For our sake he made him to be Sin who knew no Sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21
In the above verse the word Sin, is a noun, not a verb. In fact much of the time we see Sin in the New Testament, it is a noun. In Romans for example, 47 times the word sin is a noun and 7 times a verb. We all know that a noun is a person, place or thing and not an action. Therefore, this verse, like the ones in Romans is not talking about the verb sin, our individual acts of sin. It is speaking of the Sin nature we inherited from Adam that is made apparent by its symptoms, our individual acts of sin. We inherited this fallen Sin nature from Adam. If we remain in Adam, we inherit death. If we are born again in Christ, we inherit eternal life. This is why Jesus came to save us. This is why he says we must be born again.
Realizing sin is a noun in 2 Cor 5:21, we understand this verse is telling us that Jesus literally became our inherited Sin nature, crucifying it on the cross.
Now for even better news. The word “righteousness” in this verse is a noun also. In other words, this verse is saying Jesus literally became our Sin nature and we literally became His Righteous nature upon belief.
We know Jesus is righteous, right with the Father. “…as he (Jesus) is so also are we in this world.”1 John 4:17b
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe… Rom 3:21-22 ESV
Here Romans makes it abundantly clear how we were made a sinner and how a person can be made righteous.
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Rom 5:19
Dear Father, Thank you for making me the righteousness of God in Christ. I promise to remember this when I fail, always quoting this truth to the enemy when he attempts to make it about me instead of Jesus. I know that no one can condemn those you have made righteous. (Rom 8:1, Rom 8:33, Isa 50:8)
Give God all the Glory! I am the righteousness of God in Christ! Learn more about His Righteousness HERE.