It Is Finished

When Jesus died on the cross late afternoon, Good Friday, he cried out one final phrase, three famous last words: “It is finished”. There were probably some within hearing distance who thought his words were a cry of despair, as if he were saying, "It's over. The dream has ended." The truth is, however, it was a cry of victory. "It is finished." This phrase can also be translated "Paid in full."

What did Jesus' death actually pay for? What did it accomplish? Simply put, Jesus' death paid the price for our sins. Through his death, we have forgiveness. With his death, Jesus bridged the gap between God and man, between sin and redemption, between this temporary life and life eternal.

So, when Jesus said, "It is finished," he was saying, "My work is complete...I have paid the price for the salvation of humankind." The writer of Hebrews said, "Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people." (Hebrews 9:28) Paul said: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

The message of the cross is "It is finished." There is nothing you can do to earn more of God's love or to gain his mercy or to deserve forgiveness or to receive salvation. Jesus paid it all. His work is complete. That's why his last words: "It is finished," is the message of the cross.

The message of Easter is: "It is just beginning," because through the power of the resurrection, we have been given new life. It's not that we follow a God who exists somewhere out there, far beyond us. This God becomes part of your life. He comes to take up residence inside you. His Spirit fills your spirit with his presence. He can take a life that is dead with sin and failure, and make it alive again. He does that for everyone who comes to him. He can do that for you.

There are many people today who desperately need an empty canvas. You need a blank slate - a fresh start. You need the etch-a-sketch power of God's forgiveness, and it's available to you. You can begin your new life today. You can become the person God created you to be, through the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come learn more about this marvelous revelation this Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.

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