Though we could spend a good bit of time discussing further things said of the New Jerusalem's physical structures and greenery, yet we will forego any more detail. The reader is encouraged to do so however. Revelation chapters twenty one and two describe a glorious city indeed. Further, as I have stressed, it must all be interpreted literally. There is no good reason to do otherwise. And, it is a rule in sound interpretation to always take words in their literal, historical and grammatical sense unless context or common sense dictate otherwise. If the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense. That is a sound rule.
Here is what is left upon which to focus our attention.
1. The dress of the redeemed
2. The glorification of the redeemed
3. The nature of the bodies of the resurrected believers
4. The nature of the bodies of the resurrected wicked unbelievers
5. The work and and job descriptions of the redeemed
6. The joys and pleasures of the eternal state
7. The psychology of the redeemed and freedom of the will
The Attire of the Glorified Saints
"He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Rev. 3: 5)
In an Internet article titled "What Will People Wear in Heaven?" by Dr. Michael L. Williams (See here) we read these words (emphasis mine):
"One of the things that believers often do is muse about what we will look like when we are in heaven. Many times, I have heard someone say something to the effect that they hope they look like they did at an earlier time in their life. While these conversations are often comical, it does bring up the question of not only what we will look like, but what will people wear in heaven? As always, the Bible has the answers."
Concerning the question as to what believers will look like post their resurrection and glorification we will address when we address the resurrection. At this point we will focus on the kinds of apparel the saints will wear over their glorified bodies. The bible does give us some information regarding this as we will see. The major concern I have is in regard to the question as to whether believers will wear the same clothes for all eternity or whether they will have "changeable suits of apparel" (Isa. 3: 22) as we do now (unless we are dirt poor of course). In other words, will believers always be dressed in white robes and nothing else? Will colored clothing not be? If always dressed in the same white raiment, will believers ever get tired of wearing the same clothes? What will become of individuality if all wear the same clothes all the time? Some schools for kids have historically demanded that all the kids wear the same clothes or uniforms. Will this be the way it is in eternity? If not, then will each saint have his or her own wardrobe? If so, how will these clothes be obtained? These are some of the questions we will address in this chapter.
Williams says further:
"First, there are two coverings of clothing that are mentioned in Scripture. There is an outer garment called a cloak and there is an inner coat called raiment."
This is an important point to remember as we study this. Will we have clothes beneath our outer garments?
So, why do people wear clothing? Bible answer: to hide one's nakedness, or the shame of one's nakedness (Rev. 3: 5) post the fall into sin. But, why did Adam and Eve not wear clothes in the beginning? Other questions also arise in our minds, such as - Why do angels wear clothes? And, Why did Christ wear clothes while a man on earth and prior to his resurrection and glorification? And - Why does he now wear clothes after his resurrection? Notice these words of the risen Lord:
"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." (Rev. 3: 18-19)
Here the saints are said to purchase white garments and the purpose of those garments are so that they will be clothed and so that the shame of nakedness may be kept hidden. I see no reason to deny the literal meaning of these words. Yes, scripture does use the figure of putting on or off one's clothing, but in these cases the context makes it clear that it is metaphorical. However, in all those passages where a metaphorical meaning is intended, none of them characterize the clothing as being white, the color of the clothes and the kind of fabric not being mentioned, being unimportant to the metaphor. As an example of these uses, notice these.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Col 3:12-14, NIV)
Paul also wrote to the Romans saying:
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." (Rom 13:14, NIV)
Paul also exhorted believers to "put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12, NIV) and Peter says to them - "clothe yourselves with humility" (I Peter 5: 5).
Also, clothes were first put on Adam and Eve by God to hide their nakedness and shame, but saints have no shame as a result of salvation. So, though clothes will be worn in eternity, it is not for the same reason, i.e. to cover one's shame. Consider also the fact that clothes are not only worn to cover nakedness, but for other reasons, such as to stay warm in cold weather, or to stay cool in hot weather. Also, certain special clothing is worn by certain peoples in their official positions, such as kings, judges, priests, etc., as we will shortly see.
Randy Alcorn, who we have cited previously in this series, wrote (See here; emphasis mine):
"Because Adam and Eve were naked without being embarrassed before they disobeyed God, some people say we won’t need to wear clothes in Heaven. Before you freak out, there’s good news. Even prior to the final resurrection, which will happen at the time of Jesus’ return to Earth, people are already described as wearing clothes— white robes that show purity, thanks to Jesus (Revelation 3:4; 6:11). Even the risen Jesus is described as wearing a robe in Heaven. So it appears we’ll wear clothes—not because there will be shame or temptation, but maybe because they will improve our appearance and comfort."
I agree. As stated in previous chapters, though redemption restores Eden like condition, this does not mean resurrected saints will again be naked or innocent or ignorant of both good and evil. The bible pictures saints as wearing clothes in their eternal state.
Said Alcorn further:
"We can imagine ourselves dressed in Heaven the way people in our culture dress on Earth. Does that mean some people will wear jeans and T-shirts, while others will wear dressier clothes? Why not? Just as we wear different clothes for different occasions here, we may do the same on the New Earth."
I believe that is correct. But, if so, who will make those clothes? Who will wash them if need be? Will believers have their own wardrobes in their mansions?
Said Alcorn further:
"White is the color most often associated with clothing in Heaven. The white clothes may show our status with God (Revelation 7:9), just as they showed Jesus’ relationship to God during His experience on top of a mountain (Matthew 17). The emphasis on white may also relate to being clean."
I think white will be the chief color of the clothes of the saints, though it will not be the only color. I also think, along with Alcorn, that clothes being white may also signify that the clothes are clean. Notice this passage: "Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil." (Eccl. 9: 8) This certainly seems to suggest that the garments are to be clean. The shining garments of Christ on the mount of transfiguration are said to be white "as no fuller on earth can white them" (Mark 9: 3), the fuller being someone who washes clothes.
It is also affirmed by many commentators that as wearing black often is a sign of mourning, as in a funeral, so wearing white is a symbol of joy and gladness as well as cleanliness.
Said Alcorn further:
"Seven angels are described as wearing golden sashes (Revelation 15:6). Because many people from different countries wear colorful clothing, we should expect them to do this in Heaven, too. We’ll talk more later about how resurrected people will keep their national heritages."
I believe that is so. Not only will resurrected saints have their own private dwelling places in the city of God but they will have each of their places furnished with wardrobes and with furniture.
As to where these items will come from, we need to recall what we saw in earlier chapters, how the ongoing nations of the new earth will be making things, and bringing things into the new Jerusalem.
Said Alcorn further:
"The book of Revelation tells us we’ll be priests, kings, and queens in Heaven. God designed special clothes for the priests in Old Testament times (Exodus 28:3-43). So it’s likely that as God’s royal children we will wear a variety of beautiful clothes as we rule the earth under the direction of Jesus, the King of kings."
That is my understanding of scripture also. But, once we admit that saints will have an assortment of clothing in eternity, several other things about life in eternity emerge. For instance, where will these clothes be kept? Obviously they must be kept in our own private dwelling places (mansions) and if so, it implies that each dwelling unit will have a closet or wardrobe. Also, will there be a need for cleaning those clothes, and thus of dry cleaners, washing and drying machines, etc.? We will answer these questions shortly. But, first let us notice these words from the Psalms:
"The king's daughter within the palace is all glorious: Her clothing is inwrought with gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework..." (Psa. 45: 13-14 kjv)
By "the king's daughter" is no doubt a reference to not only a daughter of a foreign king, engaged to a king in Israel, but to the church of the living God, to the body of all the saved of all the ages. Barnes in his commentary writes:
"The king's daughter - This evidently refers to the bride, the daughter of the foreign king. The verse contains a description of her beauty - her splendor of attire - before she is brought to the king, her future husband. She is represented here as in the palace or home of her father, before she is conducted forth to be given to her future husband in marriage. Is all "glorious." Is all splendor or beauty; is altogether splendor. There is nothing that is not splendid, rich, magnificent in her appearance, or in her apparel...As seen here, she is in her father's house, adorned for the marriage, and to be brought to the king, her future husband, attired in all that could give grace and beauty to her person. The allusion here, as referring to the church - the "bride of the Lamb" - "may be" to that church considered as redeemed, and about to be received to heaven, to dwell with its Husband and Saviour. Compare the notes at Revelation 19:7-8; notes at Revelation 21:2, notes at Revelation 21:9...Her clothing is of wrought gold - Gold embroidery. See Psalm 45:9. That is, she is arrayed in the richest apparel."
So, I expect saints to be gloriously attired in their eternal state. As we will in the next several chapters focus attention on the various work and responsibilities of the saints in their eternal state, as being priests and kings, lords and judges, in the new heavens and earth, and in relation to "the nations" of the ongoing race, so we will see the various kinds of clothing that will be worn when they will be functioning in those capacities. When we look in the old testament at the kind of garments Lord God ordered made for his priests, we see that the attire is not of the color white alone. Notice this text concerning the priestly garments:
"And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen." (Exo. 28: 4-8 kjv)
Notice the various colors, fancy dress, and rich attire of the priests. Recall also the words of Revelation 5: 10 - "we shall reign as kings and priests on the earth." We also read of "priestly garments” (Lev. 21:10; Ezra 2:69) or “garments for priests” (Neh. 7:70,72) in the old testament. These were special garments for use in the temple alone: (covering thighs and hips [Ex. 28:42,43; Lev. 16:4], long embroidered tunic [Ex. 28:40; 39:27], and elaborate belt [Ex. 28:40; 39:29]). Outside of the temple service the priests wore linen (1 Sam. 22:18; 2:18). We also read of "royal garments” (Esther 8:15) or “royal robes” (1 Kings 22:10,30; 2 Chron. 18:9,29; Acts 12:21; cf. Esther 6:8-9) of blue, white, and purple.
In the New King James Version Psalm 29: 2 reads as follow: "Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." However, other English translations for the words "beauty of holiness" translate as "Worship the LORD in holy attire" (NASB) or something similar. Already we have seen mention of "holy garments." (See also I Chron. 16: 29; Psalm 96: 9) In the book of Ezekiel we read these words:
"I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin; I clothed you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth… You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty. Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you." (Ezek. 16:10-13)
I expect that the saints will have a wardrobe of the finest clothes as described above. Not only will the clothes be fit for kings and priests, but will be decked with gold, gems, and other ornaments. So Isaiah writes:
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10).
We see this same description in the Apocalypse where the record states:
"Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)" (Rev. 19: 8 NIV)
This is not merely symbolic as I have often insisted. It is literal clothing but such as symbolize things. A judge wears a literal robe, but its color symbolizes his position. A flag is literal but it symbolizes things.
Radiance or Shining Glory
"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Matt. 17: 2)
"And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them." (Mark 9: 3 kjv)
This is how Christ appeared in his glory while on the mount of transfiguration. Both he and his attire radiated light and glory. That is so hard to fathom, how our heavenly attire will be so dazzling, so radiant, so glorious, along with the face and body of the resurrected and glorified saints. In the Book of Revelation John sees the risen Christ and describes him this way:
"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Rev. 1: 13-16)
Here again this description is both literal and symbolic. The picture at the head of this chapter is based upon the above text. Notice how the description is of Christ' clothing and of his person. His hair, eyes, feet, and face are all mentioned. The "glory" involves "radiance" as when mention is made in the scriptures of the glory of the sun or of the stars, meaning their shining forth, or magnificence, or effulgence. Paul speaks of how one star differs from another star in glory, and how shining glory is connected with the glorified bodies of the redeemed. (See I Cor. 15: 41-42) The idea is that the immortals who dwell in the city of God will be brilliant and splendid in their appearance, that they will be beautiful. In the old testament we read of the glory that radiated from the face of Moses after his seeing God face to face.
"So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him." (Exo. 34: 30)
Surely this was literal, although it had symbolic meaning. So too did Christ' face shine on the mount of transfiguration and now shines as such forever, as also will the faces, clothing, and other features of their persons and attire. Notice this text:
"And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." (Psa. 104: 15)
Both Barnes and Gill in their commentaries affirm that the above translation (kjv) is not correct, for it gives the impression that it is oil that makes the face to shine, whereas the better translation is "to make his face shine more than oil," which would mean that both the wine and the oil made the face to shine. This being so, the radiance or glowing of the face or countenance is what we see when a person is exceedingly joyous and happy, and when they are smiling. This is seen also in this text from Solomon: "...a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed." (Eccl. 8: 1) If that be so, then the resurrected saints will truly have shiny faces for they will truly be wise. The words of the Psalm also indicates, as do other scriptures, that wine will be drunk in the ages of eternity, albeit none will drink to excess so as to be drunk. I think that not only the wine that is drunk, but also the water of life will make one glad when drinking it. Also, recall the words of Solomon who said: "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance" (Prov. 15: 13) and a cheerful countenance makes a shining happy face.
Not only the face of Moses, but also the face of the martyr Stephen shined when he was full of the Spirit. Luke records these words:
"All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." (Acts 6: 15)
We know what it means for Stephen's face to shine like an angel. Notice these texts on angels having shining faces.
"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow." (Matt: 28: 2-3 nkjv)
"And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments." (Luke 24: 4 kjv)
In pictures drawn of angels, artists generally show them with an halo. The name Halo traces its origins back to ancient Greece, where it derives from the Greek word halos meaning divine aura or ring of light. In Greek mythology, halos were often portrayed as radiant circles of light surrounding the heads of gods, goddesses, and other revered figures. Yes, the glorified saints will have an aura of light around them. After all, they are "children of light" (Eph. 5: 8; I Thess. 5: 5), and so the aura becomes symbolic as well as literal, the outward expression of what is inward.
Being children of God, they will be like their Father in heaven, of whom it is said:
"O Lord, my God, Thou art very great! Thou are clothed with honor and majesty, who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment." (Psa. 104: 1-2)
Designer Attire
Above we asked the question as to whether there will be need for the saints in glory to have their clothes regularly washed or dry cleaned. I don't believe so. I believe the clothes will be self cleaning as are many kitchen ovens in modern homes. I also believe those divinely created clothes will not burn or wax old, much like the outfit of superman. We have an example of this in the old testament. Notice these words:
"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet." (Deut. 29: 5 nkjv)
"Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years." (Deut. 8: 4)
In previous chapters we have shown how rot, decay, rust, corrosion, and wearing out of things will not exist in the ages to come. So, the shining raiment of the saints will constantly be renewed.
Many of the things said to believers in the bible about the do's and don'ts of what people should wear, and of their attitudes towards clothing, will still be true in eternity. For instance, let us notice some of the things said about how Christians are now to dress and of the degree of care they should exercise in choosing what to wear and when to wear it.
"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (I Peter 3: 3-4; ESV)
"27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6: 27-33 kjv)
"In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment." (I Tim. 2: 9 kjv)
This will be the attitude and state of mind of saints in glory. However, as we have seen, they will be beatifically dressed and adorned. But, they will not be overly concerned with their dress. Yes, they will wear gold and precious stones, but not for show.
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto." (Deut. 22: 5)
The question as to whether the resurrected bodies of saints will still be male and female must wait till we come to focus our thoughts on what the bible says about the bodies of the resurrected saints. Still, if they retain their gender, we would think that the above words of Moses will be applicable. Though the robes of men and women be alike as they function as priests and kings, they may have other clothes that are specially designed for either men or women.
"Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion;
Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city!
For the uncircumcised and the unclean Shall no longer come to you."
(Isa. 52: 1)
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