3/26/2016 0 Comments It is Finished Tomorrow is Easter. Several of the posts I have read on Facebook today have referenced scripture and the glorious resurrection we celebrate tomorrow (and hopefully every other day of the year). The one line from the Easter story that keeps resonating in my mind is the somber “It is finished” Jesus uttered right before he gave up his spirit. I’ve heard that the Greek word in this sentence literally means “Paid in Full”.
The enormity of that simple statement really gets to me. He paid the price in full for all of humanity, including me, including you. No exceptions, no exclusions, no excuses, every human being from then until he comes again can be completely forgiven for everything. It’s truly incredible and completely mind boggling. I sometimes have trouble wrapping my head around the concept of so much love and so much grace. He did all the work; all we have to do is believe. It sounds pretty simple, but I have come to the conclusion that it is one of the hardest things we ever have to do. Accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior is a beautiful first step in our Christian lives. Accepting forgiveness is a herculean effort in our walk with Christ. Why is it so easy to believe that he died for everyone else’s sin, but somehow the errors from our own life are too hard for him to overcome? Why do we listen to the lies of enemy when he whispers in our ears that we can’t be forgiven? When we profess belief in Christ and accept him as our king, all our debts have been paid in full. EVERY SINGLE ONE! There is nothing from our past he can’t forgive! There is nothing from our past that is hidden from his eyes! So why do we hold back a part of ourselves that we deem too horrendous and deny the cleansing blood of the lamb to wash us clean. I realize that some people don’t have this issue, and that is fantastic. But for those of us who have struggled with the gift of forgiveness, this is a real battle. I am truly amazed when I flip through the pages of my past and read it with Christ colored glasses and see the Grace moments shining. Realizing the redemption story includes me stirs so many emotions, its overwhelming. The sense of peace I feel is one I wish everyone knew. All the cringe-worthy moments from my less than pristine past, all the black-outs from too much booze, and all the shameful, guilt-ridden memories from events that I couldn’t control are once and for all wiped clean. There is no more shame, condemnation, or guilt; there’s only Grace. How can any of us look at the cross and the pain he endured and then deny him access to our deepest parts. Why would we do that? If there is anything from your past that keeps haunting your now, give it to God and let go. He has forgiven you, maybe ‘s time to forgive yourself. Keeping hold of your then can dangerously affect your now. Leave it all at his feet because he paid it all on the cross. Don’t let another Easter go by without claiming the healing that comes from being justified in Christ for yourself. Don’t ignore the pain he suffered on your behalf. It’s time to claim freedom in forgiveness. It’s time to walk as redeemed children in Christ. It’s time to move in Grace, and leave the guilt behind for HE IS RISEN!
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AuthorI am a Christian, a wife, a mom, and a part-time basket case who wants to be a full time writer.
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