Living in the Garden of Grace: Becoming the Righteousness of God

Insights inspired by "Living in the Garden of Grace"

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." — 2 Corinthians 5:21

The miracle of the exchanged life is that God took our sin, placed it upon Christ, and now extends to us His righteousness—not as something we earn or create, but as a gift to receive continually. Becoming the righteousness of God means embodying His righteousness, just as Jesus embodied our sin on the cross.

This is not a one-time transaction. Romans 5:17 reveals the key: "Much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." The verb “receive” is in the Greek tense of continual action, signifying an ongoing posture of receiving, not achieving.

The Waterfall of Grace

Imagine standing under a mighty waterfall. The water rushes over you—not because you force it to flow, but because you have positioned yourself beneath it. This is a picture of receiving the righteousness of God. The waterfall represents His abundance of grace, continuously flowing and supplying all we need.

To "become the righteousness of God" is to live in this posture of reception, allowing the life of Christ to flow through us. As we rest in our union with Him, His righteousness becomes visible in our actions, attitudes, and relationships.

Receiving, Not Producing

Just as we could not produce our own salvation, we cannot manufacture righteousness. Our role is to remain in Christ, drawing from His life within us. This ongoing reliance transforms us, making His righteousness evident in the way we live. It’s not a striving effort but a surrender to His sufficiency.

A Prayer of Restful Trust

Father,
We are grateful for the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness You have freely given us in Christ. We trust that as we rest in Him, You will continually make Your righteousness visible in our lives. Thank You for positioning us under the waterfall of Your grace, where we lack nothing. May we walk in the confidence of knowing that Your righteousness flows through us, for Your glory and the benefit of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought

The journey of becoming the righteousness of God is not about striving, but about receiving. As we live in union with Christ, His righteousness shines through us like sunlight breaking through the clouds. Rest in Him, and let His life transform you moment by moment.