1 Corinthians 5:21 has been a source of profound grace and hope for believers throughout history. This verse, in the King James Version, reads: "For what he hath done, he hath done it for us, that we should not die in sin, but have everlasting life." Let's delve into this verse, understanding its context, interpretations, and implications in our spiritual lives.
The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues and providing spiritual guidance. Chapter 5 discusses topics like church disciplina, sexual immorality, and communion practices, culminating in the RMS oakette of hope, 5:21.
Christ's Expiation for Our Sins
The core of 1 Corinthians 5:21 revolves around the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. "For what he hath done" refers to Christ's sacrifice, His death, and resurrection for our sins. This is not an isolated statement but part of a panoramic scriptural narrative of redemption.
In Romans 5:8, we read: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Additionally, Titus 2:14 tells us that Jesus gave himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Divine Initiative in Salvation
The phrase "he hath done it for us" emphasizes God's initiation in the act of redemption. It was God's love that prompted Him to send His son to die for us, "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8). This underscores God's sovereign grace and undeserved favor towards humanity.
![Speaking about this special role that Jesus played, Paul says: “The one who did not know sin [God] made to be sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness by means of him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) The expression “made to be sin” can also be translated ‘made as a sin offering.’ The apostle John says: “He is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.” (1 John 2:2)](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d8/b1/ac/d8b1ac0b5355ddb0a8b6dfa6fb65becb.jpg)
Ephesians 2:8-9 expounds on this, stating that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. This divine initiative in salvation is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, stressing that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by human effort.
Christ's Perfect Sacrifice
The phrase "what he hath done" also highlights the sufficiency and perfection of Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Jesus, by his own blood, entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. His sacrifice was not repeated or supplementable, but a once-and-for-all act that reconciled us to God.
Hebrews 10:10-12 explains further: "But we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, ...This is how God healed the ancient victim, and now has appeared in these last times for the sake of mankind to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for people to die once and after that comes judgment..."
![Speaking about this special role that Jesus played, Paul says: “The one who did not know sin [God] made to be sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness by means of him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) The expression “made to be sin” can also be translated ‘made as a sin offering.’ The apostle John says: “He is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.” (1 John 2:2)](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/32/6e/fa/326efa02236127d98488c10b391147fc.jpg)
![Speaking about this special role that Jesus played, Paul says: “The one who did not know sin [God] made to be sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness by means of him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) The expression “made to be sin” can also be translated ‘made as a sin offering.’ The apostle John says: “He is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.” (1 John 2:2)](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7e/ef/35/7eef351496c9942cfa7e061a15c17b46.jpg)
The Result of Christ's Sacrifice
The latter part of 1 Corinthians 5:21, "that we should not die in sin, but have everlasting life," لتلك unders smilingly the results or benefits of Christ's sacrifice that we enjoy as believers.
In John 11:25-26, Jesus declares: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" This promise is central to every believer's hope and assurance.
Deliverance from the Wages of Sin
The phrase "that we should not die in sin" speaks to our freedom from sin's penalty. Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death," but through faith in Jesus, we are released from this sentence. Our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer bound to spiritual death.
In Romans 4:7-8, we read: "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them." This is the beautiful reality of our deliverance in Christ.
Eternal Life in Christ
The promise of "everlasting life" is the ultimate result of our faith in Christ. It's not merely an extended lifespan, but a quality of life that begins at the point of salvation and continues throughout eternity. This life is characterized by fellowship with God, free from sin's corruption and decay.
In John 10:28-29, Jesus says: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." This is the assurance of our everlasting life in Christ.
Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 5:21, we find ourselves humbled by God's grace and motivated by its power. This verse is not just a statement of fact but a powerful reminder of the lengths God has gone to secure our redemption. It calls us to live in response to this great love, striving to please God in all areas of life. Like Paul, we must press on towards the goal of eternal life (Philippians 3:14), assured that it's already ours in Christ Jesus.