2 Corinthians 5:21 Devotional

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
-2 Corinthians 5:21

Imagine standing before a judge, knowing that you are there to pay for a crime you definitely committed. The judge looks down at you, anger in his eyes and the gavel in his hand. Right as he begins to bring the hammer down to declare you guilty, a voice cries out from behind you –

“They are no longer guilty! I am instead! Take me in their place!”

Shocked, you feel the cold metal of the handcuffs come off your wrists as the guards unlock you from your chains. As you look down at your freed hands in disbelief, you hear the judge declare “Agreed. Case dismissed.” With tears flowing down your face, you look up with confusion as the Man who took your place walks forward, placing His nail-scarred hands into handcuffs meant for you. As you are escorted to your freedom, the Man has led away toward your jail cell. As you reach the door, He turns around and looks to You with eyes full of love.

You are free.

Each one of us was born sinful, unable to pay the debt that our sin has caused. No matter how hard we try, we are completely unable to pay the wage we need to be made right before a holy and just God. Our only hope is to have our sin removed by a truly holy and sinless One – God Himself.

How incredible that Jesus Christ – God in flesh – came to earth, lived the sinless and perfect life that we could never live, yet gave it all up to become our sin for us? That truth should cause us to fall at His feet in thanksgiving! Our debt is paid!

Even more, we are now the righteousness of God. We aren’t just made sinless, we are made holy in God’s eyes. No longer does He see us as merely forgiven sinners – we are saints that are washed clean by the blood of the lamb! May we rejoice in this truth today!

Questions For Reflection on 2 Corinthians 5:21

#1 Think of the worst thing you have ever done in your life. Were you caught? Did you have to pay for that sinful action? How does it make you feel to know that Christ has fully paid the price for your sin – past, present, and future? How would you respond to Him today?

#2 What do you think it means to be the righteousness of God? How should you live your life now that you are a holy saint in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for Your miraculous, generous, never-ending love. Thank You that You – who knew no sin – became sin for me, so that I may experience what it truly means to live a pure and holy life. I confess my sins to You today, admitting that I am unable to live as You would have me to apart from Your power. May I live out this day in full confidence and joy, sharing that amazing love with everyone I encounter!