Completion

“It is finished.”

Christ’s words show that he has fully achieved our salvation, and there’s nothing more for us to add.

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

“It is finished”—what a statement, especially at what seems to be a moment of weakness and humiliation. But what is finished? Jesus’ life? His ministry? To understand what is finished, we must look at the beginning.

In the creation account in Genesis 1–2, God made Adam and Eve in his image and, with him, gave them dominion over the earth. But the story turns in Genesis 3 when they disobeyed God, and sin entered the world.

This original sin has separated not only Adam and Eve but all humans from God, and there’s nothing we can do to mend that separation. It must be the work of God.

God knew we would need his mercy and deliverance from sin even before he created the universe. In his sovereignty, he began a plan to redeem and reconcile us. This plan, enacted through covenants in the Old Testament, culminates at the cross in the New Testament. Through the death of his Son, Jesus Christ, it is finally fulfilled.

The debt of sin—a debt that we could never settle—was fully paid by the blood of Jesus, once and for all, on the cross. Yes, Jesus had fulfilled his earthly mission, but he also accomplished the work of restoring us to himself.

Somewhat paradoxical, “It is finished” marks the beginning of a new covenant. Through Jesus’ work on the cross, we find forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation with God. Despite our sins and imperfections, God credits us with the righteousness of his son. Let us live each day confident in our salvation, knowing that there is nothing more for us to add.

‘Tis finished! The Messiah dies
Cut off for sins, but not His own;
Accomplished is the sacrifice
The great redeeming work is done.

—“‘Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies” written by Charles Wesley

Reflection

Consider the concept that Jesus fully paid the debt of sin on the cross. How can you live out this understanding in your relationships and actions?

Application

Write down the names of people you know who have not received Christ as Lord. Pray for them, asking God for an open door to share the good news of the gospel and salvation with them.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the completed work of Jesus on the cross. When he said, “It is finished,” our salvation was fully achieved, and there is nothing more we can add to it. We are grateful for your plan of redemption. Help us live each day with the confidence that our salvation is secure in him.

Jesus, we are humbled by your sacrifice. You bore the weight of our sins and paid the debt that we could never settle. Through your blood, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made righteous.

In your name we pray, Amen.