“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Each year, Christians pause to remember Good Friday—the day Jesus Christ was crucified. At first glance, calling this day “good” may seem strange. After all, it marks one of the darkest, most sorrowful moments in human history. But for those who trust in Christ, Good Friday isn’t the end of the story—it’s the turning point. It’s the day God’s grace was poured out most fully and most freely.
Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one of deep sorrow and overwhelming gratitude. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die for us—He died instead of us. The pain He endured was not only physical but also spiritual. The weight He carried to the cross wasn’t just a wooden beam but the full weight of our guilt and rebellion.
And yet, it was love—not nails—that held Him there.
The Financial Language of Redemption
Here on Faith & Finance, we often discuss budgeting, investing, and managing money well. But Scripture frequently uses financial imagery to communicate spiritual realities. This isn't a coincidence. Terms like debt, ransom, redemption, and inheritance appear throughout the Bible to help us understand the gravity of sin and the beauty of salvation.
- “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
- “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45
- “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:20
These verses paint a clear picture: our sin incurred a debt that only Jesus could pay.
Tetelestai: It Is Finished
In John 19:30, as Jesus gave up His spirit, He cried out, “It is finished.” The Greek word He used—tetelestai—was more than a declaration of His suffering ending. It was a victory cry.
In the ancient world, tetelestai was written across receipts to show that a debt had been paid in full. It was the word a priest would use after examining a spotless lamb and declaring it worthy for sacrifice. It was a servant’s report that a task had been completed.
So when Jesus spoke it from the cross, He was announcing the completion of His mission: the debt of sin had been fully, finally paid. Jesus didn’t come to make a down payment on our salvation. He didn’t cover part of the cost and leave the rest up to us. He paid it all.
That means you and I no longer live in spiritual deficit. We live in the overflow of God’s grace. There’s no more striving to earn God’s favor, no more guilt weighing us down. Instead, we live in joyful obedience—not to gain life, but because in Christ