For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19 ESV)
Jesus’ Life and Obedience
I once did a homework assignment for a friend. He had been sick, had been overwhelmed by situations at home, and had humbly cried out for help.
I should not have done it, of course.
But I did. And my friend got credit for my work.
One good thing (maybe the only good thing) that came from that event, is that it gave me a little bit of understanding of how Christ’s obedience is credited to me.
Jesus obeyed God… perfectly, in every tiny and gigantic way. But because of God’s amazing Covenant, God gives ME credit for it. God chooses to see what JESUS did as my thoughts, words, and deeds.
Just as my friend was unable to complete his assignment, I am unable to complete God’s holy requirements. But Jesus did my work for me.
It is the only way that I could enter God’s perfect heaven.
His life on earth, from birth to crucifixion, provided Him with every opportunity to be perfect and sinless in every human situation… so that His perfect holiness could be credited to His people.
It is the only way Christians (or anyone) can be holy in God’s sight.
His life saves His people.