2 Corinthians 5:21

NASB	NLT	VOICE
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.	21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.	21 He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in HIm we might embody the very righteousness of God.

Learning the Sinlessness of Christ

Jesus Christ is shown as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God. The sinlessness of Christ is key for His role as the perfect sacrifice. It sets Jesus apart from all of humanity, who are inherently sinful, and qualifies Him uniquely to bear the sins of the world. The concept of substitution comes from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where animals were offered to atone for sins of the people. In becoming sin, Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice – bearing the penalty and consequences of sin. Being made right is not something we can earn through our actions, but we receive it as a gift from God. 

Living as a Reflection of Christ’s Sacrifice

Receiving Christ’s righteousness, we are called to live a life that reflects His holiness and love. We are called to be set apart for God and from the world. The teachings and commands of God are not going to be normal for the world. They will seem counter-cultural, uncomfortable, and outside the norm – and that’s how you know you are doing something right. We’re not called to be aligned with the world, but align with God in our imperfect world. The struggle some Christians run into is that they don’t do it in love. God’s love is that self-sacrificial love, shown through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We are called to reflect that love to our community, sacrificing our time, our resources, and more to help care for others as God cares for us. It can be as simple as dedicating an hour to listen to someone’s struggles or it could be as large as buying a car for someone (heard this done before.) God sacrificed his one and only son for us – the ultimate sacrifice one could make with an eternal result. The least we can do is sacrifice our resources for the care and compassion of others. God will provide and bless us with everything we need to do according to his will. 

Above all, remember this: I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. What do you know about the Old Testament sacrificial system?
2. How does Jesus’ sacrifice replace that sacrificial system?
3. What sacrifices would you make today to be in a right relationship with God?

Call to Action

Read 1 John 3:5. Thank God for the sacrifice that Jesus made so that we could be in a right relationship with HIm. Ask Him what things are still causing you to sin. Pray for guidance that allows us to progress towards perfection.

Check out the next part: Who Am I Again? #14