II Corinthians 5:21
May 17, 2007 by John
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Great Exchange - I tend to define myself by my sin. But simply put, we’re not defined by our sin. When I see my sin, I literally have to think about this verse and say to myself:
“Jesus became the _______ (insert your sin: liar, people-user, luster, gossipper, coveter, idolater, prideful one, etc), so that in him, I (and we collectively!) might be seen before God as _________ (insert the corresponding righteousness: always speaking truthfully, sacrificial people lover, always thinking appropriate thoughts, worshipping God alone, walking humbly with God, etc).
Its not just that our specific sin is forgiven, but we’re also credited with Jesus’ perfect Law-keeping. I find its really helps me believe it if I put in the specific sin and specific righteousness. The Gospel becomes scandalous to me as I am reminded that Jesus really did become sin so that we really could become the very righteousness of God. This completely changes my posture before God and the way I seek Jesus in repentance.
[...] the justification that God has declared over us. Often at times in my life, I will think about having Jesus’ perfect record before the Father , but am not exactly sure what to do with it. I’m justified…now what?!?! Tomorrow we’ll look [...]