The Great Exchangeنموونە

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NET)
"God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God."

From the very beginning, sin has separated people from God (Romans 3:23). — Because God is perfectly holy, our sins could not keep us in God’s presence. Think of it this way: sin keeps us going our own way instead of walking in a relationship with God. And the longer we choose sin, the bond we have with sin is strengthened. Sin always has consequences, even if we don’t see them right away.

But in his great love, God came down to earth in human form through Jesus Christ to make a way for us to be restored back to him. Though completely sinless, he entered our broken world and carried the weight of our sin when he died on the cross – as a revelation of God’s self-giving love. His resurrection broke sin’s grip over us, setting us free from its power and defeating its greatest consequence: death. This was an act of mercy, grace, and love. God did not ignore sin, but instead, he provided a way for the power of sin to be broken so we could be set free.

When we make a decision to believe in what Jesus did on the cross and follow him, we are no longer separated from God. We are brought back into a relationship with him—no longer slaves to sin, but now children of God.

Questions to reflect on:

• How do you see God’s love working through Jesus’ sacrifice?
• What does it mean for you personally that Jesus bore your sin and suffering?
• How does knowing that Jesus defeated death change how you view life and eternity?

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the depth of your love — a love that restores, redeems, and renews. Jesus, you willingly took on my sin, not out of duty but out of love, so that I could be free. Help me walk in the righteousness you have given me—not out of obligation, but out of an understanding that you desire for me to live a full and free life, forever in your presence. Amen.