As we finish up our series of articles, we come to the last two phrases spoken on the cross by Jesus Christ. These are the words of victory and words of rest.

We find the words of victory recorded by John. John says, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30 ) The words ‘it is finished’ come from the Greek word ‘tetelestai’ which means “to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge a debt.” This word is an accounting term. When a merchant was paid by a customer, he would use the word, “tetelestai!” which meant, “Debt Paid in Full!” With one word, Jesus summed up his victory on the cross. The debt is paid in full!

Peter says, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1 Pet 2:22-25 ) The debt that was owed was death. The scriptures teach us that when we sin we deserve the reward for sin which is death. (Rom 6:23 ) The Scriptures also teach that we have all sinned (Rom 3:23 ), therefore we are all subject and deserving of this punishment.

The most wonderful thing about the cross is that the debt in which we owed was paid in full. This debt was such a debt that not one of us could pay it and not be eternally lost! The only one that could pay the debt was Jesus Christ. He was the perfect sacrifice that, as Peter said, knew no sin!

This payment is not a universal entrance into salvation, however. Those that Peter claimed put Jesus on the cross ‘by wicked hands’ were told to ‘Save yourselves from this untoward generation’ (Acts 2:40 ) This saving of oneself is not accomplished by paying the debt, but it is accomplished by obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Heb 5:9 ) Paul makes it clear that obedience to Christ’s gospel is required for salvation. That’s why Paul also says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” (Rom 1:16 ) The power of God unto salvation is in the gospel of Christ. The gospel only will work if one believes it, and one will obey it if they believe it.

The final word of Jesus while he was on the cross is recorded by Luke. Luke records, “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” (Luke 23:46 ) These are the words of rest.

If you will look back at John 19:30 , you will notice that before Jesus died, he bowed his head. Doctors will tell you that when one is about to die, they will lift back their head in hopes of gasping for that final breath. Jesus did the opposite. He bowed his head.

This shows us something significant about Jesus’ death. That is that those who crucified him didn’t take his life. He laid it down! Jesus said, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17-18 )

Jesus also tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14 ) Jesus did in fact lay down his life for his friends. Are you his friend? Jesus says you can be if you obey his commands.