In the Gospel of John, the Greek word translated “it is finished” (John 19:30) is tetelestai, which means “paid in full”. Yes, Jesus finished the debt of sin owed by mankind in full. Now, my brother, my sister, what does this mean for us Christians today? It means that the consequences of this debt were also eliminated for ever. Yet, some believers who claim to know Christ, continue to live as a slave who was freed by his master but continues to serve the master as a slave or does not enjoy his new found freedom. Jesus clearly said: “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). And that work was to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), to provide atonement for the sins of all who would ever believe in Him (Romans 3:23-25), and to reconcile sinful men to a Holy God. My friends, although the redemption of mankind is the most important finished task, many other things were finished at the cross because in Christ, we don’t have to fear the “flaming arrows of the evil one” anymore (Ephesians 6:16); through His wounds on the Cross, we are healed physically and spiritually (Isaiah 53:5); and through Him we have access to the blessing given to Abraham again (Galatians 3:14), etc. My friends, it is only by raising the “shield of faith” in the One who completed the work of redemption and salvation that we can, by faith, live as new creations in Christ. Jesus’ finished work on the cross was the beginning of new life for all of us who were once “dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) but who are now made “alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). Yes, your status changed in Christ Jesus: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:7). As such, trust in your Father as He is telling you “do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34); “why are you crying?” while your Lord is alive? (John 20:15). Trust in Jesus, focus on the cross… that alone grants you deliverance from the yoke of slavery. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.
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