The Christian’s Uniform

By Jeff Curtis

In Leviticus 8 as well as Exodus 28 and 39, provides us with a picture of the priests’ uniforms under the Mosaic covenant. The high priest’s clothing were beautiful, elaborate, and costly. The other priests also wore garments that distinguished them from the average Israelite.

Do these “uniforms” have a counterpart in this New Testament age? Christ, our High Priest, is clothed with glory and majesty, in “garments” far more beautiful than those worn by the Mosaic high priests. We are not privileged in this life to wear anything like the high priestly garments of the Old Testament era. However, since Christians are part of a “priesthood” (1Peter 2:5), should we wear clothing that distinguishes us from the other religions and the rest of the world?

Many people wear uniforms to identify them with the work they do. This is true for soldiers, policemen, fireman, and medical personnel. Certain organizations encourage a uniform be worn at their meetings. Some schools require students to wear a uniform. Some religions require certain kinds of dress. The Puritans and the Amish of the past and present are known for dressing differently than their neighbors.

Do the Scriptures require Christians to differentiate themselves from the rest of the population by a peculiar style of attire? The answer to that question is “No.” While the New Testament teaches Christians to dress modestly and not to place too much emphasis on the wearing of jewelry, it does not teach that Christians must all look alike or wear some special kind of uniform so they can be immediately recognized as Christ’s disciples.

However, the New Testament does say something about what Christians should “wear.” For instance, it tells us to “put on the full armor of God,” which involves “truth,” “righteousness,” “the gospel of peace,” “faith,” “salvation,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17). It says that, since we have “put on the new self,” we should “put on” (as if putting on a coat)” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” while demonstrating forbearance and forgiveness, showing love, experiencing peace, and expressing thankfulness (Colossians 3:12-15).

In a sense, the Christian has a uniform to wear. When he becomes a Christian by being baptized, he puts on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). He must “wear” Christ by putting on His attributes (such as those just mentioned). Then people will know that he is truly Christ’s disciple.

Although the New Testament makes no provisions for special clothing for Christians in this life, we have been given the good news that those who remain faithful have a robe (Revelation 3:5) and a crown (2Timothy 4:7-8) waiting in another life. We will be privileged to share in some of our High Priest’s glory, for we will sit down with Jesus Christ in His throne (Revelation 3:21). What a glorious hope we have in heaven if we wear our “uniform” well on earth.

The Twelve Apostles

by Heath Rogers

Jesus had many disciples or followers. From these He chose twelve men to be His apostles (Luke 6:12-16). The word apostle is from the Greek word apostolos which means “to send.” Simply put, an apostle is one who is sent on a mission. He is like an ambassador in that he possesses the authority of the one who sent him.

The qualifications of an apostle of Jesus Christ are set forth in Acts 1:21-22. These men had to have seen the Lord during His ministry and had to be eyewitnesses of His resurrection. The 12 apostles had a specific task. They were to bear witness of the Lord’s resurrection and unlock the doors of His kingdom to all of mankind. No one alive today is qualified to be an apostle of Jesus.

Jesus called these men from their vocations and their families to follow Him (Matt. 4:18-22; 9:9). He spent 3 years of in-depth training preparing these men for their work.

These men got to know Jesus better than anyone else. They repeatedly heard His teachings and observed His personal example in all situations. Because of this, only the apostles could make incredible claims about knowing Jesus (1 John 1:1-2).

The apostles were students. They were privileged to have a front row seat to the greatest teacher the world has ever known. While others heard Jesus and went home, these men got to ask Him questions, and receive explanations and further instructions.

The 12 apostles were carefully chosen by the Lord (Luke 6:12-13). They had different personalities and many weaknesses. They were narrowminded and superstitious. They were full of Jewish prejudices, misconceptions, and animosities. They were slow learners. However, they all had one good thing in common – they were teachable.

Not only did these 12 men learn by watching Jesus, but they were also specifically trained and prepared to be sent on their Great Commission. Part of this preparation was their Limited Commission (Matt. 10:5-15). They were to preach the gospel and perform miracles, depending on support from those who appreciated their work.

Jesus also made time to be alone with the 12 to address them privately as they progressed with their training (Matt. 16:13-20). He asked them who men said He was (vv. 13-14). This led to the more important follow-up question, “Who do you say that I am?” (v. 15). Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16).

This important truth confessed by Peter was revealed to the apostle by God through what they had observed while being with Jesus. The Lord’s church is built on Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. The apostles would be given keys to the kingdom of heaven (the church). A key represents authority to open a

door. These men would be privileged to preach the gospel to the world, granting entrance into the Lord’s kingdom. They would also reveal the doctrines that govern the kingdom (church). After the church was established, Luke said the members “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42).

The 12 were not making up rules on their own. Through their preaching and apostolic oversight, they were implementing that which had already been decreed in heaven.

These men would later receive a baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to do their work and fulfill their mission (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth, teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all things Jesus had taught them (John 14:26; 16:13). However, this must not take away from the training the 12 received from Jesus while they were with Him. He had a special relationship with these men, and we benefit greatly from the work He did training them.