How does 2 Corinthians 5:21 define the concept of righteousness in Christian theology? Immediate Context in 2 Corinthians Chapters 3–6 form Paul’s defense of the new-covenant ministry. Having declared that God is “reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” (5:19), Paul pinpoints how reconciliation is secured: Christ is treated as sin; believers are treated as righteous. The verse climaxes Paul’s missionary appeal (5:11–6:2), urging hearers to embrace the reconciliation already accomplished. Pauline Doctrine of Righteousness Elsewhere Paul calls this status “justification” (Romans 3:24)—a legal declaration rather than a gradual moral improvement. The righteousness believers receive is: 1. Alien: originating outside themselves (Philippians 3:9). 2. Imputed: credited to their account (Romans 4:5–8). 3. Perfect: God’s own standard (Romans 10:3–4). 2 Cor 5:21 condenses these themes into a single sentence. The Great Exchange: Imputation Explained The verse teaches double imputation: • Christ “knew no sin,” yet sin is imputed to Him (Isaiah 53:6 echoes this). • Believers “become” God’s righteousness, having that status imputed to them. Athanasius (On the Incarnation, ch. 9) called this “the wondrous exchange.” Reformers later used the same phrase; yet the concept was articulated by Augustine (Enchiridion 41) centuries earlier. Old Testament Background Animal sacrifices symbolized substitution (Leviticus 16). Isaiah 53 foretold a suffering servant who would “bear their iniquities” and “justify many” (vv. 11–12). Paul applies that prophetic template directly to Christ. The covenant language of Genesis 15:6—“Abram believed… and it was credited to him as righteousness”—provides the legal framework Paul is invoking (cf. Romans 4:3). Christ’s Sinlessness and Substitutionary Atonement Jesus is repeatedly called sinless (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15). Early creeds (e.g., the AD 150 Old Roman Symbol) stress both His innocence and His atoning death. Substitution uniquely satisfies both divine justice and mercy, maintaining moral coherence within the Godhead (Romans 3:26). Forensic versus Transformative Dimensions Forensic: God’s courtroom verdict changes the believer’s status instantly (Luke 18:14). Transformative: The same grace engenders sanctification (Titus 2:11–12). Paul’s phrase “so that… we might become” (hina… genṓmetha) merges both: a legal standing that launches a lifelong moral renewal (2 Corinthians 3:18). Implications for Salvation and Sanctification Because righteousness is credited, assurance rests on Christ’s finished work rather than fluctuating performance (John 10:28). Yet imputed righteousness births imparted righteousness; “the righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) becomes ethical fuel (Romans 6:1–11). Relation to Justification by Faith Faith is the sole instrument (Ephesians 2:8–9). Works function as evidence, not basis (James 2:17). 2 Corinthians 5:21 presupposes faith; the preceding verse invites response: “We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God.” Thus belief appropriates the exchange. Historical and Manuscript Support Papyrus 46 (c. AD 175) contains 2 Corinthians 5, testifying to textual stability within a century of autographs. Codex Vaticanus (B, 4th c.) and Sinaiticus (א) corroborate the reading. The unbroken chain of citation—from Ignatius (c. AD 110) to Irenaeus (Against Heresies 5.16.3)—demonstrates early acceptance. Practical and Behavioral Outcomes Knowing one’s righteousness is in Christ frees believers from both despair and pride, fostering humility, gratitude, and holy living (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1). Psychologically, identity shifts from performance-based self-worth to grace-based security, a dynamic confirmed by modern studies on intrinsic religiosity and mental health. Evangelistic Application Paul’s logic supplies a concise gospel outline: 1. God is holy; sin separates. 2. Christ, sinless, absorbed sin’s penalty. 3. Repentant faith swaps guilt for righteousness. 4. The reconciled now proclaim reconciliation (5:20). This “great exchange” resonates with conscience, offers objective forgiveness, and confronts relativism with a historical, bodily risen Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). In sum, 2 Corinthians 5:21 locates righteousness not in human merit but in the sinless, crucified, and resurrected Christ, whose imputed perfection secures justification and ignites transformation, all to the glory of God. |
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