2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
DEVOTIONAL
There are few verses in Scripture that so clearly express the heart of the gospel as this one. In one breathtaking sentence, the apostle Paul reveals the greatest transaction in history—the great exchange of our sin for Christ’s righteousness.
Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, “knew no sin.” That is not to say He merely avoided sin; it means He was utterly sinless, pure in every thought, word, and deed. He is the only one who ever truly fulfilled the Law of God. Yet, for our sake—out of divine love and mercy—the Father made Him “to be sin.” That is, on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our guilt and shame. Though He had never sinned, He stood in our place as the condemned, absorbing the wrath of God that we justly deserved.
This is not a distant theological idea—it is the very hope of our souls. We do not stand before God dressed in our own goodness or religious accomplishments. We stand clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This is not earned. It is not improved upon by moral effort. It is a gift of grace, received by faith.
Consider the wonder of this: God looks upon those who are in Christ and sees not the filthy garments of sin, but the perfect righteousness of His beloved Son. This is what it means to be justified—to be declared righteous, not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.
And this righteousness is not merely positional; it changes us. As we grasp the depth of what Christ has done, our hearts are stirred toward obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude. The cross compels us to live holy lives—not to earn favor, but because favor has already been given.
So, Christian, when you feel accused, when your conscience is heavy, when the enemy whispers that you are unworthy—remember this verse. Christ became sin for you. And in Him, you have become the righteousness of God. You are not defined by your past. You are defined by your Savior.
Prayer:
Gracious Father,
We stand in awe of the mystery and mercy of the cross. That You would send Your sinless Son to take our place is more than we could ever deserve. Thank You for the righteousness of Christ, freely given to sinners like us. Teach our hearts to rest in this truth. Forgive us for the times we try to earn what You have already finished. By Your Spirit, help us to walk in the joy, freedom, and holiness that flow from the gospel. May our lives reflect the glory of the One who was made sin for us. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.