“Tetelestai – It Is Finished!”
By Elder Mark Atta-Danso
Main Scripture:
John 19:30 (KJV)
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
Sermon Focus:
The final word Jesus uttered on the cross wasn’t one of defeat, but of victory. “Tetelestai” (Greek) is not a cry of surrender—it is a shout of triumph. It means:
✔️ It is finished
✔️ It is accomplished
✔️ The debt is paid in full
Sermon Outline:
1. The Meaning of “Tetelestai”
- In the original Greek, Tetelestai is a legal and commercial term—used when a debt was fully paid.
- On the cross, Jesus wasn’t just dying; He was completing a mission, fulfilling prophecy, and settling a divine account.
- Every drop of blood was a signature on your receipt: Paid in Full.
2. What Was Finished at the Cross?
a. The Work of Redemption Was Complete
- Jesus fulfilled every requirement of the Law (Matthew 5:17).
- The Lamb of God took away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
- No more sacrifices—He was the once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10).
b. The Power of Sin Was Broken
- Romans 6:14: “For sin shall no longer be your master…”
- You don’t have to stay in shame or guilt—freedom is available.
c. The Price for Our Healing Was Paid
- Isaiah 53:5: “By His stripes we are healed.”
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing was made possible.
d. The Divide Between God and Man Was Removed
- The veil in the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51).
- Now we have direct access to the Father through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).
3. Living in the Victory of Tetelestai
- Don’t fight for victory—live from it.
- You don’t have to earn God’s love or forgiveness—it’s already finished.
- Walk in:
- Freedom from sin and condemnation (Romans 8:1)
- Boldness in your faith
- Peace that the debt has been paid
- Purpose, knowing your life has been bought with a price
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus didn’t say “I am finished” — He said “It is finished”.
- Every curse was broken, every sin forgiven, every promise sealed.
- Tetelestai is not an end—it’s a beginning for all who believe.
Suggested Supporting Scriptures:
- Colossians 2:14 – “He canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross.”
- Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered once for all into the holy places… by means of His own blood.”
- Romans 8:1–2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation…”
- Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…”
