“It is finished.”

 

The last words Christ said from the cross.  And then He died.

What was finished?  At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of a new covenant.  Not in the sacrificial system inaugurated in the wilderness, and transferred to the Temple.  No, this would be a New Covenant in His own blood.

The book of Hebrews explains how He, Himself is the ultimate and final High Priest, based on His own sacrifice, “once for all.”

“It is finished?”  The Greek word is tetelestai which is also an accounting term meaning: “Paid in Full.”

It wasn’t a whimper of defeat.  With whatever strength Jesus had left, it was a proclamation of victory.  He was the Lamb of God who had taken upon Himself the sin of the world… and had paid that debt in full.

Salvation.  It’s as if Jesus Christ wrote and personally signed a check on Calvary, to pay for your salvation.  And mine.

The Father validated that each check was sufficient; that Christ’s account would cover them all.  Indeed, Jesus had paid it all, and the Father raised Him from the dead.  That was the resurrection.

Now?  Will you receive that check?  Will you sign YOUR name as receiving that forgiveness, turning from sin, and turning to Christ as Savior and Lord?  A gift…even one this great…MUST be received.  That’s today.

Romans 10: 9 and many other verses instruct–beg–encourage us to “believe in the Lord Jesus” to be saved.

Like you believe that it might rain?  Or believe that you’ll live until you’re 90?

No.  Believe like a paratrooper believes in his parachute.  Not just understanding the mechanics of how it works, and that it’s able to safely lower him/her to the ground.  Not just an emotional experience, as when a plane is on fire with no hope for a safe landing, but you’re excited that you have a parachute.

Again, no.  It’s belief in action.  You must put on the parachute.  And you must jump.  That is your action.

Today, this Easter, won’t you receive what Christ did for you?  What He offers you?  Not (only) by knowledge.  Not (only) by emotion.  But by an act of will, BELIEVE.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I’m a sinner.  I have and continue to fall short of the perfect standard of a Holy God.  I can’t save myself.  But I believe, and now completely trust, that you died for me and paid for my sin.  Please forgive me, save me, and live Your life in and through me as my Savior and Lord, from now and forever.  Thank You.”

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Blessings!

• Bill