What does the Bible say about Christ being made sin for us?

The Bible clearly states in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. This profound truth illustrates that Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself the sins of His people, enduring God's wrath and justice as our Substitute. The concept emphasizes the severity of His suffering and the depth of His sacrifice; He bore the guilt of our sins and was treated as if He were the greatest sinner, despite being sinless himself.

In understanding why this is significant, we recognize that it was not a mere act of compassion but a necessity dictated by God's justice. Justice required that sin be punished, and Christ fully satisfied that requirement by enduring the penalty we deserved. Such substitution captures the essence of the gospel, illustrating both Christ's love for His people and the immense cost of our redemption, which allows us to be reconciled to God, obtaining righteousness through faith.

Ultimately, this doctrine signifies not only the terrible burden He carried but also the glorious outcome: the removal of sin's penalty for all who believe, the gift of righteousness, and assurance of eternal life. Those whom He represented—His elect—will surely experience the effects of His atoning work, as assured by Romans 5:6-8, John 10:11, and Ephesians 5:25-27.