It is Finished

Most of us are aware of the final words of the Lord Jesus on the Cross.

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” –John 19:30

These words come from the Greek word, tetelestai, which literally means “paid in full.” This begs the question, “What is ‘paid in full?’”

“Paid in full” is the truth that when Jesus was on the Cross, God the Father—who is not bound by time—took all the past, present and future sins of mankind and placed them on the Son. He poured out His wrath on Christ, the Lamb of God.

Our beloved Savior took our punishment so forgiveness could be granted to each person who believes that Jesus alone is the Savior of the world.

Jesus paid for every sin we have committed or ever will commit. His cry of tetelestai was for all sins. His rejection was for our acceptance. His resurrection results in our eternal life. All of the “wages of sin” that result in death were justly judged and the debt of sin “paid in full.” Wow!

Have you ever been hurt deeply from rejection and responded with our Lord’s words of, “Father, they know not what they are doing (Luke 23:34)"? Only God-type love could say that.

Today we need to ask ourselves if there is anyone we need to forgive for the hurt they may have caused us. If so, we have the opportunity to respond like our Savior and ask our Father to forgive them because they “knew not what they were doing.” Yes, we Christians need to practice daily this God-type forgiveness.

Remember, our Lord is risen. Our sins that dishonor Him—whether that be pride, selfishness, greed, etc.—was placed on Christ 2,000 years ago. Jesus cried out on our behalf and “paid in full.” His resurrection power is made available “to all,” no matter your circumstances. And when the Bible says “all,” it means all. Here’s why…

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8

Even when we were enemies of God, Christ died for us. The work done on the Cross, and the power seen in the resurrection stand as the only hope of forgiveness, reconciliation, eternal life and abundant life here on earth.

On this Good Friday, let’s stop to praise Him together:

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking the wrath of God the Father on my behalf and on behalf of my brothers and sisters. Thank You, Father, for raising our Lord from the grave, conquering death, bringing complete forgiveness and granting Your Church the free gift of eternal life.

We have been offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life as a result of Christ Jesus’ suffering. When we say “yes” to Him, we are given the joy of the Lord in our innermost being.

And now our mandate is to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).

My hunch is that the heart of the Father would jump with joy if you and I told someone, somewhere, somehow about our future hope and present joy that comes because He Lives.