The judge took his place

There is a story of a person who was guilty of a crime. When he went to court, the judge heard his case from both the prosecuting and defending attorneys. Unfortunately for this man, the evidence was clear and compelling. He was clearly guilty. The judge rendered the decision…..guilty! And immediately after that, the judge took off his robe and stood next to the guilty person. The judge told everyone in the courtroom that he would take the place of this person and go to prison in his place. It turned out that the judge was his father. Wow! Even though the father had to render justice for the crime, he took the place of his son because he dearly loved him and he knew that his son had made a dumb error. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, it says: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The Lord Jesus loved us so much that He took our place and paid the penalty of sin for us, so that we would be delivered from the power of darkness. His sacrifice gave us the honor and privilege of being declared righteous and forgiven. Are you grateful for so great a salvation and deliverance? Or are you in a place of complaining and bickering about how unfair life is? If you are still in a virtual prison of hopelessness and despair, fear not, all you have to do is receive His sacrifice. He already paid the price. Why continue in prison?

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

We are the righteousness of God in Christ!

2 Corinthians 5:21 says: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We are the righteousness of God! Righteousness is a powerful place. Righteousness is right standing with God. It is also the right actions that one takes when one knows God’s word, and acts according to God’s principles. According to to the Proverbist, righteousness leads to life (Proverbs 11:19). Conversely pursuing evil leads to death. Proverbs 11:4 states: Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:6 states that: “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust”. Proverbs 13:6 says: “Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner”.

Are we seeing a pattern? Righteousness, a life pleasing to God, and all of the corresponding righteous actions have great benefits and rewards. It’s up to us. Which lifestyle will we choose. If we choose righteousness in Christ, we have chosen the best path.

Proverbs 11:19 – As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.