“Put on Jesus Christ”

Galatians 3:26-29, 11/27/2005

Sermon by Rev.Mao Translated by Victor Lin

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Today’s people pay attention to brands, like to use famous brand, and put on famous brand clothing. Can you please tell me what is the difference between name brand and generics? The biggest difference is the difference in price.

Do Christians follow trends like the common crowd in wearing name brand clothing? I believe so because a Christian is like “the ordinary person”. We have possibly used very many name brands, worn very many famous brands, but there is one famous brand you must put on. If you put on this kind of name brand on yourself, it may not be that attractive, but it can provide a person a very tangible feeling. This kind of name brand is called “to put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). This kind of name brand you cannot buy in a store, because it is not a commodity, but it is a kind of lifestyle. A person who puts on this kind of brand has special characteristics, that is in their hearts will be filled with peace and joy. Any other types of clothes will get older with age, but a person who wears the “Christ” brand will become newer over time. Putting on Christ is to put on the temperament of Christ, to put on the affection of Christ, to put on Christ’s gentleness, to put on Christ’s enduring patience.

What do we need to do “to put on” this kind of brand? After we have put on this kind of brand, how will life change? This is the topic that we will be sharing today.

First, this kind of brand is promised for all people in the world, but not every person is willing to put on this kind of name brand. There are two conditions for putting on this kind of brand: First, he must a person who “believes in Christ Jesus”. If a person who does not believe in Christ Jesus tries to put on this brand, he will not be able fit. Although “Believe In Christ Jesus” only has five characters in Chinese, it involves many matters, and includes the conditions of a person’s body, heart, and spirit. The Holy Bible says whoever believes Christ Jesus – no matter male or female, no matter young or old, no matter any social position – all are sons of god. Because “all are sons of God “, Christians are a people who put on same “the uniform”, this kind of uniform is “to put on Christ”.

Second, he must be a person who was “baptized into Christ”. It is not enough to believe, but one must also “be baptized” to show that “the belief” is a firm decision and sincere. After believing and receiving baptism, one can then “put on Christ” fittingly, and enter into the body of Christ.

After we wear “put on Christ” brand uniform, what changes will occur? People who have been soldiers all know, when you go to boot camp, you are shaved bald, you take off clothes you wear in regular society to exchange it for the military clothing, and you put on the same hats. Then, when you go to drill, there is one password, one movement. You cannot do as you wish. Sleeping, getting out of bed, brushing the teeth, washing the face need to be all completed at the identical times as a group. Why does the military have to train like this? There is only one goal to turn an entire regiment to move and exist as a single entity. When the people movement and thoughts are in concert, this in fact is a kind of “unity”.

I remember that when I became a soldier, the first time my mother met me personally, she could not recognize me, because everybody was wearing the same color clothing, the same kind of hat, and the same bald haircut. My mother saw me and said: “You put this on, I cannot recognize you, because there is no distinction between anyone.” I think that this is the meaning of “clothed yourselves with Christ”. In Christ we share everything.

What did Apostle Paul say the people who “put on Christ” will be transformed in their intention and thoughts? The Holy Bible declares in verse 28 that, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This statement considers three things not divided. First is “neither Jew nor Greek” meaning no discrimination in “race.” This is an idea that there is only one kind of family in the world; Second is “neither slave nor free”, meaning there is no distinction in “societal status”. This idea is one that deals with equality; Third is “neither male nor female”, meaning no discrimination in “gender”. This is idea that values mutual love and respect. This tells us in Christ that between people there are no “differences”, between people there are no “barriers”, in Christ there is no division, and in Christ there is no discrimination. Because we are all one in Christ Jesus, therefore, if in the church, we still have any discrimination against each other, it indicates that we are not truly in Christ. Because we are not truly one in Christ, there remain many questions, many divisions, many criticisms and accusations.

To sum up this scripture passage, we may use a process to express it: Believes in Christ → become the son of God → receive baptism → put on Christ → no division → unity → belong to Christ → receiving his promise.

Today is first Sunday of the advent season, sharing the message of putting on Christ Jesus has special significance. Today we will have a general meeting, to hold an election. I hope that we will put on the attitude of Christ Jesus to build up body of Christ together.