Sin Has a Price Tag You Can Never Pay

“When sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.”

Hebrews 10:18 (NLT)

In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system existed to show God’s people that a price had to be paid for their sins. But since Jesus’ death on the cross, there is now no need to offer any more sacrifices. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for everything you’ve ever done wrong.

You may feel guilty over something you’ve done wrong. You believe God has forgiven you, but you haven’t really felt that God has forgiven you, and you keep trying to make up for your sins. You may think going to church or tithing or being a good person will get rid of your guilt.

But you’re trying to pay off a debt that’s already been paid!

“When sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices” (Hebrews 10:18 NLT).

Jesus’ sacrifice was final. It was complete, and it is finished—then, now, and forever. That’s good news! There will never be anything more you can do to pay for your sin, because it’s already all been paid for by Jesus.

There’s no need to keep repaying for your mistakes.

An elderly woman went to her insurance company and told them, “My husband died five years ago, and I just can’t afford to pay his life insurance premium anymore.” They told her, “Ma’am, you don’t need to. It’s been paid off, and now you get to benefit from it. Because he died, you are now going to benefit from his death. You don’t have to pay anything anymore.”

In a sense, that’s what Jesus did for you.

As he was dying on the cross, Jesus cried out, “Tetelestai!” which means, “It is finished.” It’s been paid in full. You don’t have to pay anything more. You just get to benefit from it.

Forgiveness, salvation, and abundant life—they’re all yours when you accept by faith that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for every sin you’ve ever committed and every sin you’ll commit in the future. Don’t wait. Receive his forgiveness today.

Talk It Over

  • What is the one thing you have believed God could never forgive? Do you now believe Jesus’ sacrifice is enough for even this sin?
  • Once you believe Jesus has forgiven your sin, what else might you need to do to experience resolution and restoration?
  • How often do you confess your sin? How does this affect the amount of guilt you carry with you?

Jesus paid it all.

The Bible says all people fall short of God’s perfect standard. Yet God still loves you—even though you sin and you’re flawed. In fact, God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to cleanse you from your sins and to bring you into the family of God.

If you’re ready to enter God’s family, here’s a prayer you can pray: “Dear God, I know that when I die I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know that I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know that only by your grace I’m saved.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and the habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe that you will keep your promise to save me instantly and certainly and completely and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.