Verse of the Day for Friday, March 29, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Friday, March 29, 2024

2 Corinthians 5:21

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the second letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. This letter is part of a correspondence between Paul and the Christian community in Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece. In this letter, Paul addresses various issues concerning the Corinthian church, including divisions within the community, challenges to his authority, and the nature of the Christian ministry.

The verse, 2 Corinthians 5:21, falls within a section where Paul discusses the reconciliation between God and humanity through Christ. This part of the letter emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's love and the concept of Christians being new creations in Christ. Paul’s teachings in this letter are foundational to Christian theology, particularly in understanding the role of Jesus Christ in the redemption of humanity.

This verse is rich in theological significance and is often discussed in the context of the doctrine of atonement. Here are some key points to consider in its interpretation:

1. Identification with Sin and Sinlessness: The verse speaks of Jesus, who was sinless ("knew no sin"), being made "to be sin" for humanity's sake. This paradoxical statement is central to many Christian teachings about salvation. It suggests that through Jesus' sacrificial death, he took upon himself the sins of humanity, even though he himself was without sin.

2. The Concept of Substitution: This verse is often interpreted as an expression of the substitutionary atonement theory, where Jesus is seen as taking the place of sinners, bearing the punishment that was due to them, thereby reconciling them with God.

3. Righteousness of God: The phrase "we might become the righteousness of God" is pivotal. It implies that through Jesus' sacrificial act, believers are not only forgiven but are also granted the righteousness of God. This is a transformative process where believers are seen as being in a right relationship with God through Christ.

4. Grace and Transformation: This verse highlights the grace of God and the transformative power of Christ's work. It is not merely a legal transaction but a profound change in the believer's identity and relationship with God.

5. Contextual Interpretation: It's important to interpret this verse within the broader context of Paul's letter and his theology. Paul’s understanding of the new creation and reconciliation is crucial for a full appreciation of this verse's meaning.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulates key elements of Christian soteriology (the study of salvation) and underscores the profound mystery of Christ’s role in human redemption. It challenges believers to reflect on the depth of God’s love and the transformative power of being in Christ.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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