THE GARMENT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR EACH OF US

Understanding the Restoration of Humanity through Christ

1. The Fall and the Awareness of Shame

In Genesis 3, we read the account of humanity’s first disobedience. Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had explicitly forbidden.

Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV)
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye… she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband… Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

Notice that their first response wasn’t remorse for breaking God’s command—it was the realization of their nakedness. Their focus was on physical exposure, not spiritual rebellion. Shame entered the human experience, and they instinctively tried to cover themselves instead of confessing to God.

This shows us that sin not only separates us from God spiritually but also corrupts our view of ourselves. The human body, once a reflection of innocence, now became a symbol of guilt.

2. Separation from God and Fear

Their sense of shame led to fear and hiding:

Genesis 3:10 (NIV)
“He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”

For the first time, mankind was afraid of God. The intimate fellowship between the Creator and His creation was broken. The fig leaves weren’t enough to remove the shame or restore relationship. Covering the body didn’t deal with the real issue—sin.

3. God’s First Act of Redemption: A Temporary Covering

Although their own attempt at covering failed, God, in His mercy, made garments of animal skin for them:

Genesis 3:21 (NIV)
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”

This act hinted at a deeper theological truth: atonement requires a sacrifice. Blood had to be shed for them to be properly covered—a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

4. The Need for a New Nature – A Heavenly Garment

Despite being clothed, the inner problem of sin remained. Paul explains that our earthly bodies are temporary and corrupted by sin, but God has prepared something far greater:

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 (NIV)
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God… we long to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.”

The apostle Paul refers to the “heavenly dwelling” or “garment” that believers will receive—a resurrected, glorified body that is not subject to sin, shame, or death.

5. Why Our Earthly Bodies Can’t Enter God’s Presence

Our current bodies are not fit for God’s holy presence. As Paul explains, the natural body is perishable and must be changed:

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (NIV)
“I declare to you… that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”

This transformation will take place at the return of Christ—what we call the Rapture. Believers will receive new, immortal bodies that are free from sin and perfectly suited for eternal communion with God.

6. The Return of Christ and the Rapture

Jesus promised He would return for His people:

John 14:2-3 (NIV)
“I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Paul gives further detail:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them… to meet the Lord in the air.”

At this moment, the believers’ transformation will be complete—clothed in glorified bodies, finally free from the curse of sin and shame.

7. A Personal Call to Readiness

The signs of the end times, as described in Matthew 24, are being fulfilled rapidly. The final prophetic event—the Rapture—could happen at any moment. The question is:

Are you ready?

If Jesus were to return tonight, would you be taken up with Him, or would you be left behind to face judgment and the tribulation under the Antichrist?

The time for delay is over. Don’t wait for a perfect sermon or a dramatic sign to turn to Christ. The Bible says:

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

8. How to Receive the Garment of Salvation

The invitation is simple, but profound:

Romans 10:9 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Receive Him. Believe. Repent. Begin a relationship with Christ today so that when He returns, you’ll be among those clothed in His righteousness, ready to stand before God without shame.

Maranatha – The Lord is Coming

God has prepared a heavenly garment for each one of us—a new, glorified body. It’s not found through religion, good deeds, or earthly effort. It’s found through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

May we live with expectation, urgency, and hope. Share this message. Encourage others. Stay awake and be ready.