The Great Exchange
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Straight to the Cross
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COLUMN: COMMUNION MEDITATION
The Great Exchange
by Jeff A. Jenkins
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in
Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NASB).
In 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, the great apostle Paul
discusses the principle of reconciliation. He begins
with the phrase, "all these things are of God," (v.
18), reminding us that everything associated with
salvation begins with God.
It was God's idea to offer us salvation. He initiated
it, he planned it and he carried it out on the cross.
Paul then explains that this occurs through our
justification (v. 19). Justification is a legal term
which declares that God has made us right.
In Romans 3, Paul proclaims that God is both just and
the justifier of those who are in Christ. The next
thought in this great passage makes it clear that there
is something we must do if we are going to be
reconciled to God.
Paul states, "I beg you, be reconciled to God." (v.
20), God has done his part by extending his grace to
everyone (Titus 2:10). Our part is to accept that
grace and give our lives to him.
The most important verse in this section of Scripture
and one of the most important verses in all of
Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:21. It is in this passage
where "the great exchange," is explained to us. "He
made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Even though Jesus never committed a single sin, God
treated him like he was a sinner, so that he could
treat those of us who sin often, like we are righteous.
He poured out his wrath on his Son, so that we might
become his children. Because of Christ, our sins are
forgiven and we have a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Each time we gather around the Lord's Table we should
remember "the great exchange." We should thank God for
his grace which is available to all men and accessed by
being in Christ (Romans 3:24).
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