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.
Isaiah 61:10 NKJV
There is something deeply beautiful about being clothed in righteousness. Isaiah’s words are more than poetic—they unveil a spiritual reality that defines who we are in Christ. God doesn’t just deliver us from sin; He dresses us with dignity. He transforms our identity, giving us joy that rises from knowing we belong to Him.
Throughout the Bible, clothing symbolises one’s spiritual status. In Isaiah’s imagery, we don’t just receive a second chance—we receive a whole new covering. God doesn’t leave us bare or ashamed. Instead, He wraps us in garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. This profound act of grace invites us to rejoice, not out of duty, but from the joy of redemption.
God always takes the first step. Like the father in Luke 15 who runs to his returning son and commands the servants to dress him in a new robe, our Heavenly Father responds with compassion and honour. He doesn’t ask us to fix ourselves before embracing us. Rather, He moves toward us, removing our shame and covering us with His grace.
Importantly, righteousness is not about flawless conduct. It is about the restored relationship. Through Jesus, God positions us rightly before Him. We don’t earn this standing. He gives it the moment we turn to Him in faith. Because of this, our guilt no longer defines us. Instead, we are clothed in righteousness, embraced as beloved sons and daughters.
Even at the beginning of Scripture, we see this truth. When Adam and Eve sinned, they tried to hide their shame with fig leaves. Yet God stepped in. He replaced their fragile coverings with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21). In that moment, He showed not only mercy but a glimpse of the full restoration that would one day come through Christ. God’s pattern has always been to cover, redeem, and restore.
Isaiah compares this transformation to a bridegroom preparing for his wedding or a bride adorning herself with jewellery. No one wears ordinary clothes on such a day. In the same way, God honours His people. He adorns us in beauty, joy, and worth. When He looks at us, He sees what He has done in us—not the brokenness of our past, but the righteousness of Christ.
Zechariah 3 brings this truth to life. Joshua, the high priest, stands before God in filthy garments, and Satan accuses him. However, God intervenes. He commands them to remove the filthy clothes and clothe Joshua with rich, clean garments instead. “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you,” the Lord declares (Zechariah 3:4). This powerful scene doesn’t just illustrate forgiveness—it reveals transformation. God doesn’t wait for perfection. He clothes us from the moment we turn to Him.
So then, what does it mean to be clothed in righteousness? It means your past no longer holds power over you. It means you carry the beauty of salvation and the strength of a new identity. God doesn’t simply restore what was lost—He gives you something greater.
In conclusion, let your soul rejoice in this truth. God has covered you in honour, not shame. He has chosen you, cleansed you, and crowned you with righteousness. Even when you feel unworthy, remember how He sees you: radiant, renewed, and cherished. Walk boldly in that identity and reflect His glory to the world around you.
Living It Out
Take a moment today to reflect on what it truly means to be clothed in righteousness. Don’t let guilt or past mistakes define your outlook. Instead, embrace your God-given identity and walk confidently in His grace. Each time you look in the mirror, remember: God has covered you by Christ’s righteousness, not your own efforts.
Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the robe He’s placed on you. Ask Him to help you see yourself—and others—the way He does: redeemed, restored, and dearly loved. And as you go about your day, reflect His beauty and truth in every conversation, choice, and act of kindness.
You are no longer wearing shame. God has adorned you in His salvation. Live like it. Speak like it. Rejoice like it.