There’s one word that changed everything—τετέλεσται, the Greek word spoken by Jesus on the cross, translated as “It is finished.” It wasn’t a cry of defeat, but a declaration of triumph. With that single word, Jesus didn’t just end His suffering; He declared the end of sin’s power, shame’s grip, and death’s sting. τετέλεσται” is a call to live in the victory Christ has already secured.

Sometimes, we approach life like the battle is still raging. We feel weighed down by guilt, past mistakes, ongoing struggles, or persistent fear. But when Jesus said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t speaking symbolically—He meant every stronghold, every sickness, every bondage, every lie of the enemy was defeated at the cross.

Let that sink in: the battle you’re still fighting is already won.


Claiming τετέλεσται in Your Life

In our lives, we often keep wrestling with things God has already resolved. We replay failures, we beat ourselves up over missed opportunities, and we stay entangled in cycles that Jesus died to break. But the word τετέλεσται doesn’t mean “I’m finished.” It means “the debt is paid in full.”

The enemy wants you to think it’s not over—that you’re still a prisoner to your past, still bound by generational curses, still stuck in fear or addiction. But the truth is, you’re not fighting for victory; you’re fighting from victory.

Jesus completed the work—now it’s our job to walk in what He finished.


“It Is Finished” Over Shame

One of the most powerful places to claim τετέλεσται is over shame. Maybe you’ve made decisions that brought regret. Maybe you’ve heard the enemy whisper, “You’ll never get past this.” But the cross silences shame. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When you feel unworthy or condemned, remind yourself: Jesus didn’t die halfway. He didn’t leave anything undone. τετέλεσται means shame has no more power over you.


“It Is Finished” Over Fear and Anxiety

Fear loves to lurk in the unknown, in the “what ifs” of tomorrow. But Jesus didn’t just save us from sin—He saved us from the torment of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

When fear rises, speak τετέλεσται over it. Say out loud: “It is finished—fear no longer controls me.” Step into your day with the confidence that Jesus already made a way where there seems to be no way.


“It Is Finished” Over Every Battle

That addiction? Finished. That mountain of debt? Finished. That toxic relationship cycle? Finished. That depression and hopelessness? Finished.

This doesn’t mean we won’t face struggles. But it does mean we fight differently. We declare what’s already been done, and we walk as victors, not victims.

In John 19:30, when Jesus said, “It is finished,” He didn’t whisper it—He declared it. He wasn’t giving in; He was proclaiming the end of the reign of darkness.


Living Like It’s Already Done

The enemy thrives on delay and discouragement. He wants you to believe your breakthrough is far off, that your healing might never come. But τετέλεσται reminds us—it’s already been set in motion. The spiritual transaction is complete.

If God said you’re free, then live like you’re free. If He said you’re loved, then live like you’re loved. If He said you’re chosen, then live like you’re chosen.

You may not feel it yet. Circumstances may look the same. But just like a check that’s been deposited—you may not see the funds immediately, but the transaction is already complete.


Your Victory Cry

Start declaring τετέλεσται over your life daily:

  • Over your children: τετέλεσται.
  • Over your health: τετέλεσται.
  • Over your finances: τετέλεσται.
  • Over your marriage: τετέλεσται.
  • Over your dreams: τετέλεσται.

Don’t wait to feel victorious to speak victory. Speak it because Jesus already secured it. The cross wasn’t a moment of weakness; it was the strongest declaration the world has ever heard.

You are forgiven. You are free. You are favored—in the best way possible. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!

2 responses to “It Is Finished: Walking in the Power of τετέλεσται”

  1. Dave Duffy Avatar
    Dave Duffy

    Excellent article. There’s no denying the truth! Thank you

    1. Chaplain Jeff Davis Avatar
      Chaplain Jeff Davis

      Amen brother! I pray you have a blessed day!

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I’m Chaplain Jeff Davis

With God, all things are possible. I write to offer hope and encouragement to anyone walking through the in-between seasons of life. My prayer is that as you read these words—and see your own story reflected in them—you’ll be strengthened, reminded you’re not alone, and drawn closer to the One who makes all things new.

Books: 120 Days of Hopehttps://a.co/d/i66TtrZ, When Mothers Prayhttps://a.co/d/44fufb0, Between Promise and Fulfillmenthttps://a.co/d/jinnSnK The Beard Vowhttps://a.co/d/jiQCn4f

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