2Corinthians 5:21(RKJV).
For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in HIM we might become the righteousness of GOD.
HERE ARE FOUR GREAT TRUTHS.
One, CHRIST was sinless (John 8:46; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5).
Two, GOD made HIM to be sin – that is, GOD laid the sin of the world on HIM and CHRIST bore the guilt and penalty of it. GOD counted HIM as if HE were sin. Every sin of man, all that is brutal and perverted and vile and corrupt and every other kind of sin was put to the account of the HOLY SON of GOD (think of it!).
Third, this was “for us” (v 14; 1 Pet 3:18; 1 John 4:10). GOD put our sins to CHRIST’S account so that HE might not have to leave them in our account.
Fourth, GOD’S purpose in this was that believers might become the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST. This speaks of justification (Rom 3:21-26), and of union with CHRIST (John 17:20-23; Rom 6:3-8; Eph 1:1, 4). CHRIST HIMSELF is the righteousness of GOD (1 Cor 1:30; Rom 3:21-24; Acts 3:14). Believers are united to HIM and so become righteous in HIM, and, in GOD’S reckoning, what CHRIST is before GOD believers also are.
Hallelujah!