Tetelestai

In John 19:30, when Jesus was on the cross, John records that Jesus cried out (in English) “It is finished” but the word he actually spoke was the Greek word Tetelestai which was a word that was used in a business context on ancient receipts in the New Testament times to indicate that a literal financial debt had been paid in full. 

It was also used in a judicial context in court when someone’s sentence was fully served, not like somewhat served or you’re-getting-out-on-good-behavior served, but completely, fully, once-and-for-all-you’re-free-to-go-home served. 

But that’s not all… the word Tetelestai was also used in a military context, meaning that a battle had been won… it was like shouting victory at the end of a war. 

So, when Jesus knew He was close to death on the cross, He cried out TETELESTAI, declaring YOUR debt of sin had been fully paid. He was asserting the sentence for YOUR sin had been fully served. And He was shouting victory that YOUR spiritual war against death, sin, and Satan had been completely won! In Christ, the work of salvation, victory, reconciliation, and new life is fully YOURS! Ladies and Gentlemen… IT IS FINISHED!!!