In the Revelation chapter nineteen, the Church is described as a bride, “arrayed in fine linen, clean and white.” What is the meaning of the white linen?
In the visions of Ezekiel and Daniel, angels from Heaven were attired in linen. In the Old Testament, the only mention of white linen is the notation that the “Levites which were singers” were dressed in white linen (II Chronicles 5:12).
The High Priest wore linen along with his other colorful robes. But once a year, when he went into the Holy of Holies, he only wore linen (Leviticus 16:3-4). In the Tabernacle Samuel ministered before the Lord in a linen ephod (I Samuel 2:18).
In the New Testament, seven angels came out of the Temple in Heaven, out from the presence of God, dressed in white linen (Revelation 15:6).
Fine linen was used throughout the Tabernacle and the Temple. It is the clothing of those who have been in the presence of God. From the Word of God we are told that linen garments are worn by priests and persons who come into the presence of the Most High God. It was also the dress of royalty and the wealthy. Upon His death the body of the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was wrapped in linen.
I believe this explains the garments of fine, white linen that are given to the Saints. Praise God, when we get to Heaven we will receive these garments because Believers are a “royal priesthood” (I Peter 2:9) and will be clothed in royal, priestly garments.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” – Revelation 19:7-8 (my emphasis)Even Satan recognizes and usurps the significance of white linen in his counterfeit royal city, Babylon. But the Lord will destroy any attempt to counterfeit His purity.
“The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!” – Revelation 18:15-16And there is more. After the Saints receive their garments of fine linen, clean and white, the Lord Jesus will return in majesty and victory, and we will be right behind Him on white horses. (L. A. Marzulli says that we get to keep the horses. We will see.)
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” – Revelation 19:14 (my emphasis)What a Blessed Hope! Praise the Lord for ever and ever!