The Theology of »The Robe of Glory/Light« in the Eastern Christian Tradition

Abstract

According to extra–biblical Jewish tradition, Adam/man in Paradise was clothed in a »robe of glory/light«. As a result of his fall Adam/man lost his »robe of glory/ light«, and God gave him a »garment of skin« (Gen 3:21) as a symbol of weakness, vulnerability and sinfulness. This tradition is carried on in the Judeo–Christianity of Mesopotamia among Syriac–speaking Christians. They developed a specific theology of »The Robe«, the main idea of which influenced other Christian traditions. Through the Incarnation, Christ puts on Adam/man and receives his »garment of skin«. At his baptism in the Jordan, Christ puts on Adam’s/man’s lost »robe of glory/ light«. Likewise, each Christian at his own baptism »puts on« Christ (Gal 3:27), that is, he puts on the »robe of glory/light«.