Luke 15:11-32 And he said, A certain man had two sons:… By the best robe we may scripturally understand what theologians and preachers have all along designated "the robe of righteousness." It covers at once and completely the rags and unseemliness of sin. It was woven on Calvary for the race of man, out of the white warp of Divine mercy and the blood-red woof of the Redeemer's sacrifice. It is like Christ's own garment for which lots were cast, "without seam, woven from the top throughout," and of which, when He was stripped by His executioners, He was significantly arrayed in the "scarlet robe," emblematical of our crimson transgressions which He bore. This robe of righteousness has been hung up in heaven's gospel wardrobe, "and is unto all and upon all them that believe." It is beautifully bedecked with the ornaments of holiness, which the Spirit of Christ, with delicate hand, has embroidered on its indestructible texture. An affecting anecdote has been preserved concerning the work of God in Jamaica, before our slaves were set free. Although Britain had not liberated them, God's Spirit often broke their spiritual chains; and the joy of salvation visited black and white alike. Once, at a certain plantation, a slave had entered into the peace of the gospel, while his master still remained in darkness; and the black freedman thus addressed the white bondman, who had not yet got rid of the galling chains of sin and Satan. "You see, Master, it just like this. A gentleman pass our house one day and he offer two robe for notink — one to you and one to me. I got no good clothes — very glad to get robe for de taking. But you rich man — hab plenty better robe ob your own — you too proud to take de kind man's robe. Jest so. Master, wid de gospel. De Lord Jesus Christ is passing by our plantation wid robe of righteousness for poor sinners. Me poor sinner, very glad to get de robe dat was woven on de tree; but you go great deal to church — gib much money — hab minister many time in your house — tink yourself very good Christian — not willing to take de robe as a free gift. O Master, be persuade to be poor in spirit, and take de robe ob righteousness as a free gift." (F. Ferguson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons: |
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