When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30).
The phrase Jesus uses here on the cross expressed a business transaction completed: “paid in full.” At the heart of trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation is the confidence that nothing else needs to be added to the price he paid, in his death, for our salvation.
Do you live in the reality of a fully-paid salvation each day? When you go to God in prayer, do you feel confident he will hear you because you’ve “been pretty good” this week, or because Jesus was good enough, on your behalf? Do you hesitate to ask God for help, in Jesus’ name, because you know you have failed even today in your service to him?
Look at Jesus’ work, not your own record, for the hope you need.
Today, when Satan tries to guilt you out of going to God in prayer, or running to him for fellowship, or seeking his forgiveness through confession and repentance — remember that Jesus didn’t hold back, didn’t quit, didn’t surrender his life until the work of salvation on your behalf was completely finished: paid in full. There is nothing lacking in the perfection of Christ. There is nothing lacking in the salvation Jesus accomplished on the cross. Look at Jesus’ work, not your own record, for the hope you need.
You can pray with confidence today, because Jesus’ saving work — unlike the priests in the Old Testament — is sure, it is complete, it is permanent. And it is for you, Christian believer.