Verse of the Day
Saturday, March 29, 2025
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.
Introduction
The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:21 encapsulate the heart of the Gospel—Christ’s atoning work on the cross. This verse presents one of the clearest expressions of substitutionary atonement in the New Testament. It portrays the divine exchange: Jesus, though sinless, took on our sin, so that we, through Him, might receive the righteousness of God. This profound truth highlights both the depth of human sin and the immeasurable grace of God.
Commentary
Paul’s declaration in this verse follows his discussion on reconciliation in the preceding verses. He emphasizes that believers are reconciled to God through Christ, and this reconciliation is solely by God’s initiative.
1. “For our sake” – This phrase underscores God's love and the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: it was done entirely for humanity's benefit.
2. “He made him to be sin who knew no sin” – Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22), yet God made Him “to be sin,” not in the sense that Christ became a sinner, but that He bore the penalty of sin on our behalf. This echoes Isaiah 53:6, where the prophet describes the Suffering Servant bearing our iniquities.
3. “So that in him we might become the righteousness of God” – This is the divine exchange: Christ takes our sin, and we receive His righteousness. This righteousness is not something we earn; it is imputed to us by faith (Romans 3:21-22).
Paul’s words reflect the doctrine of justification, where sinners are declared righteous before God, not by their works, but through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). This verse encapsulates the essence of grace—Christ bore the punishment we deserved so that we could share in the righteousness of God.
Understanding the Context
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a community struggling with divisions, moral failures, and misunderstandings about the faith. In 2 Corinthians 5, he speaks about the transformation that occurs through Christ. He emphasizes that believers are a new creation (v.17) and have been given the ministry of reconciliation (v.18). This verse, therefore, serves as the climax of his argument: the only way reconciliation is possible is through Christ’s sacrifice.
The Jewish understanding of sin and atonement, particularly through the sacrificial system, helps us grasp this concept. In the Old Testament, a sacrificial lamb was offered for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:15-16). Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who bore sin, fulfilling the law and bringing complete reconciliation between humanity and God.
Application for Today
This verse speaks directly to the core of our faith and has several implications for believers today:
1. Our Identity in Christ – As Christians, we no longer stand condemned before God. Through Christ, we are made righteous, which means we are justified, forgiven, and accepted. This truth should shape how we see ourselves—not as failures but as redeemed children of God.
2. Living in Grace, Not Guilt – Many believers struggle with guilt and shame, feeling unworthy of God’s love. This verse reminds us that Christ has already taken our place. We are free to live in the assurance of His righteousness.
3. Extending Grace to Others – Just as God has reconciled us to Himself, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (v.20). This means extending forgiveness and grace to others, just as Christ has done for us.
4. A Call to Holiness – While Christ's righteousness is imputed to us, we are also called to reflect this righteousness in our daily lives. Paul elsewhere reminds believers to "put on the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).
Reflection
This verse invites us to pause and marvel at the depth of God's love. What Christ endured for our sake is beyond human comprehension.
Have you fully embraced Christ’s righteousness, or are you still trying to earn God's favor?
How does this truth shape your daily walk with God?
In what ways can you embody Christ’s righteousness in your interactions with others?
As we reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:21, let us rejoice in the divine exchange: Christ took our place so that we might stand righteous before God. This is the Gospel—the greatest act of love in human history.
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. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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