1 Corinthians 1:30 – “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

Extended Explanation

This verse makes a powerful statement about how salvation works. Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers that they did not come to faith because of their own wisdom, strength, or goodness. Instead, it was God who placed them in Christ. Everything they have—salvation, righteousness, holiness, and redemption—comes from Jesus, not from themselves.

Paul also emphasizes that Jesus is the wisdom of God. The Greeks in Corinth loved to debate philosophy and knowledge, but Paul is making it clear that true wisdom is not found in human reasoning—it is found in Jesus Himself.

Furthermore, Jesus is not just a wise teacher or moral example. Paul specifically says that He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

• Righteousness – Jesus makes us right with God by taking away our sin and giving us His perfect righteousness.
• Holiness – Jesus sets us apart for God, making us holy through His sacrifice.
• Redemption – Jesus paid the price to free us from sin and death.

This verse destroys the idea that we can earn salvation by being good enough. It is only because of God that we are saved, and it is only through Jesus that we receive these blessings.

Historical Context

The church in Corinth was made up of a mix of people—some educated, some uneducated, some wealthy, some poor. Corinth was a Greek city where people admired wisdom, success, and personal achievement. Many of the Corinthians had been influenced by these cultural values, and some even thought that they were more important because of their social status or intelligence.

Paul wrote this letter to remind them that none of their own wisdom, power, or achievements had anything to do with their salvation. It was God alone who called them, and it was Jesus alone who saved them.

In Jewish tradition, righteousness and holiness were seen as things that people had to achieve by following the Law. But Paul is saying something radical—righteousness and holiness are not earned; they are given through Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

1. Salvation is entirely God’s work. We do not save ourselves—God is the one who places us in Christ.
2. Jesus is our source of wisdom. True wisdom is not found in human knowledge or philosophy, but in knowing Christ.
3. We receive righteousness, holiness, and redemption as a gift. These are not things we achieve by being good enough—they come through faith in Jesus.
4. We have nothing to boast about. If salvation comes from God and not from us, then we have no reason to brag or compare ourselves to others.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is very intentional.

• “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus” – This emphasizes that salvation is God’s doing, not our own.
• “Who has become for us wisdom from God” – Jesus is wisdom itself. He is not just a teacher of wisdom; He embodies it.
• “That is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” – Paul lists three key things that Jesus gives us. These words sum up the entire gospel:
  • Righteousness (We are made right with God)
  • Holiness (We are set apart for God)
  • Redemption (We are freed from sin and death)

Paul’s point is clear: everything we need for salvation is found in Jesus, not in ourselves.

Biblical Cross-References

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 – “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me.” (True wisdom is knowing God.)
• Romans 3:22 – “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Righteousness comes from faith, not works.)
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (Jesus gives us His righteousness.)
• Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Redemption is through Jesus’ sacrifice.)
• Colossians 2:3 – “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (All true wisdom is found in Jesus.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that our salvation is not based on our efforts, intelligence, or goodness. It is only because of Jesus that we are made right with God.

Many people today still think they can earn God’s approval by being a good person, following religious rules, or learning enough about the Bible. But this verse reminds us that we don’t achieve salvation—we receive it.

For those who struggle with guilt or feeling unworthy, this verse is also a great encouragement. If righteousness, holiness, and redemption come from Jesus and not from us, then we don’t have to live in fear of not being “good enough.” Jesus is enough.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse is a clear picture of God’s love. He didn’t leave us to try and figure out salvation on our own. Instead, He gave us everything we need in Jesus.

• Because God loves us, He made a way for us to be righteous.
• Because God loves us, He set us apart to be holy.
• Because God loves us, He paid the price to redeem us.

None of this is because we earned it—it is simply because God is full of grace and love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. Everything we need is found in Him:

• He is our wisdom. (John 1:1 – Jesus is the Word, the very wisdom of God.)
• He is our righteousness. (Romans 5:19 – “Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”)
• He is our holiness. (Hebrews 10:10 – “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”)
• He is our redemption. (Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness.”)

This verse makes it clear: Salvation is not about what we do—it is about who Jesus is.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach you about how salvation works?
2. Why do you think people still try to earn God’s approval through their own efforts?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is your righteousness, holiness, and redemption give you confidence in your faith?
4. How does this verse change the way you view wisdom? Do you seek wisdom from the world, or from Christ?
5. What are some practical ways you can live with the understanding that everything you have in your faith comes from Jesus?

This verse is one of the clearest statements in the Bible about how salvation works. It reminds us that we do not contribute anything to our righteousness—Jesus does it all. We are saved, set apart, and redeemed only because of Him. Instead of trusting in our own wisdom or efforts, we must trust completely in Christ, who is the wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption that we could never achieve on our own.