“ tetelestai ” in the Greek . It was an accounting term meaning paid in full often used for when prisoners were released from prison after they had done their time .
No one was there for Him . He was there alone facing a punishment that was not because of something He did . He was completely innocent of any and all wrongdoing . He lived a life that we could not live to pay a debt He did not owe . He did this because He was love personified . Jesus was crucified with two other prisoners , and one of them even mocked Him . Towards the end of His time on the cross the Bible says that Jesus ’ friend John , His mother , and some other women were there , but He went through most of this time all alone .
Finally , as He was getting close to death Jesus said something peculiar . He said , “ My God , My God , why have You forsaken me ?” He said this because all of my sin , all of your sin , and everyone else ' s sin was put on Him . The only time in all of eternity that God the Father was separated from His Son was because of you and I . It should have been me nailed to bloody wood , not Him ! Instead , because of His amazing love for you and I , He willingly took the pain of the punishment and ultimately died . Just before He died he uttered , “ It is finished ” ( which is “ tetelestai ” in the Greek ). It was an accounting term meaning “ paid in full ” often used for when prisoners were released from prison after they had done their time . It meant that the debt was wiped away completely and could not be used against that person again . So , when Jesus said this it meant that the payment required for my sin and yours was paid for completely ! This was and is absolutely mind blowing to me both back in that cold jail cell 21 years ago , and now even as I write this !
After Jesus died , He was laid in a tomb and three days later rose back to life ! Jesus beat death and now offers me and you new life through Him ! Easter is not about a stupid rabbit , baskets , and eggs . It is about His absolute love for me , what He went through to forgive and love me , and the new life that only He can offer ! I am no longer alone in this life . Ever ! And even if you feel like you couldn ' t possibly be forgiven , know this , He can forgive you ! Remember earlier about Peter denying Him three times and running away sorrowful ? John 21 is the beautiful scene in which Peter is forgiven . 2 Corinthians 7:10 says , “ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation , not to be regretted ; but the sorrow of the world produces death .” Peter wept bitterly , but repented . Repentance simply means a 180-degree change of mind or turning away from sin . Peter did that and was forgiven . I did that and was forgiven . You can be too !
Just before He died he uttered , “ It is finished ”, which is
“ tetelestai ” in the Greek . It was an accounting term meaning paid in full often used for when prisoners were released from prison after they had done their time .
When I repented 21 years ago in that jail cell , I started a new life with Jesus ! I am forgiven by what Jesus did for me on that cross ! I never have to be alone again , because I have Jesus ! So instead of being alone this Easter , repent and give your life to Jesus ! That is one decision I know that you will never regret !
In Christ we stand ,
Cain Kellerman Full Throttle Freedom Ministries fullthrottlefreedom . weebly . com
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