FROM FILTHY GARMENTS TO NEW RAIMENT

FROM FILTHY GARMENTS TO NEW RAIMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 3:1-4

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:10, Romans 8:33-34, Revelation 12:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:1

INTRODUCTION:
The vision of Zechariah presents a powerful courtroom scene: Joshua the high priest, standing before the angel of the LORD, dressed in filthy garments, with Satan accusing him. This represents Israel’s guilt after the Babylonian exile, but also God’s grace in restoring them. Satan wanted to condemn, but God chose to forgive, cleanse, and clothe His servant with new garments.

This passage shows us the heart of God: He does not leave His people in shame and condemnation. He rebukes the accuser, removes our filth, and clothes us with His righteousness. Today, we will see how God moves us from filthy garments to new raiment.

1. THE ACCUSATION OF SATAN

a) Satan the Accuser (Revelation 12:10)
Satan’s work is to accuse and condemn God’s people, highlighting their sins and weaknesses.

b) Legal Grounds of Accusation (Job 1:9-11)
He uses past failures and present struggles to discredit us before God.

c) The Right-Hand Position of Resistance (Psalm 109:6)
The right hand was the position of accusation in ancient courts—Satan tries to stand in judgment against us.

d) The Aim of Condemnation (John 10:10a)
Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy by keeping us under guilt.

Biblical Example: Job’s Trials (Job 1:6-12)
Satan accused Job before God, but God upheld His servant.

2. THE LORD’S REBUKE AGAINST SATAN

a) Divine Authority Over the Enemy (Luke 10:19)
God does not argue with Satan—He rebukes him.

b) The Power of Election (Romans 8:33)
The Lord says, “The LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee.” Our security lies in God’s choice, not our merit.

c) The Fire of Affliction (Zechariah 3:2)
Israel was described as “a brand plucked from the fire”—delivered from Babylon’s captivity.

d) Victory Over the Accuser (Romans 8:1)
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

Biblical Example: Michael and the Devil (Jude 1:9)
Even Michael did not argue but said, “The Lord rebuke thee.”

3. THE FILTHY GARMENTS OF SIN

a) Symbol of Guilt and Shame (Isaiah 64:6)
Filthy garments represent sin, unrighteousness, and spiritual defilement.

b) Unworthy Priesthood (Exodus 28:2)
Priests were to wear holy garments, but Joshua stood unfit before God.

c) The Stain of Captivity (Nehemiah 1:6-7)
Israel’s sins had led them into exile, leaving them stained.

d) The Helplessness of Self-Righteousness (Romans 3:23)
No one can cleanse themselves before God.

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:13-16)
He returned in filthy rags, but the father clothed him anew.

4. THE REMOVAL OF INIQUITY

a) God Takes the Initiative (Zechariah 3:4)
It was God who ordered the filthy garments removed.

b) Forgiveness of Sins (Isaiah 43:25)
God says, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions.”

c) Complete Cleansing (Psalm 103:12)
Our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west.

d) Freedom from Condemnation (Colossians 2:14)
The handwriting of ordinances against us is cancelled.

Biblical Example: David’s Restoration (Psalm 51:7-12)
After sin, David prayed for cleansing, and God restored him.

5. THE CHANGE OF RAIMENT

a) Clothed with Righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)
God gives a garment of salvation and a robe of righteousness.

b) A New Identity (2 Corinthians 5:17)
In Christ, old things are passed away, all things are new.

c) Prepared for Service (2 Timothy 2:21)
When cleansed, we are ready for the Master’s use.

d) The Joy of Restoration (Psalm 30:11)
God turns mourning into dancing by giving us new garments.

Biblical Example: The Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:11-12)
Only those properly clothed can remain at the feast of the King.

CONCLUSION:
Zechariah 3:1-4 shows God’s mercy in action. Satan accuses, but God rebukes. Joshua stood in filthy garments, but God removed his iniquity and clothed him anew. This is the story of every believer: once guilty, but now justified; once filthy, but now clothed in righteousness.

Let us live daily in the assurance of God’s forgiveness, clothed in the garments of salvation and serving Him with a clean heart.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, thank You for rebuking every accusation of the enemy against my life.

2. Father, remove every filthy garment of sin and shame from me.

3. O Lord, clothe me with Your righteousness daily.

4. Every satanic accusation against my destiny, be silenced by the blood of Jesus.

5. Lord, restore my identity and dignity in Christ.

6. Father, deliver me from the captivity of guilt and condemnation.

7. Lord, empower me to live holy and blameless before You.

8. Father, make me a vessel fit for Your service.

9. Lord, let every shame in my life turn to glory.

10. I receive the new raiment of joy, favour, and righteousness in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. Every filthy garment upon your life is removed today in Jesus’ name!

2. You will no longer live under accusation but under God’s grace!

3. The Lord Himself rebukes every satanic voice against your destiny!

4. You are a brand plucked out of the fire; you will not be consumed!

5. Your sins are forgiven, and your iniquities are taken away!

6. You are clothed with new garments of righteousness and honour!

7. Every shame in your life is turned into glory in the name of Jesus!

8. You shall stand boldly before God without condemnation!

9. Your identity is restored; your dignity is renewed!

10. From today, you will walk in the joy of divine restoration!