“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.”- {Col 2:13-14}

 WHOSE CRIMES? –

During times of crucifixion it was common to write the crime’s the person had committed was put on the cross for all those who desired to be able to see  and know why the person was being crucified! When Jesus was crucified there was no list against Jesus. Why not? He had no crimes He was guilty of! Well, someone may ask as they look at His cross, “Why is He on that cross then?”- Because of your crimes, my crimes- against Holy God! He CHOSE to take your place, embrace your guilt and willingly suffer your penalty which the LAW required so that you may not die in your sin and suffer eternal consequences of separation from God in an eternal Hell! It was my crimes, YOUR CRIMES that were been punished!

Sin is a Crime against God! A crime against His Holiness, Righteousness, Love, Purity and  sinless perfection. We all have sinned and fallen short of the Glorifying of God. Someone pays for our crimes. Either we do or Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice. Thank God when you turn from self rule to submit to God and His rule, His Son’s Sacrifice on the cross is applied to you, so that He takes your Crimes and pays in full!

On the cross He said “It is finished”- {John 19:30}, which can also be translated “PAID IN FULL!” THREE words in English, ONE word in Greek – TETELESTAI! It means “Paid In Full!” Your Sin debt is paid in full. Your sins cancelled, the word means “erased” as used in Colossians 2:13. How amazing, no matter what ‘crime’ the evil one brings to your mind of past sins, offenses against God, this too He Himself bore on the cross for you! It does not mean it is easier to sin but it causes a deep deep gratitude, humility towards HIM not to desire to sin against Him, not out of fear but Love,to Him who first loved us! Whose Crimes? Mine, Yours, He paid it all- No record against us!