A new set of clothes - *

The other day, I posted a brief reflection on Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden here. The Cliff Notes version? In God’s perfect design, we could be with him naked and unashamed. Once sin entered the picture, though, we started to cover up.

The popular conception has them wearing fig leaves, but scripture indicates that God provided them with clothing made from skins.

Many centuries later, in Luke 24:46-49, Jesus promises a different sort of clothing:

He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

His promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. And through the centuries, Christians have continued to receive this precious gift, enabling us to be “clothed with power from on high”. But we’re given a set of instructions along with the gift:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

– Ephesians 4:22-24

Once again, God has provided us with clothing. Let's get rid of the old, worn-out clothing and put the new outfit on.