“It is finished”

 

     These simple words that Jesus spoke from the cross have given tremendous comfort to millions of Christians down through the years.  In the original Greek, it consists of only one word.  It was a word that was used to mark bills paid in full.  In this striking way, Jesus declared that he had fully paid our debt of sin.

     By raising Jesus gloriously from the dead, the Father dramatically showed that he accepted that payment.  If Jesus had not paid for our sins, after repeatedly saying that is what he was going to do, there would be no way that the Father would have exalted him by raising him so gloriously.  Jesus resurrection is our receipt proving that he truly did pay our debt.

     Down through the centuries, Christians have clung tenaciously to these facts.  When voices from within or without call into question the completeness of that payment, they stand firm on the fact that, because of Jesus, they can view their debt of sin as paid in full.  There is no greater joy or relief than that.

     It is my prayer that all experience that great joy and relief.  That, my friends, is what is motivating me.

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