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]
this is the definition of how God gives us our identity.
first, we have the work of Christ. in his life that he lived, he “knew no sin.” he was tempted as we are (heb 4:15) and in fact knew exactly how it felt to be human. he’s been through weakness and testing experiencing it all. Jesus’ life here on earth, every moment was lived for you and me. the sinless, spotless lamb of God, lived intentionally so that you and I might become the “righteousness of God.”
take a moment to thank Jesus for the life that he lived, his sinless life so that he could save you for his Fathers glory. think of him waking in the morning and choosing to make the right decision. think of his conversations, his temptations, all overcome so that he may be the perfect sacrificial lamb.
next, we have the work of God in the death and crucifixion of Christ. “he made him to be sin.” God is holy, in fact he is the holiest of holies, and we in our flesh cannot approach him. in the old testament, it required constant repetitive sacrifice from his people. however, because Christ lived the perfect life we could not and died the death that we should have died, he was capable of taking our place once and for all. “and behold the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (matt 27:51). in the death of Jesus, there is an endless well of mercy and justice provided.
take a moment to thank Jesus for his death, that he would take your place upon that cross, a place you in your sin and fallen nature you deserved. thank Jesus for being the sacrificial lamb that you needed.
lastly, in the resurrection of Jesus there is completion in all that came before. all the old testament, all of his promises were made true. this is how we become the “righteousness of God,” Jesus rose from the grave and made permanent his work on the cross. this is the seal of all of our identity in Christ. you are righteous, a saint, chosen, holy and beloved, blameless, all because you are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and his defeat of death.
take a moment to thank Jesus for his resurrection. thank him that he is a god that is fully alive. thank him for defeating death and the grave so that you may live.
draw near to God today and i pray that as you go through your day you are able to stop and think upon the life, death and resurrection of your lord and savior.
~ holly russell