The Great Exchange

God forgives the sin of those who ask Him to. That’s what the Bible teaches.

But did you know that the moment God forgives someone, something else incredible happens? It’s this: Righteousness is given to that person . . . just what he’s needed all along.

According to the Bible, God has set a standard of righteousness. It’s complete holiness - no sin whatsoever. Perfection. Just like God Himself has.

The difficult part is He asks us to measure up to that standard. We’re to be as righteous as He is righteous if we’re to enter heaven. That’s a tough standard. In fact it’s impossible ? in our own strength.

Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means each of us fall short of God’s standard. None of us measures up enought to enter heaven on our own. But that’s where the good part comes in.

While it’s true God has set a standard we can’t reach, He’s not left us there. He’s also provided One who can reach that standard for us. It’s Jesus.

II Corinthians 5:21 says “God made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

What happens is that when we give our sin to Jesus, He then gives His righteousness to us. We trade our sin and unrighteous standing before God for forgiveness and right standing before Him.

We no longer fall short of His standard. We now measure up ? simply by receiving Jesus as Savior, not by working for it.

How about you? Would you like to trade in your sin for God’s gift of righteousness? Just ask Him for it. You’ll be eternally glad you did.

“If righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:21)

“But to Him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)