Paid in Full

Nº 139 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 30, 2021

“He wrestled with justice, that thou mightest have rest; He wept and mourned, that thou mightest laugh and rejoice; He was betrayed, that thou mightest go free; was apprehended, that thou mightest escape; He was condemned, that thou mightest be justified; and was killed, that thou mightest live; He wore a crown of thorns, that thou mightest wear a crown of glory; and was nailed to the cross, with His arms wide open, to show with what freeness all His merits shall be bestowed on the coming soul.” John Bunyan

Several years ago after a few decades in our house, we made the final mortgage payment. What a great feeling to see the words Paid in Full at the bottom of our last statement! Jesus’ final word on the cross was tetelestai, which is usually translated, it is finished. John recorded the tetelestai moment, “Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) Significantly, Jesus didn’t say, “I am finished,” as though the moment of His death ended His existence. He said, “It is finished.” The it was His excruciating yet loving act of redemption. His work, as the sacrifice for our sins, had come to an end. Ancient accounting records sometimes show the word tetelestai on completed business transactions. The obligation was finished; the debt was paid in full. On the cross Jesus covered the overwhelming debt that we could not be good enough, sorry enough, wealthy enough, or powerful enough to repay. With His death, Jesus paid our debt and wrote tetelestai - paid in full - on our spiritual account. The mysterious and magnificent resurrection three days later provided the proof. No wonder we still say, “Happy Easter!”

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc