Do you like the thought of things being “uniform”? Does it evoke feelings of pride in wearing the same clothes as your military companions or sports team or college? Or does it seem oppressive as in a dictator trying to squash liberties, or boring and limited as in an authority figure who dislikes creativity?
It all depends on what’s behind the uniform. The difference lies in whether it is forcing us into something we don’t like, or expressing the joy of being part of a group we love.
We lost the right to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden through sin. There is a group that will have the right returned to them. We are outside the eternal city of God by nature. There is a group that will be able to walk right through the gates of the city into eternal bliss. Everyone in that group has the same uniform.
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)
We can’t get to the tree of life in . . . . the heaven without our robes, the robes washed in the blood of Christ.
But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
We don’t make these robes or wash them clean ourselves. The gift is just that – a gift.
Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
Through faith in Jesus you won’t be “left off” the team. God will recognize your clothing washed in Christ. The gates will be opened for you. Beside the tree of life your full life will begin!