2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
This verse outlines the essence of Jesus’ sacrifice. He, who was sinless, took on our sins so that we could be made righteous before God.
Throughout the Old Testament, the concept of a perfect sacrifice is emphasized. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12:5-6, had to be without blemish. Similarly, the Mosaic law required that all sacrificial animals be flawless. These sacrifices were a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate perfect sacrifice.
Jesus’ sinlessness made Him the only one capable of bearing the weight of our sins. As Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Because Jesus was perfect, He did not deserve death. Instead, He willingly gave up His life on the cross to offer us the gift of eternal life.
This incredible act of love and sacrifice is further highlighted in John 1:29, where John the Baptist declares, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus was inspected and found faultless, yet He was crucified for our sake, fulfilling the role of the perfect sacrifice.
Jesus’ sacrifice not only covered our sins but took them away entirely. We can know that we have eternal life by simply believing in what Jesus did for us on the cross and rose again three days later.
Devotional by Pastor Rod Holler, Sr.