“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)
Judgment Day is a reality that all people from every age will experience. Paul tells us plainly in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” You may wonder how any one of us might stand safely in the presence of God on that day… and there is only one way, which is to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
In our fallen state, we are defiled by sin—utterly unclean and incapable of standing in the presence of a holy and righteous God. Further, His perfect justice cannot ignore, minimize, or excuse our sin; divine righteousness demands that sin be punished.
Yet, while perfectly just, in His grace God designed a redemptive plan for us. As the Scripture says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” In other words, when we become children of God, He removes our sin and replaces it with Christ’s righteousness.
In legal terms, God reckons or transfers the righteousness of Christ to His people as if it were their own. In God’s eyes, it is no different than if we ourselves had satisfied His requirements, fully meeting the demands of both His holy character and His perfect law. This is precisely the meaning of the term imputation: when the personal accomplishment of one is credited to another as though he himself had accomplished it.
This truth permeates Scripture, affirmed repeatedly by the Holy Spirit. Romans 4:6 declares, “just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,” and verse 11 adds, “that righteousness might be imputed unto them also” (Rom. 4:11).
This doctrine of imputation is so critical, in fact, that no one can enter heaven without it. To satisfy divine justice, the sins of God’s elect were imputed to Christ. Likewise, in order for us to share the benefits of that satisfaction and be delivered from condemnation, Christ’s righteousness must be imputed to us.
Isaiah 53:5-6 beautifully illustrates this exchange: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities… the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Romans 5:19 parallels this truth, stating, “As by one man’s disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Christ] shall many be made righteous.” Verse 17 further clarifies, “As by one man’s offence death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Thomas Brooks insightfully explains this contrast: “From the comparison between the first and second Adam, it is evident that as Adam’s transgression of the law of God is imputed to all his posterity, and in respect to this they are reputed sinners, accursed and liable to eternal death; so also Christ’s obedience, by which He fulfilled the law, is imputed to the members of His mystical body, so that in the sight of God they stand innocent, justified and accepted unto eternal life. Just as Adam was the common root of all humanity, thus his sin is imputed to all his descendants; similarly, Jesus Christ is the common root of all believers, and His obedience is imputed to them all.”[1]
The Apostle Paul’s parallel between the two Adams plainly demonstrates that just as the guilt of Adam’s disobedience was truly imputed to us, making us all sinners by his transgression, so the obedience of Christ is equally and truly imputed to us, making us righteous through His perfect obedience. What amazing love! Truly, Lord Jesus, You are “the Lord my Righteousness!” (Jer. 23:6).
Contemplation:
- Clothed in Righteousness. I realize how utterly incapable I am of meeting God’s holy standards. My best efforts fall short; my most earnest deeds are insufficient. This truth humbles me deeply. Yet, knowing that Christ’s perfect righteousness has been credited to me lifts my soul with joy and hope. Without this garment of divine righteousness, I would stand condemned. I marvel at the mercy of God who sees me as righteous solely because of His beloved Son.
- The Justice and Mercy of God. When I ponder the cross, I clearly see both the severity and tenderness of God. His justice demanded that sin receive due punishment, yet His mercy provided His Son as the sacrifice. How wondrously this reveals God’s heart. It reminds me that He neither compromises His holiness nor forsakes His compassion. My redemption cost Christ everything, and I live because He willingly bore the judgment that belonged to me.
- Double Imputation. The reality of this double exchange fills me with gratitude and awe. My sin laid upon Christ, His righteousness upon me… what grace! I did nothing to deserve this transfer. It was purely an act of divine mercy. Knowing this, how can I continue in sin? Such truth demands a life lived in grateful obedience. My life must reflect my status as one who has received an immeasurable gift.
- Standing on Judgment Day. The thought of standing before God’s judgment seat used to terrify me. But now, through Christ’s imputed righteousness, that dread has turned to assurance. Christ has satisfied the full demands of God’s justice on my behalf. I no longer fear condemnation, but confidently anticipate hearing, “Well done.” This motivates me daily to live faithfully, seeking to please the One who secured my eternal acceptance before God.
Prayer (Adoration):
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your perfect holiness and infinite justice. Your righteousness is exalted above the heavens, and Your purity outshines the brightest of lights. You are perfect, utterly without blemish or stain.
I adore You, Lord, because in Your divine wisdom and unfathomable love, You provided Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who knew no sin yet became sin for my sake. I worship You, O Christ, for Your obedience unto death and Your spotless righteousness, which alone enables me to stand justified in Your holy presence.
Father, in myself, I confess there is no goodness sufficient, no purity adequate, no deeds worthy to stand before Your throne. But You, in abundant mercy, have clothed me in Christ’s righteousness, accounting His perfect obedience as mine. My heart overflows with gratitude that Christ’s holiness now covers me completely.
O God, I marvel at Your love which determined to transfer my guilt and condemnation to Your Son, and His perfection and innocence to me. What matchless grace, that You would see me as righteous, acceptable, beloved, and justified through Him alone!
Let my life reflect a deep reverence for Your holiness and a constant wonder at this extraordinary gift. Teach me daily to cherish Christ my righteousness, and may my heart continually exalt Your glorious wisdom and mercy.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 2 Cor. 5:21:
Rom. 1:17; 1 Cor. 1:30; Heb. 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; Isa. 45:24
[1] Thomas Brooks, The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 5 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; G. Herbert, 1867), 109.
