“Tetelestai.” This Greek word means to be “paid in full, to bring a transaction to completion.” But it means much more than just complete, it means “it is completed and will continue to be completed; finished.” It was a one-time deal with no expiration date. Hebrews 9:27, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 10:10, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” When Jesus used the words “it is finished,” the work of salvation was completed and this act by a loving, gracious and merciful God would never be repeated. It was a one-time transaction, yet that transaction is still available to anyone that will come.

Today is “Good Friday.” That is the title given centuries ago to crucifixion day. The first time that term can be found is around 1290 A.D. from a South England Legendary. Other names attached to crucifixion day are “Dark Friday” and “God’s Friday.” Why God’s Friday? Read Isaiah 53:4 and it tells us He was “smitten of God.” It was God the Father that put our sins on His dear Son. How is that for the love of God? He loves us despite all our vileness, sinfulness, and wretchedness, and allowed His sinless Son to take the punishment for our wickedness. When we read those three little words in John 19, “it is finished,” they ought to excite us. Jubilation, joy, exultation, gladness, freedom, and thankfulness all should be in our souls knowing that Jesus suffered as no man has ever suffered, especially from 9 AM to 3 PM as He hung on the cross. Then, from the darkness comes the cry “IT IS FINISHED.” The salvation transaction is now complete and will continue to be complete. What began before the foundations of the world, is finished. Jesus took upon himself humanity, walked among men and women, and for over thirty years showed himself to be God. I don’t know anyone that can fathom the whole meaning of “it is finished.” For almost two thousand years Christians have been trying, but there are some things we can be certain of.

  1. Scriptures are Fulfilled. From Genesis to Malachi over 300 prophecies concerning Christ are fulfilled. 4000 years earlier Genesis 3:15 foretold that the seed of the woman would bruise (crush) the head of the serpent. This verse in Genesis is considered to be the very first one concerning Jesus’ coming to save those who will believe. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied 700 years before Jesus was born He’d be born of a virgin. Matthew 1 lets us know that this prophecy is fulfilled. A myriad of other prophecies such as the parting of his garments and his thirsting all were fulfilled on Good Friday in 33 A.D.
  2. Suffering is Finished. Salvation is complete. The finale for the suffering began in Gethsemane as he looked into that awful cup. He recoiled as He saw the sins of all mankind, including ours, in the bottom; the dregs of our sins and He drank every last drop. Then the arrest, the humiliations, the beatings, and the trials all leading up to those six hours nailed to the old rugged cross. The mocking, the spear, the fact that for a period of time God the Father had to turn his back on Christ. Now all these things are over and never to be repeated. No more “man of sorrows.” No more suffering at the hands of wicked men. No more jeers from the demons of Hell.
  3. Saviors Word for Us. “Tetelestai” is a word for Christians. Jesus uttered seven sayings while hanging on the cross. All these sayings were addressed to or for others.  When he said, “Father forgive…” the words were directed toward the Father for those nailing Him and mocking Him. “Today, w/ me…” toward the repentant thief. “Woman, behold son, Son behold Mother” was directed to Mary and John. “My God, my God…” again toward God the Father. “I Thirst,” for himself. The seventh saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” is toward the father. But the sixth saying, “It is finished” I think is directed toward us. This transaction on our behalf is complete. The payment is paid in full.

An Old Scottish woman desired to join the church, but the pastor and leaders of the church would put her off thinking she didn’t really understand. Finally, she said to the pastor, “Ye probably know of the flax flower. Ye know how when the sun shines it opens itself to the sun and when the sun goes down it closes itself to the darkness. This one thing I know, that as the flower opens itself to the sun so my heart opens itself to the name of Jesus.”

It truly is “Good Friday” because it was the day Jesus purchased our salvation. It doesn’t get any better than that. It was an awful day for Jesus and what He suffered, but for me and you, it gives us heaven as our eternal home and the abundant life for those that seek it. It is certainly “Good Friday” for us.