;

The Parable of Identity

00:00

Description

The Christian is clothed in the righteousness of God in Christ, and we have to grow into our new clothing.

In Luke 15 in the parable of the prodigal son the father did something astounding. The son returned in rags and shame and the father received him with affection and honor.

 22 But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

 24 for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' And they began to be merry.

The commands that the father gave to the slaves and the order in which they were given is significant. Immediately he had the slaves put the best garment he had on his son. In the culture of the time you were what you wore. The classes were able to distinguish themselves by their clothing. So when this rich man had the very best robe placed upon his son he was making a statement.

The statement was that the son (now clothed with the father's best robe) had to be accepted the way the father was accepted. The son now had the father's status and acceptance in the community. He had a new identity. Surely the son was stunned by that, but over time he would grow into his father's clothing. In the same way the Christian is clothed in the righteousness of God in Christ, and we have to grow into our new clothing.

Related
Knowing, Growing and Loving Jesus Christ
Ronnie Floyd
More Than Expected
Boyd Bailey
Many See Salvation as Nothing More than a Golden Ticket That Will Grant Them Entry to Heaven
Bob Christopher
The Heart of the Matter
Paul Tripp
The Pursuit of Peace
National Community Church
Follow Us

Want to access more exclusive iDisciple content?

Upgrade to a Giving Membership today!

Already a member? Login to iDisciple