The Righteous For The Unrighteous

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Play the video “Righteous Unrighteous.”

INTRODUCTION: This passage is one of those places in Scripture where mystery and clarity live side by side.

It begins with crystal-clear gospel truth: Jesus suffered for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous. It doesn’t get more personal than that. He took on what we deserved so that we could receive what we never could have earned nearness to God. That is the center of the Christian life—not rules, not ritual, but relationship. And Christ made it possible, once and for all.

Then the passage shifts into more complex territory. Christ, after being made alive, proclaims something to "imprisoned spirits." We don’t have every detail, and maybe we’re not meant to. But what’s unmistakable is this: Jesus is not a victim of death; He is the victor over it.

Even in death, Jesus acts. He descends, He speaks, He announces His triumph. He is Lord not only of life, but of death and beyond. That gives hope to every believer who walks through suffering, grief, or unanswered questions—because Christ has walked deeper still, and come out victorious.

Peter then draws a surprising connection between Noah’s flood and baptism. In Noah’s day, the flood was both judgment and salvation—judgment on a rebellious world, and salvation for those who trusted God. In baptism, we find a similar image: we go under the waters, identifying with Christ’s death, and rise again, made new by His resurrection. It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a pledge of the heart, a declaration that we belong to Jesus.

Finally, Peter ends with triumph: “[Jesus] has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”

The One who suffered is now enthroned. The crucified Christ is the reigning, King. Every power in heaven and on earth is under His authority. That’s the arc of this passage—from suffering to glory, from death to resurrection, from floodwaters to new life. And it’s our story, too.

HOW DID JESUS BECOME THE RIGHTEOUS FOR THE UNRIGHTEOUS?

1. THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST (v. 18)

Peter begins with a declaration of the cornerstone of Christian faith: Christ suffered "once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous," emphasizing the complete and unparalleled sacrifice of Jesus. This assertion holds a multifaceted significance. Firstly, it underscores the unblemished character of Christ, the only righteous one who, unlike us, did not deserve death. Secondly, it highlights the vicarious nature of His suffering—He took our place, bearing the punishment meant for us. The ultimate purpose of this substitution was "to bring you to God," illustrating the reconciliation between humanity and the Divine, which was achieved on the cross.

This is the heart of the gospel. Christ did not suffer as a victim of injustice alone, or as an example only. He suffered for sins—once, finally, completely. No more sacrifices are needed. No other payment is necessary.

He was righteous, without sin. We are unrighteous, deserving of judgment. Yet he gave himself in our place. Why? To bring us to God.

This is not a transaction without purpose. It's not just about being saved from sin, but being saved to God—reconciled, welcomed, adopted.

Do you see the love in that phrase? “To bring you to God.” Christ endured all of the agony of the cross so you could be with the Father forever.

REFLECTION: When reflecting on personal sin and failure, it's crucial to remember this profound exchange. Christ's suffering assures us that our separation from God has been mended, inviting us to live in the freedom of His grace rather than the bondage of our past.

2. THE TRIUMPH OVER DEATH (vs. 18b-20)

The text beautifully transitions from Christ's death to His victory over death, signified by His resurrection. Being "made alive in the Spirit" speaks to a broader reality for believers. Christ's triumph is not just a historical fact but a present reality that believers are invited into. We, too, are made alive in Him, not merely in an eschatological future but here and now.

These verses are mysterious. Peter speaks of Christ proclaiming to “imprisoned spirits”—likely fallen angels or rebellious people associated with Noah’s time. What is clear, though, is this: after his death, Christ was not defeated—he was victorious.

Even in death, Christ is not passive. He declares his triumph over the rebellious powers. He has crushed sin, defeated death, and proclaimed his rule over all spiritual forces.

Even in death, Christ was active, victorious, unstoppable. No dark force, no rebellious spirit, no past failure can outrun His authority. This is the Christ we serve—not a crucified failure, but a conquering King. Even hell heard the announcement: “It is finished.”

REFLECTION: This reality should shape our identity. Living in the light of the resurrection means fear, sin, and death no longer hold ultimate power over us. This acknowledgment should embolden our day-to-day lives, letting us face life's trials with courage and hope.