The last thing Jesus said on the cross was, “It is finished.” What did He mean? The Greek word for Jesus’ original Aramaic phrase is just one word, tetelestai. It’s an accounting term often stamped across a loan agreement or invoice meaning “PAID IN FULL.” So Jesus was saying He paid off our sin debt. Those who put their faith in Him for the forgiveness of their sin owe nothing! This is a huge relief which we will enjoy forever. Yet as we will see, Jesus paid in full and much more.
100% forgiveness too good to be true?
First, the great news of the free gift of forgiveness is celebrated in these Bible verses. Let these wonderful truths sink in. Note the past tense of the verbs – it is finished!
- “By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time” – Hebrews 10:10.
- “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us” – Psalm 103:12.
- “I, I alone, am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins” – Isaiah 43:25.
We can’t earn or deserve His forgiveness; it’s a gift! More here.
But wait, there’s much more!
Tetelestai is also used in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament for words and phrases such as “restore; make complete; or bring peace.” Jesus undoubtedly had much more in mind as His work provided HIMSELF to live in and through us for every spiritual need! (Galatians 2:20). Paul also proclaims in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 that we have been set free to “see” the Lord in all His glory. This “beholding” frees and transforms us. So yes, paid in full plus much more!
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Praise God we have perfect access to Him and His glory! Talk about “life-changing.” After all, God Himself is the whole point of this life. He sent Jesus to finish all of the work necessary for us to know and experience His awesomeness. So no need for “dead works” to get close or stay close to Him. He lives within us and promises He will NEVER leave us, no matter what we feel or do (Hebrews 13:5). Yes, it is finished – paid in full plus much more! Tetelestai!
More here on how to receive forgiveness for now and to enter heaven.
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