Greek Key Terms:
Context: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 describes the ministry of reconciliation. Verse 21 is the theological climax, explaining how God reconciles sinners to Himself.
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Backward-Looking) — The great exchange (Christ made sin, believers made righteousness) is the NT fulfillment of the coats of skins pattern: as God removed inadequate self-covering and provided adequate covering through death, so Christ took our sin and gave us His righteousness through His death.
Christological Connection: 2 Corinthians 5:21 is the NT fulfillment of Genesis 3:21's principle: the great exchange. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Christ wore our filthy garments (sin); we receive His robe (righteousness). He took our covering of shame (Genesis 3:7's fig leaves, Genesis 3:10's guilt); we receive His covering of glory (Genesis 3:21's pattern fulfilled perfectly). This is imputed righteousness: Christ's perfect obedience credited to our account by faith alone (Romans 4:5-6, 22-24).
The trajectory: God clothed Adam/Eve with animal skins (Genesis 3:21) → Sacrificial blood covered sin provisionally (Leviticus 17:11) → Christ became sin for us; we become God's righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21) → We are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 13:14).
Application: Do not trust in your own righteousness (fig leaves). Christ has given you His righteousness. You stand before God clothed in Christ's perfect obedience, not your failed attempts at goodness. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Trajectory Table: 032 - Coats of Skins (Covering of Shame)