter three where God covered Adam and Eve with the skin of an animal.

The garment that the priest put on was solid white representing the holiness and purity of God. The symbolism suggested that the priest was able to approach God on account that he was clothed in God’s character. Judgment would come upon any priest who did not approach God with the covering of the pure white robe.

There was one time in the Bible where a sacrifice was made without this garment. In fact, the priest who made the sacrifice did so without any covering. He made the sacrifice naked and it was accepted by God.

On Calvary Jesus was stripped of his clothing. Why didn’t Jesus need a robe as he made the sacrifice of his life? As Robert Coleman puts it, “This was the first time in our history that one had lived among us who was worthy in his own Righteousness.”

Our Lord Jesus needed no robe because he was the perfect Son of God. He didn’t need to cover up his shame for he had no shame. His perfect sacrifice provides for us the covering of righteousness that we need to stand before God.

2 Cor. 5:21 (NASB-U)
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”


Adapted from the book Written in Blood by Robert Coleman.