August 29 Devotional Meditation
By Dr Patrick Elijah Anyomi
Key Text: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)
This verse reveals the stunning core of the Christian faith: a divine exchange. Jesus, the only one who truly lived a life of perfect purity, had no sin of His own. Yet, out of incomprehensible love, God the Father placed upon Him the full weight and ugliness of our sin. On the cross, Jesus was treated as sin itself so that we could be treated as righteous.
But notice how this righteousness comes to us. It is not an achievement; it is a gift. It is not a status we earn by our own good works, moral effort, or religious performance. We "become the righteousness of God" solely "in him."
This righteousness is God’s own righteousness, and it is offered to us as a free gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ. We are declared right before a holy God the moment we trust in what Christ accomplished on our behalf. We are clothed in His perfection, not our own. Our own efforts are like filthy rags, but His gift is a robe of perfect righteousness.
This truth crushes pride and fuels humble gratitude. Our standing with God is secure not because we are good, but because He is gracious. We can stop striving to earn His favor and start resting in the favor He has already given us in His Son.
A Time of Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am humbled and amazed by this truth. You gave Your perfect Son to bear my sin so that I, a sinner, could receive Your righteousness. I confess my tendency to try and earn Your love through my own works. Forgive me for my pride and self-reliance.
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place. Thank you for the immense cost you paid to make me right with God. I receive your gift of righteousness today by faith. I trust not in anything I have done, but in everything you have done for me on the cross.
Holy Spirit, help me to live in the reality of this gift. When I feel condemned or unworthy, remind my heart that I am fully accepted and loved because I am clothed in Christ. May this incredible grace transform my heart, leading me to love and serve you not out of obligation, but out of overwhelming thankfulness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.