On the cross Jesus declared “It is Finished!” What was finished?
The three words, “It is finished” come from one Greek word Tetelestai.
Warren Wiersbe (pastor, Bible teacher, and commentator – now deceased) writes, “The word Tetelestai is unfamiliar to us, but it was used by various people in everyday life in New Testament days. A servant would use it when reporting to his or her master, “I have completed the work assigned to me” (see John 17:4; ‘I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.’) When a priest examined the animal sacrifice and found it faultless, this word would apply. Jesus, of course, is the perfect Lamb of God, without spot or blemish.”
“The word means, ‘It is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished!’ These words specify not the end of Jesus’ life, but the completion of His task.”
Max Lucado (pastor and best-selling author) comments, “The history-long plan of redeeming man was finished. The message of God to man was finished. The works done by Jesus as a man on earth were finished. The task of selecting and training ambassadors was finished. The job was finished. The song had been sung. The blood had been poured. The sacrifice had been made. The sting of death had been removed. It was over.”
Wiersbe also pointed out, “Perhaps the most meaningful meaning of Tetelestai was that used by the merchants: ‘The debt is paid in full!’ When Jesus gave Himself on the cross, He fully met the righteous demands of a holy law. He paid our debt in full.”
The incredible work of redemption was paid for and accomplished by Jesus on Calvary’s cross. He shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:28). He died in our place to pay the penalty for sin that we could never pay. He endured the Father’s wrath upon sin that we could never endure (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Because of Jesus’ amazing sacrifice on the cross, you can be forgiven and set free from every sin. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). You are free! You have been forgiven of all the sin you have ever committed. You are set free from sin and condemnation and guilt and shame. What a miracle!
So don’t let Satan hold your past sin over your head. Don’t let him hold you hostage any longer. Jesus has set you free!
Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He will accuse you and try to shame you with the memory of your past sins. But they have been washed away, as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). You are Forgiven and Free! The penalty for your sin has been paid in full! Tetelestai!
So live in Freedom because you can live in Forgiveness. You don’t need to live with the burden of guilt and shame and condemnation any longer. Jesus offers you beautiful, miraculous forgiveness. Receive it! And live in it!
This Sunday, April 14, we will continue our new teaching series that asks the vital question, “Who is Jesus?” This week’s answer? “Jesus is Forgiver!” You don’t need to live in guilt and shame any longer. You have been forgiven. You have been set free. O praise His glorious name! Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (HonoluluAG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Bible Classes take place every Sunday morning at 9:30am. This is a wonderful opportunity to study the Word together with other students. There are classes for every age group: children, youth, and adults. The Adult class is currently studying a powerful series on The Cross and you are welcomed and encouraged to be part of it.
Aloha ke Akua!