Or does it matter?  I think it matters distinguishing between the two.
My pastor gave a sermon about the wedding feast.  (parable Mathew 22) He preached that the wedding robe that was required represents our sanctification and not justification.

I disagree strongly.  Yes sanctification is important and part of the Christian life/experience.  I also believe that all true Christians/believers become sanctified.  But it's dangerous to suggest that our righteousness (even righteousness that we grow in with the help of God's Holy Spirit) is the ticket to the feast.  I believe that's completely the opposite point that Christ was making.

Mercy For All wrote on Dec 12^th, 2011 at 9:39pm:

Well said.

Mercy For All wrote on Dec 12^th, 2011 at 9:39pm:



Yes we are commanded to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and to live accordingly.  But the only righteousness that allows us to the feast is Christ perfect life.  33 years on Earth of ceaseless obedience as the new Adam, the New Israel, the Seed of Abraham, The true Vine of God, etc.
Our best attempts even with God's help falls short of the Glory of God.  Jesus was the Glory of God.
In Jesus we're seated in Heavenly places,  but at the same time we are "unprofitable servants."   

We are simul justus et peccators till we are glorified.

Mercy For All wrote on Dec 13^th, 2011 at 2:39pm:


hmmm? good point. 
I'm used to reading the imagery concerning God's clothing us (starting in the Garden after the fall) as Christ's righteousness imputed unto us.   But yes, at the Heavenly feast all believers will be inherently and perfectly righteous.

Mercy For All wrote on Dec 14^th, 2011 at 9:28am:


Nah.  I didn't want to seem like one of those nit-pickers.