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Q&A – When did Jesus actually bear our sin on the cross?

March 17th, 2015

Could someone weigh in on this question with me? Do we have enough biblical information to give an answer one way or another? I feel like her guess is a good one. Thanks in advance! (see Matthew 27:45-50 to begin)

“During the crucifixion, at what time did Jesus bear and pay for our sins? Was is between when He said “Father, why have you forsaken me?” and “It is finished”? Was it during the 3 hours of darkness?”

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  • Fred Apelquist In one regard, Jesus bore our sins as soon as He started His ministry, if not when He was born as a human. As for ‘payment’, I agree that the Crucifixion was the seminal event.



    My sense is that when He uttered “It is finished”, that would be the most logical and concrete moment at which point He really Paid It All! By then, for sure, He had sealed the deal.



    Just my 2 cents.
    March 17 at 11:20am · Like
  • Craig Simons I believe it was when He said “It is finished.” The Greek word for that phrase is tetelestai. It was used on business documents in the ancient world to indicate that something was “paid in full.” I believe the wrath of God against our sins was completed at that utterance because immediately thereafter, Jesus died.
    https://bible.org/…/what-does-greek-word-tetelestai-mean

    What does the Greek word “tetelestai” mean?
    Literally translated the word tetelestai means, “It is…
    BIBLE.ORG
    March 17 at 11:23am · Like · Remove Preview
  • Heath Tibbetts 1 Peter 2:24 is probably the clearest answer: “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” So when it was “finished” that’s when we see things happening. However, Fred’s points would compliment that. Jesus had the “weight” of our sins upon him from birth. One choice for sin anywhere in that lifetime and salvation would have been toast.
    March 17 at 11:23am · Like
  • Joe Maxey I agree with Craig.
    March 17 at 12:43pm · Like · 1
  • Tim White I believe that it was after the complete work of redemption, including the three days in the grave and the presentation of first fruits to God. Hebrews 1:3-4 “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:3-4. Jesus told Mary after His resurrection, “”Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”
    March 17 at 1:32pm · Like
  • Craig Simons Hmmmm, Tim makes a valid point.
    March 17 at 1:41pm · Like
  • Courtney Kincel Silberman Thank you for your input!
    March 17 at 1:45pm · Like
  • Fred Apelquist Ah, Holy mysteries!
    March 17 at 2:05pm · Like
  • Wendyl Leslie Well, for what’s it worth nowadays, I’ll throw in my two-cents. We know that sins of the ancient Jews were forgiven upon the sacrificial death of various animals. So, it could be that it was upon the moment Christ died on the cross that our sins were “officially” paid for; not while He was alive.
    March 17 at 2:23pm · Like
  • Gwen Sellers Great discussion, all! And nice response, Courtney Kincel Silberman!
    March 17 at 3:00pm · Like · 1
  • Patrick Thompson all good answers and I agree with Heath on the significance of 1st Peter 2:24. By His death, Christ opened the way by which we can return to God and receive a right relationship with Him.
    March 17 at 5:37pm · Like
  • Timothy Craig Munger It was the whole experience. For example Oaul writes that He was crucified in a tree; He blotted out our sins; He redeemed us through His blood. The whole cross experience achieved our redemption. For me His final words concluded our redemption: “Father into Your Hands I commit My Spirit.” From the feeling of being forsaken, to a sense of acceptance and release!
    23 hrs · Like

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