NO SUCH THING AS A CROSS-LESS CHRISTIANITY

 John Stott said, “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” If we get what Stott is saying, we will forever be grateful for Jesus’ triumphant accomplishment expressed on the cross in one word; tetelestai which means, “IT IS FINISHED.” This was the shout of a victor not a victim. It reverberates down through the corridors of time and makes every living thing celebrate or tremble… or should. The power of sin is broken. Peace with God is possible. A bridge to God was built. Death no longer terrorizes.

 Think of these amazing words:

 IT

 IS

 FINISHED

 Tetelastai was used in the first century when a servant FINISHED a task that a master had assigned. IT IS FINISHED. It was the word used in banking when a debt was Paid in Full. TETELASTAI. It was the word used by priests inspecting a lamb to make sure it was spotless. IT IS PERFECT. Jesus died around 3:00 pm… the exact time on Passover that people lined up at the temple with their perfect lambs. Priests were slitting the throats of the lambs and saying, “Tetelastai” at the same time Jesus shed his blood and cried, “IT IS FINISHED.”

 The Centurion at the foot of the cross was moved by Jesus’ words and said, “Surely this man was the son of God.” He believed. You can too. The finished work of the cross is the only way your sins can be paid for without your own eternal death. Christ’s finished work paid the price of your sin. When Jesus said, “tetelastai,” he meant there was nothing else to do, nothing more to pay. Jesus paid it all—totally, completely, permanently. Have you accepted Jesus’ finished work as full payment for your sins?

Someone wrote this…

Guilt? Finished.
Condemnation? Finished.
Loneliness? Finished.
Trying to measure up? Finished.
Insecurity? Finished.
Separation? Finished.

 May we meditate on these three powerful words today and even voice them at the darts and missiles of the evil one… IT IS FINISHED! IT IS FINISHED. IT IS FINISHED! PRAISE GOD.

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.