Worthy: 5 Days to the ResurrectionSample

Day 4 - It is done

“Tetelestai” is the Greek word for “It is finished.” The term was relatively broad, but one way it was used is particularly interesting. Tetelestai was often used to acknowledge the end of a debt. Something similar to “paid in full.”

Jesus may have had this connotation in mind, or He may have been saying that the mission the Father gave Him was completed; His work was done. Either way, the result remains the same. His work in accomplishing salvation for us is completed, and the debt we owe for our sins has been paid in full.

This is one of the most beautiful truths about the salvation that God has given us. There is nothing left to add. It is finished! What we are not capable of doing, saving ourselves, God did for us. He paid the penalty owed that we are not capable of satisfying. The perfect righteousness required of us to be in good standing with God, He accomplished and credited to us.

The Savior King, who came in the name of the Lord, exchanged our sins for His righteousness. He took the wrath that we deserve, that we might be counted as spotless and blameless before the throne of God. For those who trust in Him, there is not any wrath left for you to face, nor any righteousness left for you to earn. It is done.

For reflection:

In his letters, Paul often faced the objection that if it’s all by grace and we don’t have any part to play in our salvation, then people will live ungodly lives. These objections are still raised today, and they’re still answered the same way. No, people who receive grace won’t live ungodly lives because those who receive grace also receive new hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17). Hearts that desire to please their Savior. Obedience and practical holiness are imperative in the Christian life. But we have to remember that we obey because He has forgiven us and accepted us, not so that He will forgive us and accept us. Do you ever find yourself living on the wrong side of that distinction?