It Is Finished

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Scriptures for the Son

2. The Sacrifice for Sins

3. The Salvation for Sinners

Introductory Remarks.

1. In our lesson today, we will discuss the emphatic declaration of Jesus on the cross – "It is finished." Let me be clear; he does not mean one part of it is finished – but – the complete plan is finished. I am convinced that he speaks concerning the will of God for the work of redemption for all humanity. Notice Jesus: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do," John 17:4. Jesus has completed all God's requirements for Him to become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humanity; for their total and complete redemption. His life, suffering, death, and resurrection made this possible. Praise the Lord, all ye people!

2. First, we will discuss "the fulfillment of scriptures for the Son." In this statement of fact; Jesus did not say, I am finished; but that "it is finished." I have finished – the work I came to do for my Father. The first was to fulfill all the scripture that is spoken of me. "I have not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill or complete (them)," Matthew 5:17-18.

3. Secondly, we will consider "the sacrifice for sins." Jesus states in this phrase – "it is finished" the sacrifice for the sins of the world. I have completed this work for my Father. I have become the Propitiation for the sins committed under the Old and the New covenants. I have become the "mercy seat of God." John wrote: "And he (Christ) is the propitiation (mercy seat) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" 1 John 2:2.

4. Lastly, we will note that in this statement, Jesus declared he has purchased "salvation for all sinners." In his death, he has paid the ransom price for all sins. Our salvation is no longer based upon our works of righteousness – but on the works of righteousness, Christ has finished on behalf of all sinners. Paul said: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for everyone that believeth," Romans 10:4. Paul says further: "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life," Romans 5:10. Our Salvation is based entirely on the life and work of Christ for our eternal redemption. Let's begin this lesson with how Christ's life and death have fulfilled all the Old Testament scriptures as the Son of God and the promised Messiah for Israel.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE SCRIPTURES FOR THE SON

A. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He said: "Think not that I have come to destroy the Law and the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (to finish). For verily I say unto you. Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled (finished)," Matthew 5:17-18. Jesus stated,

1. I did not come to destroy the Law and the prophets. But I have come -to complete or to fulfill it. That is, I have come to do the work of my Father. To complete the work planned and purposed before the foundation of the world, Titus 1:1-3. Jesus said,

a. First, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (finished),” Matthew 5:17.

b. Further, “And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail,” Luke 16:18. He said again: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” Matthew 24:35. David affirms: “Forever O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89.

c. Next, "I come not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it," Matthew 5:17. What does it mean to “fulfill the law?”

d. Lastly, "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God…He taketh away the first that he might establish the second," Hebrews 10:7-9. [Text shortened for brevity].

e. Conclusion: Jesus came to complete and fulfill all that was written of Him in the volume of the Book. To take away the first (the Old Testament); that He might establish the second (the New Testament). Jesus offered himself on the cross as the sacrifice of all sins forever. Christ “Became the mediator of the New Testament, that through death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also, of necessity, be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth," Hebrews 9:15-17; Romans 3:24-26. Observe,