8.09.2013

"It is finished."

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30 ESV

Did you ever consider those words, "it is finished"? These words are profound. Centuries of promises and prophecies led up to this moment. Thousands of people - prophets like Joel and Isaiah, kings like David, fathers like Abraham - longed for this day (Hebrews 11). Types and shadows in the old testament, such as David defeating Goliath just as Jesus defeated sin, and Abraham offering up his son Isaac just as God the Father offered up his son Jesus, spoke of this ultimate story.

Jesus himself endured much before he could say these words: Temptation (Hebrews 2:18), rejection (Isaiah 53:3), torture (John 18 - 19). He was forsaken by his own Father, who he had loved and been loved by for all eternity (Matthew 27:46).

So when he says, "It is finished," he is saying this: The prophecies have been fulfilled. The law has been completed. The horrible price for sin has been paid. The role of the High Priest is finished. There is nothing more to be done.

And for us, these words have huge implications. It is finished. That means that we can never add anything to our salvation by doing good works. It also means that we can never ruin our salvation by any sinful thing we do. The work of salvation is complete. It is sealed with the blood of Jesus. It is done.

It is finished.