Question
Gramps,
In Sunday school today the question was asked why Jesus will return in a robe of red and not white. No one really had the exact answer. I found scriptures about this but still do not understand. Can you explain this? Thank You!
Nancy
Answer
Dear Nancy,
The red robe worn by Christ at His Second Coming is rich in symbolism, representing His role as the Savior who has suffered for humanity. This imagery can be traced back to the scriptures, notably in Isaiah 63:1-3, where it is said, “Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?” This passage highlights the Lord’s vengeance and the blood of the wicked, indicating that the red robe signifies both judgment and the suffering He endured for humanity’s sins.
Further supporting this interpretation, Doctrine and Covenants 133:46-48 states, “He shall be clothed with red apparel… and He shall come forth in His glory.” The connection between the red robe and the “wine-press of wrath” emphasizes the justice that will be executed upon those who have opposed Him. This duality of mercy and judgment encapsulated in the red robe invites believers to reflect on their own lives and readiness for His glorious return.
Several scriptural references reinforce the significance of Christ’s red robe and its implications for His Second Coming. In addition to Isaiah 63:1-3, we find that Revelation 19:11-13 depicts Christ returning to earth, clothed in a vesture dipped in blood. This vivid imagery underscores His authority and the sacrifice He made, portraying His return not only as a moment of salvation but also as a time of reckoning for the unrepentant.
The teachings captured in the scriptures serve as a reminder of the serious nature of His return. As noted in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord’s coming will be marked by turmoil and upheaval on the earth, and the red robe serves as a poignant symbol of the need for individuals to prepare themselves spiritually. The red robe stands as a reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, illustrating the price of sin and the necessity of repentance.
Church leaders have frequently emphasized the importance of understanding the symbolism of Christ’s red robe. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, in his teachings, has noted that the red robe not only symbolizes His sacrifice but also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin. He stated, “The Lord will come in power and majesty… and His red attire will remind us of the great price He paid for our sins. This perspective invites believers to reflect on the magnitude of the Atonement and the importance of living a life aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Moreover, the Ensign article “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” reinforces the idea that the red robe symbolizes not only His suffering but also the hope He offers to the righteous. It emphasizes the necessity of being spiritually prepared for His return, as the dual nature of this event portends both salvation for the faithful and judgment for those who have rejected His teachings.
The imagery of Christ in a red robe has also been captured in various artistic interpretations, further enriching our understanding of this symbolism. One notable artwork is Minerva Teichert’s painting, “Christ in a Red Robe,” which beautifully portrays the Savior descending in His red robe, inviting all to partake of His sacrifice. The red symbolizes both the suffering He endured and the hope He offers to the righteous, bridging the gap between His Atonement and the joy of redemption.
Such artistic interpretations serve to remind believers of the profound implications of Christ’s red robe and the significance of His return. They also encourage reflection on the nature of faith and the personal preparation necessary to welcome the Lord into our lives.
Understanding the context of Christ’s return is essential for grasping the significance of His red robe. The Second Coming will be a time of both great joy for the righteous and dread for the wicked. The red robe serves as a powerful symbol of this dual nature, signifying salvation for those who believe and judgment for those who do not. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency for individuals to align their lives with Christ’s teachings and to seek repentance in preparation for His return.
The Doctrine and Covenants emphasizes the importance of preparation, stating, “Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:10). This call to action encourages believers to actively engage in their spiritual growth and to anticipate the fulfillment of the Lord’s promises with faith and diligence.
The depiction of Christ’s robe as red at His Second Coming encapsulates profound theological themes of sacrifice, justice, and the duality of salvation and condemnation. It serves as a powerful reminder to all believers of the great price He paid for our sins and the necessity of preparing ourselves for His glorious return. As we ponder the significance of the red robe, let us strive to follow Christ’s example, embrace His teachings, and prepare our hearts for the momentous day of His return.
Gramps
