Why is the cross significant in understanding our righteousness?

The significance of the cross cannot be overstated in the context of Christian theology, especially in understanding our righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we learn that 'God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.' This exchange highlights the grace of God in declaring sinners righteous through faith in Christ. Just as Jacob, by deceiving Isaac, obtained a blessing meant for Esau, believers receive the righteousness of Christ—our true blessing—through no merit of our own. The act of Christ’s death and resurrection secures our standing before God, ensuring that all who believe are transformed into look-alikes of Christ in holiness.