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.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of the most powerful summaries of the gospel message in the entire Bible. It explains how God provided a way for sinners to be saved through Jesus Christ.

Paul says, “God made him who had no sin”—this refers to Jesus. Unlike every other person who has ever lived, Jesus was completely sinless (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22). He was perfectly obedient to God in every way.

Then Paul writes, “to be sin for us.” This does not mean Jesus became a sinner. Instead, it means that God placed the penalty of sin upon Him. On the cross, Jesus took on the full weight of our sins—every wrong thought, word, and action—so that He could pay the price we owed.

The last part of the verse says, “so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This means that when a person puts their faith in Jesus, His righteousness is given to them. Instead of being seen as sinful, they are now seen as righteous before God. This is what theologians call “the great exchange”—Jesus takes our sin, and we receive His righteousness.

This verse is a clear statement of substitutionary atonement—the idea that Jesus took our place so that we could be made right with God.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Corinthians, a church that had many struggles with sin and worldly thinking. Some of them may have wondered how they could ever be made right with God given their past lives. Paul assures them that their righteousness does not come from their own efforts but from what Jesus did for them on the cross.

In the ancient world, the idea of sacrifices for sin was well understood. In both Jewish and pagan religious systems, people offered sacrifices to seek forgiveness. Paul explains that Jesus was the ultimate and final sacrifice—He became sin so that sinners could be made clean.

This was a radical message. Many people believed they had to earn their righteousness through religious rituals or good deeds. But Paul teaches that righteousness is not earned—it is given through faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some of the most important doctrines in Christianity:

1. Jesus was completely sinless – Unlike all humans, He had no sin of His own.
2. Jesus took our place – He bore the punishment for sin so that we wouldn’t have to.
3. Salvation is a gift – We don’t become righteous by our efforts; we receive it through faith in Jesus.
4. The great exchange – Jesus took our sin, and we received His righteousness.
5. God’s justice and mercy – Sin was not ignored; it was paid for by Jesus.

This verse shows that Christianity is not about self-improvement or religious performance—it is about trusting in what Jesus has already done.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is precise and powerful:

• “God made him who had no sin” – This emphasizes Jesus’ perfect obedience and sinlessness.
• “To be sin for us” – This shows Jesus’ substitution—He took on our punishment.
• “So that in him we might become the righteousness of God” – This explains the result of Jesus’ sacrifice: believers are declared righteous in God’s sight.

Paul uses contrast to highlight the depth of this truth:

• Jesus had no sin → Yet He was treated as if He were guilty.
• We are full of sin → Yet we are treated as if we were righteous.

This verse captures the entire gospel in one sentence—Jesus took what we deserved so that we could receive what He deserved.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:5-6 – “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities… the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
• Romans 3:21-22 – “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
• Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
• 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”
• Philippians 3:9 – Paul says he does not have a righteousness of his own but one that comes through faith in Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that salvation is completely the work of God. Many people today believe they have to be good enough to earn God’s approval. But Paul makes it clear:

• We don’t earn righteousness—it is given to us through Jesus.
• We don’t have to carry the guilt of our past—Jesus already took it.
• We don’t have to fear judgment—because Jesus paid the price for our sins.

For believers, this verse should bring freedom and confidence. Instead of trying to prove themselves to God, they can rest in the finished work of Christ.

It also serves as a challenge: Are we living in the reality of this truth? If we have received Christ’s righteousness, our lives should reflect it. We should turn from sin, pursue holiness, and share this message with others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse is one of the clearest expressions of God’s love.

• God did not ignore sin—He dealt with it through Jesus.
• God did not leave us in our sin—He provided a way for us to be made righteous.
• God’s love is sacrificial—He gave up His own Son for our salvation.

Many people struggle to believe that God truly loves them. But this verse proves that His love is not just words—it is action. He was willing to give His perfect Son in exchange for sinful people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse.

• He is the sinless one – He lived the life no one else could live.
• He became sin for us – He took our punishment.
• He made us righteous – His perfect obedience is now credited to believers.

This verse is the heart of the gospel. It explains why Jesus died and what His death accomplished. Without this truth, there is no Christianity—everything depends on Jesus’ sacrifice.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus became sin for you?
2. How does understanding the great exchange change the way you view salvation?
3. Do you struggle with guilt over past sins? How does this verse reassure you?
4. How can you live in a way that reflects the righteousness of Christ?
5. Who in your life needs to hear this message of reconciliation?

This verse is one of the most important in the Bible. It sums up the entire message of salvation—Jesus took our sin so that we could receive His righteousness. That is the good news of the gospel!