West Asheville Baptist Church

This powerful exploration of Jesus's sixth statement from the cross, 'It is finished,' reveals layers of meaning that transform how we understand our salvation. The single Greek word 'tetelestai' carries three profound declarations: our debt is paid in full, our enemy is defeated, and our salvation is complete. What makes this moment even more remarkable is its timing during Passover, when thousands of lambs were being sacrificed in the temple courtyard. As the final Passover lambs were slain, the perfect Lamb of God declared the ultimate sacrifice complete. We discover that Jesus didn't just pay part of our debt—He stamped it 'paid in full' like an ancient merchant marking a settled account. We learn that Satan, though still dangerous like a mortally wounded Cape buffalo, has been decisively defeated. The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom wasn't just symbolic; it was a seismic declaration that access to God's presence is no longer limited to one priest, one day a year. Instead, through Jesus's bl