When I have conversations with people wrestling with things that might affect our relationship — I’ve learned that trying to convince someone who isn’t ready only builds walls. (James 1:19–20)
Instead, I lay down my right to be right and hit the reset button: What do we have in common? Where can we agree? From there, relationship can grow. (Philippians 2:3–5)
What is Salvation?
Let's look at the Apostle Paul's definition of salvation. In Romans 5:12, Paul reminds us what happened on that fateful day in the Garden:
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned."
Adam's transgression opened the door to sin —and death through sin. Because of Adam, humanity ended up condemned to die. To be dead in sin is to be without Christ. Our problem is not what we have. It's what we lack- the life of God.
"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men…" Rom 5:18
What we inherited was a death sentence. Adam's sin put you on death row.
Seconds before Jesus took His last breath, He cried out, “Tetelestai!” which means, “It is finished!” It was a term commonly used among merchants when a debt had been fully paid. They would stamp the note “tetelestai” to denote that the payment was paid in full.
For something to be “tetelestai’ed,” the debt had to be held against something of great value; a payment was needed to restore what was owed. Once paid, what was valuable was free of debt.
Paul said that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are designed to “reign in life through Christ.” This is in every facet of our lives- we are not meant to be in a cycle of trying really hard, failing, repeating. Here is a very workable plan for you to apply starting today and begin to live!
Forgiveness receives what Jesus paid for and releases the one who owes a debt they cannot pay. It erases that debt as “paid in full.”
Forgiveness is an account settled in the heart—paid in full by Jesus’ name and His blood.
You can say, “Nobody owes me anything (not even an apology), because there is nothing to settle on a closed debtor’s account.”