HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND PICTURESQUE SYMBOLS IN SCRIPTURE - THE WEDDING GARMENT

1. Though the picture may vary- the Bride's garment, the guest's garment- or redeemed's garment
2. Isa 61:10 describes the joy of the saved in the garments of salvation, given freely;
3. But also the picture of the Bride's plain white garment- adorned by months of needlework and labor.

The Oriental imagery is lost on most occidental people- but study with me.

I.- THE GIFT OF LOVE A PLAIN WHITE DRESS

Though this is interpreted in different ways, let's see if our hearts can focus on His Love

A.- THE WEDDING GARMENT, MATT 22:11-14 - FREELY GIVEN TO EVERY GUEST ARIVING FROM AFAR!

1. When the king invited, friends and strangers came from very far away- different customs
2. The great equalizer- the Grace of God/graciousness of the king! A Wedding garment for all
3. On earth the number of garments and value of each depended on the king- What of God?

B.- THE GIFT TO THE BRIDE Isa 61:10 - A BRIDE CLOTHED WITH SALVATION BY HER HUSBAND

1. The Christian is a part of the Church- the Bride of Christ, to be adorned for her Husband
2. The Palestinian groom would bring a symbol of Betrothal-a plain white gown (quite expensive)
3. The fineness of the material would depend on the wealth of the groom- How rich is Christ?

C.- THE COST OF THE GARMENTS TO THE KING, AND TO THE BRIDEGROOM OF OUR SOUL.

1. Rev. 7:14 The only way to spiritual purity-"washed their robes and made the white-in, Blood of the Lamb
2. The Hymn- "With His own blood he bought her, and for her life he died"- no words can measure.
3. All of our righteousness is filthy rags- To reject this Wedding garment- Lost! Matt 22:13

If you are too proud to accept the gift of God- symbolized by a Robe of Righteousness- Death!

II. THE LABOR OF LOVE - THE NEEDLEWORK!

The fancy needlework -some visible to all, some hidden- does not make a garment- but adorns it

A.- THE BRIDE ADORNED HER PLAIN GOWN, Ps 45:14 AND THE NEEDLEWORK WAS A WORK OF LOVE

1. The planning and praying in secret, worked on for months, finest threads, expensive needles
2. Every design was different- each bride different, so don't try to compare and judge!
3. Every spare moment, and every spare expense - into garment trying to please the Groom

B.- HOW IS THIS APPLIED TO US TODAY - IS THERE ANY MEANING IN THE ORIENTAL TREASURE GARMENT?

1. We all start out in Christianity with the same clean white garment of Christ's righteousness
2. We can adorn it with our own practical service- we can try to keep it clean from world
3. We build in Christ's foundation- I Cor 3:12 - gold, silver, precious stones -sacrifices

C.- WHAT KIND OF NEEDLEWORK AND LABOR OF LOVE HAVE YOU PLACED INTO YOUR WEDDING GARMENT?

1. The tedious needlework might not all be seen- but it is for the Lord and precious
2. The stewardship of life will be shown- the final moment when the Bride appears in heaven
3. Some not only do not compliment their garment- but drag the garment in the mud-

Without the garment- you will be thrown out! Matt 22:13b, I wish you clean- 2 Cor 11:2 

III.- THE FINAL MOMENT OF TRUTH

There is no way we can guess when the Lord will come,- nor any way to delay His coming

A.- THE ORIENTAL BRIDE LABORED AND LIVED FOR THE TIME WHEN SHE WOULD SHOW HERSELF TO BRIDEGROOM

1. The plain cloak was worn over the bride's gown on the way to the wedding
2. The custom was an unfastening of the cloak-& opened so Groom could see- then he knew her faithfulness & labor
3. Then suddenly the outer robe was snatched away- and all could see her pride- or her shame!

B.- SO WILL BE THE JUDGEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY IN OUR BUSY WORLD

1. Every man's work will be made manifest- I Cor 3:13-15 - The world will see what you have done
2. For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ- II Cor 5:10 & receive good- other
3. the secret-covered thing will be shouted from the rooftops- Luke 12:2,3 - all recorded

C.- THANK GOD FOR SECURITY IN CHRIST, "YET HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED" I Cor 3:15

1. How wonderful to enter into His presence with gladness- a life well used for His glory.-
2. How horrible to have lots of needlework-but no gown of salvation! -lost in outer darkness
3. Many are called, few chosen- Matt 22:14 - Everyone given chance- but only believers chosen

Jesus told this parable to lost and unbelieving -v.15 they planned his downfall- You?

WHAT ABOUT THE GARMENT YOU WILL WEAR AT THE WEDDING SUPPER OF THE LAMB? ARE YOU READY?

1. Do you have the robe of righteousness- will get you in? Accept Christ and be ready
2. Do you have your needlework underway?-  What have you done for Christ?- What cost to you?
3. If Israel was cut off because of sin- what do you think about Gentile nations?