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

The eternal Son of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, entered into creation to be the obedient son that so many were not. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Israel, David, Solomon… all were disobedient sons. Jesus, however, knew no sin. He was perfectly obedient to the Father in every way that you and I are not, and cannot, be. He was completely undefiled by sin, yet in an act of sheer mercy, Jesus bore the penalty of our sin upon himself. He not only took on our flesh, but he also took on our burden.

At the center of the Christian message is the good news that has been sometimes called “the great exchange.” Our sin is accounted to Christ as he is made to be sin for us; his righteousness is imputed to us as we receive his righteous status. He takes our sin; he gives us his righteousness. Jesus was born to die for the sins of his people so that those who are united to Jesus by faith would become the righteousness of God. This is how we can be reconciled—put into right relationship—to God.

Although Jesus never sinned, he knows well the full weight of temptation. Jesus can truly sympathize with us. Flee to him in your daily fight with sin. Jesus, who never sinned, can save us so that we can once again dwell with God. Run to him, trusting that forgiveness is yours.

Song: I Wonder As I Wander