Please read the responses from our pastoral team:
- From Shaymala Raveendran:
This is not mentioned anywhere in the new testament, Other than the white garments before the throne Grace we see from Revelation.
Jude says our garments should not be corrupted by the world. (Jud 1:23 KJV: “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”Rev 3:4 KJV tells us, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
1Pe 3:3 KJV says, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
From this verses indicates that apt dressing is good as a Godly person.
Jesus says follow me I will make you fishers of men so all who received Jesus Christ should follow Him, and not an earthly priest.
- From Sammy Mwatha
In Exodus 28, Go teaches His people a series of magnificent truths through the appearance – the garments, vestments, and attire He prescribed for His High Priest. What is this chapter reveals is not simply a fashion statement. Rather, it is God teaching His people about His calling, His holy nature, and His ministry in their lives through the symbolism inherent in how He commanded His priests to dress and by extension, behave as they executed their priestly obligations.God referred to the priest’s garments not only as garments of sanctity and garments of glory, but garments of splendor or beauty. These priestly garments added beauty to the holy sanctuary as they had the finest embroidery and stitch work, detailed weaving, and artistic handiwork.Leviticus 16:4 instructs the high priest, “He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments.In Exodus 28:2, God spoke to Moses and said, “You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and beauty”. Like everything with God, He requires a specific way to everything that has to do with Him because He is Holy! God often said to Moses, “Be careful to do everything that I have spoken.” This is very important to note because even today, there is no place for “man-made” anything when it comes to God. We must always do things God’s way, not ours. God must have His way!
- From Moosa Dhlamini
Biblical Doctrine of the Priesthood: In the Old Testament, the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, with specific garments and duties (see Exodus 28 and Leviticus). Priests acted as intermediaries between God and the people.However, under the New Covenant, the Bible teaches that all believers in Christ now form a spiritual priesthood.> 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
> Revelation 1:5-6 (NIV): “…To Him who loves us… and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father…”
This means:
Every believer has direct access to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The priesthood is now universal, not limited by lineage or special garments.
What About Priests’ Garments Today? In the New Testament church, there is no biblical command or emphasis on wearing specific priestly garments. The focus shifts from outward attire to the inward righteousness of believers.
> Galatians 3:27 (NIV): “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Some Christian traditions (e.g., Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox) retain ceremonial garments for clergy, not because they are commanded in the New Testament, but as a symbolic continuation of reverence and order in worship. However, such garments do not define priesthood or authority.
Conclusion:
a) Christ is our High Priest, and all believers are part of a spiritual priesthood.
b) There is no biblical requirement today for priestly garments.
c) The focus in the New Testament is on the spiritual calling, not external clothing. - From Pastor Segun
These varies from culture to culture and should not be pinned down to specific pattern. - From Kofi Twumasi Ankra
Context of the Old Testament:The priesthood of the Old Testament (Levitical priesthood) and its descendants, the descendants of Aaron, had special clothing (Exodus 28- Exodus 29), the ephods, breastplates, robe, turbans, etc. God commanded these and these were symbolic.
They were the mediators between God and Israel and on whose part they offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people.
Fulfillment in the New Testament:
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:11, KJV)
- Jesus Christ is our High Priest now (Hebrews 4:14 16).
- The Levitical priesthood has been done away with and superseded in Christ. Temple rituals and sacrifices in animal slaughter were not needed anymore as Jesus sacrificial death was a once and final occurrence.
The Church doctrine is of today:
- The New Testament denies the priesthood of a specific group of people, as the New Testament preaches the priesthood of all believers (that is all Christians have access to God through Jesus (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6).
- The current leaders of the churches (pastor, elders) are not priests in the Old Testament sense but servant-leaders, teachers and shepherds (Ephesians 4:11-13: Timothy 1).
Garments Today:
- The New Testament does not contain an instruction about special dresses of church leaders.
- The clothes worn by churches today (robes, stoles, collars) are traditions, not the biblical necessity.
- They might be of a symbolic nature (i.e. reverence, office), but have no spiritual need.
Conclusion:
The right doctrine of the bible is that, Jesus is our great high priest and all the believers are now made part of a priesthood of royalty.
One does not need special priestly vestment anymore; all that is needed is a clean heart and faithful service to God.
Jude says our garments should not be corrupted by the world. (Jud 1:23 KJV: “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”Rev 3:4 KJV tells us, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.