Go! And Rest In His Finished Work Series

Go! And Rest in His Finished Work

Introduction

Today, as we prepare our hearts for communion, I want to focus on the beautiful truth of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Let’s begin by reflecting on a thought-provoking quote from Rob Turner: "Trying to atone for your sin is like scooping out the ocean with a teaspoon. Which do you want to hear? ‘Get to work’ or ‘it’s already done’?"

This quote speaks to the heart of the gospel message. Jesus has already accomplished what we never could. Our response is not to strive to earn salvation but to rest in His grace and live in gratitude for what He has done. Let’s unpack this powerful truth together.

Point 1: The Problem of Sin

Let’s start by acknowledging the reality of sin. Romans 3:23 (NLT) reminds us: "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." The Greek word for sin, hamartia, means "to miss the mark." It’s an archery term that illustrates how humanity has failed to meet God’s perfect standard.

Sin separates us from God. Isaiah 59:2 (NLT) says, "It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore." This separation is not something we can fix on our own. Like scooping the ocean with a teaspoon, our efforts to atone for sin are utterly inadequate.

Imagine standing before a dam that’s about to break. The water represents God’s just wrath against sin, and no amount of effort can hold it back. But then, Jesus steps in and absorbs it all for us.

Consider the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. The Israelites were commanded to offer sacrifices for their sins, yet these sacrifices were temporary and insufficient. Hebrews 10:4 (NLT) tells us: "For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." This system pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who would accomplish what no animal sacrifice could.

Recognising the gravity of sin should humble us and lead us to repentance. It’s not about what we can do but about accepting what Christ has done. Ask yourself: Are you relying on your own efforts to bridge the gap, or are you trusting in Jesus?

Point 2: The Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice

Here is the good news: Jesus has already done the work! John 19:30 (NLT) records His final words on the cross: "It is finished!" The Greek term tetelestai means "paid in full." This declaration assures us that His sacrifice was complete and sufficient.

Hebrews 10:10 (NLT) says, "For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time." Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice was perfect and final.

John Stott writes, "The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man."

Think of a debt you could never repay. No matter how hard you try, the amount is too great. But then someone steps in and pays it all for you. That’s what Jesus did on the cross.

The sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice is not just theological; it is deeply personal. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." This is the great exchange: our sin for His righteousness.

When we come to the communion table, we do so not to earn God’s favour but to remember and celebrate that the work is already done. Let this truth fill your heart with gratitude and a renewed sense of worship.

Point 3: Living in the Freedom of Grace

Because of Christ’s finished work, we are free to live in His grace. Galatians 5:1 (NLT) declares: "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law."

Freedom in Christ means we no longer carry the burden of trying to earn God’s love. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) reminds us: "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

Think of a prisoner who has been pardoned but chooses to remain in their cell. Christ has opened the door; we must step out and live in the freedom He provides.

Freedom in Christ also means living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) says, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." This freedom transforms us from the inside out.