Made Right

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

In everyday language, "making it right" implies amending or correcting something, returning it to its desired position or status. For example, imagine a situation where you accidentally damage your neighbor's car while parking. Instead of ignoring the incident or trying to hide it, you take responsibility for your actions and make things right. You approach your neighbor and sincerely apologize for the damage. You admit your mistake and express regret. Next, you offer to repair the car or compensate your neighbor for the repair costs. You take the necessary steps to restore the vehicle to its original condition. From this experience, you hopefully learn to take precautions to avoid similar accidents in the future. You may become more careful while parking or consider using designated parking spots. By taking responsibility and making amends, you not only fix the physical damage but also build trust with your neighbor, who appreciates your honesty and willingness to make things right.

Today's verse talks about how God has made us spiritually right. It began with the

Father sending the Son. Because God cannot be anything other than pure and righteous, the Son could not sin. It could not happen! But God placed our sin upon the sacrificial lamb Jesus. Like, in the temple sacrifice, the animals who know nothing of sin carried the people's sin to the altar for atonement; Christ carried our sin onto the tree once and for all. 

Jesus' death was that of a sinner. He hung innocently between two thieves, bearing the shame and ridicule of those deserving of the cross. Though rightly it should be humanity hanging on the tree, we're the guilty. But our death upon the cross would have accomplished nothing other than, well, our death. It had to be the pure, unblemished, sin-free Christ. It's our faith in Jesus that makes us righteous in the eyes of God. We have a clean slate; our sins are forgiven. 

Though we have been made right, we need to stay right. Returning to the neighbor's damaged car example, we must make it right when we do something wrong. We must ask forgiveness, learn from the experience, and avoid the same mistake (sin) again.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe. In Your infinite love and wisdom, you made a way for us to be made right with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that we are sinners, but You provided the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us to Yourself.

Lord Jesus, thank You for willingly taking our sins upon Yourself. You, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. Your sacrifice on the cross is our hope, redemption, and salvation.

Holy Spirit, empower us to live in the reality of this truth. May we walk in the freedom and grace that comes from being made right with God. Help us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others, knowing that we are all recipients of Your mercy.

Heavenly Father, we surrender our lives to You anew. May Your righteousness shine through us, drawing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. May our lives be a living testimony to Your love and grace.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim