The Righteousness that Transforms

The Righteousness That Transforms
2 Corinthians 5:17–21

When you hear the phrase “the righteousness of God,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s about being forgiven—having our sins wiped clean. That’s true and glorious, but in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul shows us something even more: God’s righteousness doesn’t just save us—it transforms us.

From Saved to New
Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (v. 17). In Christ, we don’t just get a second chance—we are made completely new. Our past no longer defines us. The grace of God reshapes our identity, values, and purpose.

This change is both positional (we stand forgiven before God) and personal (our desires, relationships, and attitudes are renewed). A Christian’s life should show signs of this transformation.

Given a Mission
Salvation isn’t the end of the story—it’s the start of a mission. Paul says God “has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (vv. 18–19). This means we’re called to share the same message that saved us: the invitation to be reconciled with God.

This isn’t just for preachers or missionaries. If you belong to Christ, you are part of His ministry team. Every conversation, act of kindness, and choice to forgive is an opportunity to reflect the heart of the Father.

Carrying the King’s Message
Paul calls us “ambassadors for Christ” (v. 20). An ambassador reflects their leader in every word and action. When we talk about the gospel, we carry the authority and love of the King Himself. And we don’t deliver that message coldly—we plead with urgency and compassion: “Be reconciled to God.”

A New Standing
The heart of it all is found in verse 21: “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Jesus, who never sinned, took on our guilt so we could be considered righteous before God. This righteousness is not something we earn through our efforts — it’s a gift we receive through obedient faith. But it’s not static — it calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness, mercy, and truth.

Paul captures the balance perfectly: God’s righteousness is credited to us, and God’s grace trains us to live differently (Titus 2:11–12).

Living the Transformation
The righteousness of God doesn’t just remove our guilt—it changes our life. It reshapes who we are, how we live, and how we speak. If you’ve received God’s righteousness, the question remains: Has it transformed you?

Don’t settle for half the gospel. Jesus didn’t die just to forgive you, He died to reclaim you, restore you, and send you as a living reflection of His grace. You are a new creation, a messenger of reconciliation, and a witness to the world of what God’s righteousness can do.

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Luke Powell
SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Richard Jacobs
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Justin Spargo
James Passmore
Daniel Spargo
Rich Walker
SCRIPTURE READING
Brayden Grushon
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Jason Schofield
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald // Kevin Shanesy
USHERS
Randy Mullins // Bob Hoopes
COMMUNION PREP
Sadonna Schofield
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato