“He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

The first time I read this verse was in 7th grade Sunday school which, while I’m still “young”, was years ago. I remember it because I had to read and re-read it about 10 times before I finally understood what it really meant. Throughout my life since then, this verse has continued to come up…I’ve heard it in occasional sermons, bible studies, conversations, etc. But the two times I remember it more than any, besides the first time I remember reading it, were at a concert and on a CD. Both were by Shane and Shane and both were right in the middle of the hymn “It Is Well”. Now, if you know me, you know that this is one of my all time favorite hymns. I actually have a copy of it framed and hanging on my office wall. Why do I love the hymn so much? Because of the lyrics and the story behind it. Horatio Spafford penned the poem which Philip Bliss set to the music which has become so familiar. If you don’t know the story behind why Horatio Spafford wrote this awe inspiring poem, read it.

My favorite verse is the third stanza of the poem:

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

How fortunate we are to have a Savior that will take our sins on Himself and face the pain and punishment we deserve. Rejoice this weekend that Christ has agreed to be your sin and allow that sin to be nailed to the cross. That because of the blood of Christ, you no longer have to worry about enduring the ramifications of your faults and failures. Rejoice even more that this action allows us to attain the righteousness of God, without which we would be lost. Rejoice in the redeeming blood of Christ.