2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Easter is here. Naturally, our thoughts turn to redemption and salvation. Today’s verse shows the substitutionary grace wherein Jesus became our sin and we became the righteousness of God. There is no logic in this. It makes no sense to our human minds. How can sinners become the very righteousness of God? None the less, it is truth; it is reality.
It would take a lifetime to unpack all that is in this verse, but the most personally significant question for each of us is, what does this mean for you? Are you satisfied you are living in His grace? Do you worry that you are unworthy? Is this a settled matter or does this cause you to feel a little discomfort in the pit of your stomach? Let’s pray that by the end of this devotional, we each have embraced what Jesus meant for us to have.
Once upon a time, a friend of mine struggled with ideas such as those presented in today’s verse. She didn’t feel worthy. Some people are able to get over that hurdle rather easily because they accept God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice simply as a child would. Others hear their unworthiness ringing in their ears. When I would pray for her, she had difficulty receiving because she felt unworthy. Finally, one day it occurred to me to get into agreement with her. “You are unworthy,” I said. “We all are.” You see, that is what makes today’s verse work. It is a trade, my sin for his righteousness. If I had been worthy of God’s righteousness, I wouldn’t have needed Jesus to purchase it for me with his blood.
Praise God, his sacrifice actually has made us worthy. Wait, what? “Didn’t you just say we are unworthy?” Yes, in and of ourselves we don’t bring much to the table but in Christ, we are the very righteousness of God. So, are you in Christ? Think about it, you are answering, “Yes,” and that makes you God’s righteousness. As His righteousness you are worthy. You put off the old person, lay her at Christ’s feet, and put on the mantle of Jesus’ right standing in God. Yahoo! Because of this substitution, when God looks at you, He sees Jesus on you. You aren’t just you any longer; you are the Christ version of you. We call that a Christian. You are a Christ person, one of his own, a lamb in the fold. So, when God looks at you, He sees you as worthy; He sees you as His own righteousness.
Now, isn’t that a joyful way to walk through this Holy Week? Wear your grace in humility but also with honor. You were so important to God that He made a glorious trade for you. You may not have been worthy, but you were loved, and that love conquered sin and the grave. Glory to God! Happy Easter.
