How does the concept of 'tetelestai' relate to Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on believers?
The concept of 'tetelestai,' a Greek word meaning "It is finished," holds profound significance in the understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on believers. This term, spoken by Jesus on the cross, encapsulates the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. To fully appreciate its depth, we must examine its theological implications and the transformative effect it has on the lives of believers.
In John 19:30, Jesus declares, "It is finished" (Greek: "tetelestai") just before He gives up His spirit. This declaration is not merely a statement of the end of His suffering but a triumphant proclamation of the completion of the work He was sent to do. The term 'tetelestai' was commonly used in the ancient world in various contexts, such as in commerce to indicate that a debt had been paid in full or in the completion of a task. In the context of Jesus' crucifixion, it signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the completion of the sacrificial system that pointed towards Him.
Theologically, 'tetelestai' signifies the consummation of God's redemptive plan. From the fall of humanity in Genesis to the promise of a Savior, the entire narrative of the Bible leads to this pivotal moment. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, "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." Jesus' declaration of 'tetelestai' confirms that He has borne the full weight of humanity's sin and has accomplished the work necessary for our reconciliation with God.
The impact of this declaration on believers is multifaceted. Firstly, it assures believers of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." This verse underscores the completeness of Jesus' atoning work. No further sacrifices are needed because Jesus' death fully satisfies the requirements of God's justice. This assurance brings profound peace and confidence to believers, knowing that their sins are forgiven and they are justified before God.
Secondly, 'tetelestai' emphasizes the victory over sin and death. Colossians 2:14-15 explains, "Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Jesus' pronouncement of 'tetelestai' marks His triumph over the forces of evil. For believers, this means that they are no longer under the dominion of sin. They are empowered to live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured.
Moreover, 'tetelestai' has profound implications for the believer's identity and purpose. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The finished work of Christ not only redeems us but also commissions us. Believers are called to live out their faith actively, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. The knowledge that Christ's work is complete gives believers the foundation to pursue their God-given purpose with assurance and zeal.
Additionally, 'tetelestai' provides the foundation for the believer's hope. The completion of Jesus' sacrificial work guarantees the promise of eternal life. In John 14:2-3, Jesus assures His disciples, "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." The certainty of Christ's finished work gives believers the confident expectation of their future with Him. This hope sustains them through trials and tribulations, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure.
Furthermore, 'tetelestai' underscores the believer's call to rest in Christ's finished work. Hebrews 4:9-10 exhorts, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His." Believers are invited to cease striving for their salvation and to rest in the completed work of Christ. This rest is not passive but an active trust in the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice. It frees believers from the burden of legalism and the anxiety of trying to earn God's favor. Instead, they can live in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing that Christ has done it all.
In conclusion, the declaration of 'tetelestai' by Jesus on the cross is a profound testament to the completeness of His sacrificial work. It assures believers of the sufficiency of His atonement, the victory over sin and death, the foundation for their identity and purpose, the guarantee of their hope, and the invitation to rest in His finished work. As believers grasp the depth of 'tetelestai,' they are transformed by the power of the gospel and motivated to live lives that reflect the glory of their Savior.
