you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Let’s unpack those “churchy-sounding” words. Righteousness is the ability to stand before God and be declared free from sin and guilt. Holiness is the character and nature that reflects the glory and sanctity of the Holy God. Redemption is the gift of freedom bought at great expense by Jesus’ death and resurrection. You’ve probably heard that “Christians aren’t perfect!” And yes, we are flawed, but because of Jesus’ loving sacrifice for us, in God’s eyes, we’re “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22). That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace. So, our boast is not in our self-earned righteousness — we’re not superior to others because we live for God — but our righteousness is because of God and his graciousness!