Tetelestai

It Is Finished!

In this edition of my blog, I reflect on a song, Flawless, by MercyMe.

Click HERE to see a lyrics video.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Great Dilemma

Today, many skeptics point the finger at Christians and mock them, saying, “Look at you, why will I follow a God who will create something like you?” Some of us deserve the mocking, as we get in bed many times with the things of this world. It is hard for skeptics to see a difference, even a difference they would like to embrace. Yet, we are all in the same boat; yes, we all need a rescuer. From the moment we are born, Our Creator opened an account for us in heaven. This account does not hold money, gold, or silver. This account contains debits, not credits. We are born spiritually dead and accumulate debits every breath we take.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 2:1-2

As the video above shows, while in the flesh, we are marred by sin, afflictions, shortcomings, and destructive habits from birth. Our accounts in heaven grow daily to the point there is no way to pay the price and clear the account. So we all go our way, seeking answers.

All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way…Isaiah 53:6

How can we pay this debt? One day, we will face our Judge and have to give an account for the debits in our account!

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

Wait, what?

Who is this passage talking about? On whom did God place all our faults, and why?

God does not forgive sin; God punishes sin; he must; he is Holy, perfect, and full of justice and love. These two, love and justice, cannot mix anywhere but at the cross.

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…2 Corinthians 5:21

…and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The Great Exchange

In our law system, there is a case of double jeopardy. We cannot be charged again for the same crime once the punishment has been exacted. God, in His Mercy, also abides by this paradigm. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this imperfect world, among imperfect people. Jesus lived a perfect life without sin, fulfilling the requirement of God’s law for us because we were not able. He crossed every T and dotted every I. Jesus was punished in the flesh by whips of leather with bones in it. His body was ripped apart. God sent His Son to die at the cross instead of us. Why?

God set in His law that sin cannot be remitted without the shedding of blood.

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

He required a perfect lamb to cover our sins in the past. Now Jesus has become our Lamb, once and for all. All our sins, diseases, faults, and darkness, were placed on Him and punished at the cross. Then, when Jesus was about to die, He said, “It Is Finished.”

What is finished? That translation does not convey what it means in the Greek language. The word He said was:

TETELESTAI

It is an accounting word. It means “Paid In Full.”

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

Yes, our account, which we cannot pay, was placed on Jesus Christ at the cross long ago. Nevertheless, the perfect life Jesus lived has been given to us. He took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

If you believe this, then you are FLAWLESS in Christ! At the rapture, God will change our bodies instantly! Let us wait on the Lord.

It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

All we can do now is thank Him for this great gift and attempt to live for Him with a heart of thanksgiving. The debt we cannot pay has been paid in full by our King!

This Video is a graphical picture of what Jesus did at the cross.

Abba Father,

Thank you for your precious gift. One day, you will clothe us with a new body, perfect and without sin. This body will allow us to glorify you and enjoy your presence forever, which should be the goal of every person.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen!

To God, be the glory!

Everything was created By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-25

Disclaimer

I write my blogs as I get inspired by God. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans In Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother, In-Christ, Ricardo