What Does It Mean?
Tetelestai Defined
What does it mean? Literally translated the word tetelestai means “it is finished”. The word occurs in John 19:28 and 19:30 and these are the only two places in the New Testament where it occurs. In 19:28 it is translated “After this, when Jesus knew that all things had been accomplished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled Jesus said “I am thirsty”. Two verses later He utters the word Himself: “Then when he had received the sour wine Jesus said, “It is finished” and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit”.
The word tetelestai was also written on business documents or receipts in New Testament times to show that a debt had been paid in full.
The Greek-English lexicon by Moulton & Mulligan says this:
“Receipts were often introduced by the phrase [sic} tetelestai , usually written in an abbreviated manner…” (p. 630) the connection between receipts and what Christ had accomplished would have been quiet clear to John’s Greek speaking readership; it would have been unmistakable that Jesus Christ had died to pay for their sins.
What We Believe
Statement Of Faith
We Believe:
- The Bible is the inerrant Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We believe that every word it contains is true for now and for all eternity, and that it holds the answer to every person's problem, whatever it may be. 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 3:16,17
- We believe there is only one God and He exists eternally as a trinity being: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. John 10:30; John 14:26; Philippians 2:5-7
- We believe all men were created in the image of God but separated from God because of sin. Genesis 1:26
- We believe the only way to God the Father is through Jesus Christ. We believe that salvation is a free gift of God and can be received by believing in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must also confess to God that we have sinned and then ask for forgiveness. Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans:5:1; Romans 3:24
- We believe that Jesus will return suddenly one day and take all of those who have accepted Him as their Savior, to be with Him in heaven for eternity. Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 9:28
- We believe in water baptism, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Matthew 3:13
- We believe that God gives spiritual gifts to all believers. These gifts are to be used to edify, encourage, up-lift and strengthen the church. They are also proof of God's existence and power to the unbeliever. Romans 12: 6-8 1Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Peter 4:10
- We believe hell is a real place. We believe it is a place of great suffering, torment and permanent separation from God. We believe it is for those who die without accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. Revelation 20:12-15
- We believe that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9