Jesus paid it all.

There is such relief in those words.

In a world where we are always stretched and trying to make ends meet—whether it is time commitments, energy depletion, mental bandwidth, or financial strains—I find it refreshing to repeat those words.

Jesus paid it all.

His sixth saying on the Cross was a declaration of victory. In our English bibles, the phrase is, “It is finished!” In the original language, it is one word: tetelestai.

Tetelestai is a word that was used by merchants. If they wrote that across your bill, it meant, “Paid in Full.” You owed nothing more. You were freed from any more debt.

“It is finished” was not the despairing cry of our Savior as He withered away. Nor was it an expression of satisfaction that His suffering was near done.

“It is finished” was Jesus’ declaration of victory. Jesus paid the penalty of our sin. He broke the power of sin that we might be free to live in loving obedience to Him. When He returns, He will free us from the presence of sin.

Jesus paid it all. He accomplished the work of redemption.

When we place our faith in Him, we are united to Him and joined in such a way that His death is our death and His life is our life. We died with Him. We are raised with Him. He gives us a new resurrection life—His life.

Jesus’ sixth word on the cross brings great security to all who place their faith in Him. There is nothing left for us to do but trust Him and receive His free gift of eternal life. Our sins are forgiven and Jesus enters our lives to lead us. No matter how much Satan accuses us, we find relief in the word of Jesus, “tetelestai.”

Paul brings greater clarity to “Jesus paid it all” in Ephesians 2:8-9:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

We remember the Cross because Jesus paid it all. Find rest in Him. May His work done for you bring an explosion of joy in your heart this weekend.

Love and blessings,
Dave