As a teen, I watched a television show called, “The Bob Newhart Show.” It was one of my favorites as the comic played a Chicago psychologist, Bob Hartley, married to Emily. Their high-rise apartment was filled with crazy antics concerning marriage, Bob’s patients, their friends and neighbors. 

One of my all-time favorites in the series was Bob’s bill paying routine. He had a certain day, a certain time and he wore the same drab, plaid shirt every time he paid bills. Emily, played by Suzanne Pleshette, dreaded “bill paying night” for she knew Bob would be at his lowest before and after the last check was written. Through humor, I learned about the pain of owing a debt you could not pay.

Several years later, I heard a Christian song written in 1977 by Ellis J. Crum, that reminded me of a debt that I owed and could not pay on my own. Here are the lyrics. 

He paid a debt He did not owe 

I owed a debt I could not pay 

I needed someone to wash my sins away 

And now I sing a brand-new song 

Amazing Grace 

Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay

My debt He paid upon the cross 

He cleansed my soul from all its dross 

I tho’t that no one could all my sins erase 

But now I sing a brand-new song 

Amazing Grace 

Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay

O such great pain my Lord endured 

When He my sinful soul secured 

I should have died there but Jesus took my place 

So now I sing a brand-new song 

Amazing Grace 

Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay

He didn’t give to me a loan 

He gave Himself now He’s my own 

He’s gone to Heaven to make for me a place 

And now I sing a brand-new song 

Amazing Grace 

Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay

The debt I owed for my righteousness  — right standing with God, was so astronomical I could never pay it. But Jesus Christ stepped in and wrote the check in His flesh and signed it with His blood so I could be debt-free in the economy of God! Now that is good news! It’s like winning the eternal lottery!

Our responsibility is to receive the gift that is ours in Christ. 1 John 1:9 AMP says, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”

A relationship with Christ Jesus will assure us that no “account past due” bills will torment us, causing fear and condemnation. A relationship with Christ guarantees us freedom from a bill paying ritual filled with distress and disapproval. Indebtedness is over, having been paid by the grace and mercy of God. We no longer must be “sin conscious” but we can be “righteousness conscious” as adopted children of God. 

Do you need “debt counseling”? Talk to a local pastor or friend who can help you settle that account you owe. The price has already been paid and the covenant is waiting for your acceptance!