“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen”
(Matthew 22:11-14)

The wedding garment of Scripture, particularly spoke of in Matthew 22, hath been a subject of so much anxiety to many precious souls, that the matter itself ought to be put in the clearest light possible. The general belief is that by it is meant Christ’s person, work and righteousness. And hence the church is represented as singing, “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). And this corresponds to what the Lord Jesus counseled the church of Laodicea to buy of Him, “white raiment, that she might be clothed.” (Revelation 3:18)

Hence, therefore, what is the garment, but Christ’s righteousness, in which all the faithful are clothed, when justified in the perfect salvation of the LORD!

“Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.”
(Matthew 22:12)

He had a garment, but not a wedding garment. It was one of his own providing, like those who have a righteousness of their own, of whom the LORD elsewhere speaks, “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” (Isaiah 30:1)

Precious Lord Jesus, clothe me with the wedding garment of Thy righteousness; and feed me with the rich food of Thy body and blood; yea, Lord, be Thou my covering, my joy, my all; that when at Thine house of prayer below and at Thy kingdom of glory above, the King cometh in to see His guests, my soul may cry out, in Thine own blessed words and with a joy unspeakable and full of glory, “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 a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)

Robert Hawker