Sermon Central
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It Is Finished
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 18, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The words “It is finished,” spoken by Jesus on the cross, were not words of defeat but a shout of victory. With those three words, Jesus brought to completion the most significant assignment ever carried out on earth: redemption for mankind.
IT IS FINISHED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 19:30
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:4–5, Colossians 2:14–15, Hebrews 9:12, Revelation 12:11, Romans 8:1–2
INTRODUCTION:
The words “It is finished,” spoken by Jesus on the cross, were not words of defeat but a shout of victory. With those three words, Jesus brought to completion the most significant assignment ever carried out on earth: redemption for mankind. These words signal the end of the old covenant, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the beginning of a new era of grace and victory.
Many believers still live with a sense of incompleteness, feeling like they must earn God’s approval through works, rituals, and performance. But Jesus has already paid the full price for our sins, and by His blood, we are justified, sanctified, and made right with God. “It is finished” is a divine receipt, proving the debt of sin has been cancelled.
As we journey through this message, we shall uncover five dimensions of what “It is finished” truly means, and how they translate into practical and powerful truths for our everyday Christian living.
1. THE PAYMENT FOR SIN IS COMPLETE
Jesus did not partially pay for sin; He paid in full and for all.
a) Sin Required a Price
Every sin, whether great or small, carries a consequence. According to Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." The justice of God demands that sin be punished. Before the cross, this was done through continual sacrifices. However, those sacrifices only covered sin temporarily and could never take it away permanently.
b) Jesus Paid It in Full
Isaiah 53:5 reminds us that “He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities.” The punishment that brought us peace was placed upon Him. At Calvary, Jesus did not offer a down payment—He paid the full price for every sin: past, present, and future.
c) No More Animal Sacrifices Needed
Under the old covenant, sacrifices had to be made regularly, but Hebrews 10:10 declares that we have been sanctified once and for all through the offering of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice ended the need for repeated offerings. What centuries of ritual could not achieve, Jesus accomplished in one act of obedience.
d) Guilt and Condemnation Are Cancelled
Romans 8:1 boldly declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” The voice of guilt and shame has been silenced. You don’t have to live under the weight of your past any longer—the blood of Jesus has cleansed you completely.
Biblical Example: The High Priest, once every year, entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement. But Jesus entered once and for all into the heavenly sanctuary and offered His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12).
2. THE POWER OF SATAN IS BROKEN
Satan's authority over the believer has been completely destroyed by the cross.
a) Jesus Defeated the Enemy on the Cross
According to Colossians 2:15, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Jesus stripped Satan of his weapons. No longer does the enemy have legal power to accuse or oppress those who are in Christ.
b) The Blood Secures Our Victory
Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.” The blood of Jesus is our legal evidence before heaven and hell. It shouts louder than our failures and speaks of eternal victory. Satan has no access to a blood-covered believer.
c) No More Legal Claims Over Us
Every ordinance written against us was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). This means that all generational curses, soul ties, and accusations that once held us bound are now cancelled. We are not under any legal bondage anymore.
d) We Are Now Free from Bondage
Galatians 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” We are no longer captives of fear, addiction, or sin. Jesus did not die for you to live in chains. True freedom is now your inheritance.
Biblical Example: The demoniac of Gadara lived under satanic bondage until Jesus stepped in. At the command of Jesus, every demonic chain was broken (Mark 5:1–15). This same power is at work in you.
3. THE DOOR TO GOD’S PRESENCE IS OPENED
No more barriers—God is now accessible to all through Jesus.
a) No More Separation Between God and Man
When Jesus gave up His spirit, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That veil represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful man. Jesus’ death removed that barrier permanently.
b) We Can Approach God Boldly
Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “come boldly to the throne of grace.” You don’t need a prophet, priest, or pastor to speak to God for you. Jesus opened the way so you can have direct access to your heavenly Father.
