Forgiving Challenge: The 11-Day Life-Changing Journey to FreedomSample

Day 6: What is Absolution?

In ancient culture, tetelestai was written on business documents or receipts. It indicated that a bill of yours had been paid in full. You would save that receipt because that word declared your freedom. As a result, you would not have to pay the bill again.

When Jesus said the word tetelestai on the cross, he declared more than just the suffering was finished or that His life was ended. The same Spirit that Jesus gave up on Friday would bring resurrection power on Sunday. The resurrection is the objective evidence that the bill has been paid in full.

Christ's resurrection is the Father's "Amen" to His Son's declaration, "It is finished." His empty tomb and resurrection testify that the Father accepted His Son's payment for sin on our behalf.

When Greek readers saw the word tetelestai, they would know that what Christ accomplished at the cross was the full payment of all of humanity's sins. It was a kind of verbal receipt for them that said, "PAID IN FULL."

This is incredibly important because it reminds us of why Jesus died. The crucifixion didn't just symbolize the end of His ministry here on Earth.

His death was a settling up.

It balanced the scales once and for all. And we are on the other end of those scales.

When we look at our response towards Jesus, it's a never-ending overflow of gratitude. He gave you your life at the cost of His own. The only proper response to a bill paid in full is to now devote my entire life to serve this Savior, King, and Lord.

Your sin has been taken care of, the balance has been calibrated, and you owe nothing. Your sins have been "Paid in full."

Challenge: Our absolution means we no longer have to pay for past mistakes or hurts. Our sin doesn't disqualify us from a life with Jesus. Take some time to write out Proverbs 16:11. Use that as a meditation today against the enemy's lies that can cycle back into your life. Remember that God's the one making things balanced and fair, not us.