It takes only one word!
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished!” Then, bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. John 19:30
Have you ever had that feeling that you are forgetting to pack something when you are headed out for vacation? Or maybe have you had that uneasy feeling that there are some tasks yet to finish before the project can be completed? Or maybe have you been counting down the days when your house mortgage will finally be paid off, but it never seems to come? Have you ever felt this way about forgiveness or getting to heaven.
It is one of the greatest tricks the devil uses to get us to doubt our status in God’s family. The devil prowls around pointing tempting us to sins and once we sin, he points out our continual failures to be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect. Maybe the devil temps us to think that Jesus only died for some sins but the rest of the sins we commit, we must do something to make up for them. However, no matter how hard we try we will fall short every time. We cannot pay for sins!
So how can we be sure our sins are paid for, and we have eternal life in heaven? It takes only one word! Τετέλεσται! This one Greek word makes all the difference. This word was used when a bill was finally paid off. This is the word “finished” or “paid in full”. Jesus said this from the cross and gave up his life. He was telling you with clarity and certainty, all sins are paid in full. The payment for sins is done…finished. That means there is no payment needed by YOU! This one word crushes the devil’s lies. This one word is your confidence. Jesus complete and finished his work as Savior of the world, which includes all of you. You are completely and totally forgiven of every sin without exception. Jesus’ death guarantees it. “It is finished!” That one word makes this a GOOD FIRDAY!
Dear Savior, we cannot begin to understand the price you had to pay to cover our sins. We are grateful to you for your willingness to finish your work by giving up your life for our sin. Help us hold on to your payment as the greatest comfort in your lives. In your name we pray! Amen!