April 4th, 2021 – Good Friday Evening
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” ~2 Corinthians 5:21
Oh, what a wonder! The God of the universe, self-existing and preeminent, becoming a Man and becoming sin for us, so that we might trade our sin for His righteousness. There is no way this would ever happen if it was left up to us! We would never pour out our wrath (which isn’t even righteous) on our own flesh and blood, certainly not so that our unrighteous, disgusting, and vile enemies would be imputed with our righteousness! Yet, that is exactly (only to much greater depth, lengths, and scope) what God has done through the death of Christ. We in no way whatsoever deserve His love and forgiveness, but He, because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice, lavishes it on those of us who call on the name of the Lord Jesus in faith.
Jesus died and rose again so that you and I can live dead to sin and alive to God. Because He died, we live forgiven and redeemed; because He lives, we will also live eternally. It is not just that we are free from sin and death, either; no, we also become His righteousness in Jesus. It is not just a covering over of sin by Christ’s sacrifice; we are in Christ and He is in us through His Holy Spirit! Our identity is now wrapped up in Him, in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His sufferings.
On this Good Friday, take some time (if you haven’t already) to ponder the sufferings of Christ. Think on the costliness of our forgiveness, the expensive and lavish love of God, and the meekness and humility of Christ. Then, consider Him worthy of all of your praise and adoration; consider the high cost and infinite joy of following Him; and, consider how His Spirit is working in you the wonders of His righteousness.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
~Isaac Watts