Stop trying to pay for what Christ already paid
Good Friday reminds us of the most powerful words Jesus spoke on the cross:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
With that declaration, the price for sin was paid in full. The wrath of God satisfied. The debt canceled.
There’s nothing left for you to add.
But here’s where many men struggle:
Instead of resting in Christ’s finished work, we try to “atone” for our failures.
Beating ourselves up.
Sabotaging our own growth.
Shrinking back from the roles God has given us.
But the cross makes self-atonement impossible.
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)
Christ didn’t die for you to stay stuck in guilt.
He died to set you free, cleanse you, and send you forward into the work He’s assigned.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
The cross is the end of self-atonement.
The resurrection is the beginning of your new assignment.
This is Good Friday.
It is finished.
Go and live as one who’s been forgiven.