The Man Without the Wedding Garment

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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This parable is often quoted in support of the theory of a true Christian falling away and perishing. It concerns the case of a man, who presented himself at the wedding feast, but who had not on the wedding garment provided for all the guests. When the king came in to greet his guests, his eye saw this man. He asked, "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." (Matt. 22:12, 1312And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then 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. (Matthew 22:12‑13)).
Our Lord's parables were always intended to teach some spiritual lesson. So we ask, What is the garment that fits the Christian to stand before God in acceptance, that will warrant his being present at the marriage of the Lamb? (Rev. 19:77Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)). The Apostle Paul indicates plainly what is the Divine covering, provided for every believer on the Lord, viz., "The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and UPON all them that believe." (Rom. 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22)).
In this unspotted dress, procured through the atoning sufferings of our Lord upon the cross of Calvary, believers are fitted to be present at the marriage of the Lamb. It is clear from this, that the man without the wedding garment typifies a mere professor, one professing to be the Lord's, and yet without any vital link with Him. To have on the wedding garment is the mark of a true believer. To be without the wedding garment is the mark of a mere professor with no right to be at the wedding feast. In this very striking way false professors are warned that the day will come when their true condition will be made manifest, and their doom will be with the wicked in the outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth.