“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.”2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
God's standard is not lowered to fit us. It is met on our behalf and then given to us.
Two errors sit either side of this. One lowers God's standard until holiness means very little. The other raises it so high that grace disappears and people live exhausted and afraid.
Scripture holds both. The standard is not lowered, and the righteousness required is also provided. He took what was ours so that we could receive what is His.
That changes the motive for obedience. A person who has been given righteousness does not obey in order to be accepted, but because they have been accepted.
A prayer to close
Holy God, I cannot produce the righteousness You require. Thank You for the exchange made at the cross. Teach me to walk in a way that honours You. Amen.
