We Are Made Right

The Word is first...

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin^a for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

^a Or be a sin offering

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

The Creator our God took what was perfect, His Beloved Son, and used him as a sin offering on our behalf. God the Father did this that by his sacrifice, we could be seen as what we ought to be. That by His goodness we could be approved, accepted and live eternally in right relationship with Him.

We 'become' the righteousness of God. It is not that 'we are', it is that 'we become.' This accomplishment of God's will is not based on any effort of our own nor is it based on any good work, act of charity or by depth of study. It is not the result of knowledge, talent, skill or experience. It is by the blood of Christ alone that we are made right.

With this in mind then I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1 where he said "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship."

We are not called to be the lamb laid upon the altar, that work is done. We are called to live lives that are worthy of the calling that God has placed upon us. Our choice is to either accept the sacrifice of Christ Jesus and to live for him, even as he died for us OR to reject his sacrifice and embrace the condemnation that is rightfully ours. It is the choice between life or death.

Choose wisely.

Shalom,

Carl