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.
c) God Now Dwells in Us Through His Spirit
1 Corinthians 3:16 declares that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God no longer resides in tents or temples made by hands; He lives in us. That is the power of the finished work.
d) Fellowship with God is Restored
In John 14:23, Jesus says, “If anyone loves Me… We will come to him and make Our home with him.” God is no longer distant; He is ever-present, dwelling with and within His children.
Biblical Example: Unlike Queen Esther who risked her life to approach King Ahasuerus, you and I have unlimited, unhindered access to the King of kings through Christ (Esther 5:1–2).
4. THE WORK OF REDEMPTION IS COMPLETE
There is nothing more to add—Jesus finished it.
a) Salvation is a Finished Work
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith—it is the gift of God, not by works. You don’t need to struggle to earn what Jesus has already given. Salvation is not about trying harder, but about trusting fully.
b) We Are Redeemed from the Curse
Galatians 3:13 says that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Every curse—whether ancestral, self-imposed, or inherited—has no hold over you. Redemption means you’ve been bought back and released.
c) The Cross is the Foundation of Our Faith
According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, “The message of the cross is the power of God.” Our faith is not based on philosophy, emotions, or effort—it is rooted in the power of what Jesus accomplished at Calvary.
d) Stop Trying to Earn What Grace Has Already Given
Romans 3:24 tells us that we are justified freely by His grace. Stop striving in the flesh to achieve what only grace can provide. God’s grace is sufficient, and it flows from the finished work of the cross.
Biblical Example: At the Red Sea, the Israelites were instructed to “stand still” and see the salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14:13–14). They didn’t need to fight; God did it all. The same is true of our salvation in Christ.
5. A NEW BEGINNING HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE
The cross marks an ending—and a new beginning.
a) We Are New Creatures in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come. You have a new identity, a new nature, and a new destiny.
b) We Now Live by His Resurrection Power
Romans 8:11 says that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now gives life to our mortal bodies. That means resurrection is not just a historical event—it’s a daily experience.
c) We Are Empowered to Live Victoriously
Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ… the life I now live is by faith.” You don’t have to live defeated. Victory is your inheritance because Christ lives in you.
d) We Have Hope Beyond This Life
1 Peter 1:3 says we are born again to a living hope. The cross not only changed our present—it secured our eternity. There’s more to your story beyond this life.
Biblical Example: Lazarus, though dead and buried, received a new beginning when Jesus called him out of the tomb (John 11:43–44). So also, every believer is called out of the grave of sin into new life.
CONCLUSION:
The statement “It is finished” is not just a proclamation of Jesus’ death—it is the declaration of your deliverance. Every battle you could not win, He won. Every debt you could not pay, He paid. Every door you could not access, He opened. Now, by faith, you must walk in the reality of that victory.
The blood speaks. The cross still stands. The work is done. Rest in His finished work and rejoice in your full redemption.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for the full and complete work of Jesus on the cross.
2. Lord, help me to live daily in the reality of the victory You have already won.
3. I reject every form of guilt and condemnation in my life.
4. O Lord, let the power of the cross silence every voice of the enemy.
5. Father, let my life manifest the benefits of Jesus’ finished work.
