Ein wunderbarer Tausch (2. Korinther 5,21) - Richard Friesen

God made the sinless Jesus Christ sin in our place so that sinners could receive Christ's righteousness through faith—a wonderful exchange that makes complete reconciliation with God possible. Details *The Vicar of Reconciliation* Jesus Christ was the only person after the Fall who never sinned. Since he had no physical father, he did not inherit Adam's sinful nature. As the God-man, he lived a completely sinless life—confirmed by the testimonies of Peter, John, the Epistle to the Hebrews, and God the Father himself. Only a spotless, sinless representative could bear the punishment for others. *The Author of Reconciliation* God the Father is the initiator and author of salvation. He chose his Son as the sacrificial lamb even before the foundation of the world, promised a Redeemer after the Fall, and finally sent his Son. The sins of sinners were imputed to Christ—God treated the sinless one as if he were the entire sin of the world. Therefore, Jesus cried out on the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” *The Recipients of Reconciliation* This reconciliation applies to all sinners who believe in Jesus Christ—not pious or deserving people, but precisely those who have incurred guilt. It is received solely through faith and grace, without any merit of one's own. *The Result of Reconciliation* The wonderful exchange: Christ's sinlessness is imputed to the believer, and the believer's sin is placed on Christ. God, the supreme judge, completely acquits the sinner and sees him as if he had lived the life of Jesus. *Concluding Exhortations and Comfort* *Seek this righteousness*—whoever does not yet believe in Christ is under God's wrath and should seek Him immediately. *Thank God*—whoever has received righteousness should live daily in gratitude and worship. Live according to this righteousness—salvation is shown in changed words, thoughts, and deeds. Consolation 1: Those who have been justified by God can no longer be condemned by anyone—neither by people, thoughts, nor the devil. Consolation 2: Those who are justified will also be glorified (Romans 8:30)—eternal salvation does not rest on human clinging, but on God's promise.