³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30
"It Is Finished: The Completeness of Christ's Work"
We to reflect on one of the most profound and powerful statements made by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as He hung on the cross. The words "It is finished" found in John 19:30 signify the culmination of His redemptive work on our behalf. In this sermon, we will explore the significance of this statement in four key aspects of our faith.
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I. It is finished: The Complete Sacrifice of Jesus Is Finished (John 19:30)
The first aspect we must grasp is that the complete sacrifice of Jesus is finished. When Jesus uttered these words, He declared that He had fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth. He willingly gave His life as the Lamb of God to atone for our sins. In doing so, He accomplished what the Old Testament sacrificial system could never achieve—a perfect and complete sacrifice that satisfied the righteous demands of God's justice.
II. It is finished: The Payment for Our Sins Is Finished (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The second aspect of "It is finished" is the payment for our sins. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Apostle Paul reminds us that Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. At the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our sins and paid the penalty in full. His finished work secured our forgiveness and reconciliation with God. We are now declared righteous through faith in Him.
III. It is finished: The Victory over Sin and Death Is Accomplished (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
The third dimension of Jesus' declaration is the accomplishment of victory over sin and death. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul triumphantly exclaims that death has been swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ. Christ's resurrection is the seal of His victory over sin and the grave. As believers, we no longer need to fear the power of sin or death, for Christ's work on the cross assures us of eternal life and victory over the forces of darkness.
IV. It is finished: The Abolition of the System of Sacrifices Is Accomplished (Hebrews 10:11-14)
Lastly, "It is finished" signifies the abolition of the system of sacrifices. In Hebrews 10:11-14, we are reminded that the Levitical sacrifices were offered continually, but Jesus offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice was so complete that it rendered all other sacrifices obsolete. Through His blood, we have access to the presence of God, and our sins are remembered no more. Jesus' finished work opened the way for a new covenant of grace and redemption.
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V. It is finished: Access to the Presence of God Is Finished (Hebrews 10:19-22)
The first aspect we must understand is that through Jesus' work on the cross, access to the presence of God is finished. In Hebrews 10:19-22, we are told that because of the blood of Jesus, we can now enter the Most Holy Place with confidence. In the Old Testament, the high priest could only enter this sacred space once a year, but through Christ's sacrifice, we have constant access to God's presence. Jesus has torn down the barrier of sin that separated us from God, allowing us to draw near to Him in worship and prayer.
VI. It is finished: Redemption and Forgiveness of Sins Is Accomplished (Ephesians 1:7)
The second aspect of "It is finished" is the accomplishment of redemption and forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us that in Christ, we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of our sins. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus paid the price to free us from the bondage of sin and reconcile us to God. Our sins, once a heavy burden, have been completely forgiven. This forgiveness is not temporary but permanent, and it is through faith in Christ.
VII. It is finished: The Sufficiency of God's Grace Is Finished (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The third dimension of Jesus' declaration is the sufficiency of God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul writes about how God's grace is sufficient for all our weaknesses and struggles. It is in our weaknesses that God's power is made perfect. Through Jesus' finished work on the cross, we have access to an abundance of grace that empowers us to overcome sin, face trials, and find strength in our weaknesses. We no longer need to rely on our own strength, for God's grace is more than enough.
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Conclusion:
The words "It is finished" spoken by Jesus on the cross are a declaration of the completeness and finality of His work of salvation. His sacrifice is perfect, our sins are paid for, victory over sin and death is assured, and the old system of sacrifices is no longer needed. As we contemplate the depth of these words, may we respond with gratitude, faith, and a renewed commitment to live in the light of Christ's finished work. It is through Him that we find hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.
"It is finished" spoken by Jesus on the cross are a declaration of the completeness and finality of His redemptive work. Through Him, we have access to the presence of God, redemption and forgiveness of sins, and the sufficiency of God's grace. As we meditate on these words, may we be filled with awe and gratitude for what Christ has accomplished for us. Let us approach God with confidence, knowing that our sins are forgiven, and His grace is more than sufficient to sustain us in every circumstance. In the name of Jesus, amen.
