But That Debt Has Been Paid!

I recently opened a bill from a company that I regularly purchase medical supplies from. I fully expected this bill to show a zero balance. The payment had been made approximately 6 weeks prior. To my dismay, the bill still showed the same amount that had already been paid as being past due. In addition, this notice stated that the bill was going to collections.
Shortly after making the payment, I had received a statement still showing this balance. Because of the close timing to the payment, I had disregarded it, assuming that my payment has not yet been posted. By this current statement, any activity between my bank and this company would have definitely been completed. So searching for and finding the payment in my checking statement, I called the medical supply company. After much discussion and checking on the part of the company's customer service representative, it was determined that my payment has been received, but never credited to that particular invoice. After this phone call, the mistake was corrected and my account was cleared. It was definitely worth the time and effort to find the record of the payment, make the call and straighten everything out. Now I have a clean record.
The greatest debt that has ever been owed is the debt of sin with a required payment of death. “For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP) Although this is the greatest debt that could be incurred, it has been paid in full for every person who has trusted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” (John 1:12 AMP) We simply believe that Jesus fulfilled the debt, receive His payment and have a clean record.
We may hear lies and condemnation, attempting to convince us that we still have a debt to pay. The enemy of our souls will attempt to remind us of past sins and failings. If we listen, we may be tormented by accusations that we are not worthy of the love of Christ. It is critical to remember that the devil is a liar.  “You are of your father, the, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:44 AMP) We cannot receive these lies and believe them. Jesus has already paid the total debt, and we must both remember and remind our enemies of that fact.

Following the pattern of Jesus when being tempted or lied to, we will successfully defeat the enemy. When tempted in the desert, Jesus responded to every lie of the devil by quoting Scripture. (See Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-14) Our victory over lies will be won in the same manner. When facing a lie, the best strategy is to search the Word of God to find the truth on the matter. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) With this Word of Truth we will defeat the lies.

We can always take courage in the promise and provision of God. We are completely forgiven and now guiltless of all sin. “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?” (Romans 8:33-34 AMP) If Jesus, who paid the debt Himself, is praying for us right now, we can be confident that no accusations will stand. “So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 AMP)

Your debt has been paid by Jesus Christ. If accusation should arise and demand payment for your sin, do not delay, but search the Scriptures and remind the enemy that your debt has already been paid in full. Enjoy the freedom this payment brings.

“You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20 AMP)