And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Ver. 8. And to her was granted] It is here clear (saith Bernard) that there shall be as great difference between the state of God's Church now, and that which is to come after Rome's ruin, as between the time of honourable persons only betrothed, and the high, joyful, and glorious day of their public marrying; as between the time of a king coming on to his kingdom, and his actual and powerful reigning as king indeed.
That she should be arrayed] This also is given her, as well as her rich raiment; which she can no more put on by herself than she can purchase it.
Clean and white] Or, pure and bright. Pure, saith one, because imputed righteousness is pure indeed, and hath no spot in it; but not bright; you can see no great matter in it; it maketh no great show before men (as inherent righteousness doth, Mat 5:16), but before God. A man may be very much defiled and subject to many scandals, and yet be clothed with the garment of imputed righteousness.
The righteousness of saints] Gr. righteousnesses, that twofold righteousness, imputed and imparted.