Go! And Live in the Finished Work of Christ - John 19:30
Introduction: A Cry That Changed History
There are words that echo through history—powerful, unforgettable words. “We shall fight on the beaches.” “I have a dream.” “Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
But none of those words compare to the most important declaration ever spoken:
John 19:30 (NLT): “When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Those three English words—“It is finished”—are one word in Greek: tetelestai. A word so rich, so final, so full of meaning that it reverberates through eternity.
This was not a cry of defeat but a shout of victory! It was not “I am finished,” but “It is finished!” The work of redemption was complete. The debt of sin was paid in full. The plan of salvation was accomplished.
Today, in our Go! And… series, we focus on this cry from the cross. And we will see how Jesus’ declaration calls us to Go! And live in the finished work of Christ.
Point 1: The Work of Salvation Was Completed
John records that Jesus said, “It is finished” (tetelestai).
The Greek word tetelestai comes from teleo, meaning to bring to an end, to accomplish, to complete, to fulfil. In the ancient world, this word had several uses:
A servant would say tetelestai when reporting a task completed.
An artist would declare tetelestai when a masterpiece was finished.
A merchant would stamp tetelestai on a bill when a debt was paid in full.
On the cross, Jesus declared all of these truths: the task was completed, the masterpiece of salvation was finished, and the debt of sin was paid in full.
Hebrews 10:12 (NLT) tells us: “But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honour at God’s right hand.”
Unlike the endless animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice was final and complete.
John Piper says, “The gospel is not a help-wanted ad. It is a help-available ad. God is not looking for employees. He is looking for people to trust him.”
The cross is not an invitation to add our works to Christ’s—it is a call to rest in His finished work.
Imagine receiving a bill so large you could never repay it—millions upon millions. Then one day you open your account and across it is stamped: PAID IN FULL. That’s what Jesus did at the cross. Our debt of sin, impossible to repay, was stamped with His blood: PAID IN FULL.
Stop trying to earn salvation. You cannot work enough, give enough, or be good enough. Rest in the finished work of Christ.
Point 2: The Power of Sin Was Defeated
When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was proclaiming victory over sin, death, and the devil.
Romans 6:10 (NLT): “When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.”
The cross was not the enemy’s victory—it was his defeat. Colossians 2:14–15 (NLT) declares: “He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”
R.T. Kendall said, “The greatest trick of the devil is not temptation but accusation. He reminds you of what you did yesterday. But the blood of Jesus reminds him of what happened two thousand years ago.”
When Jesus said, tetelestai, the power of accusation was broken. The enemy lost his grip.
Think of a prisoner shackled in heavy chains. Day after day, he lives in bondage, unable to move freely. Then one day the king himself enters the cell, smashes the chains, and declares, “You are free.” That’s what the cross accomplished. Jesus broke the chains of sin.
Believer, do not live in bondage to guilt, shame, or fear. The chains are broken. Walk in the freedom Christ purchased.
Point 3: The Promise of Eternal Life Was Secured
The finished work of Christ not only completed salvation and defeated sin—it secured eternal life for all who believe.
John 3:16 (NLT): “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Notice—it doesn’t say might have, or perhaps will have, but will have. Eternal life is guaranteed by the finished work of Christ.
Max Lucado wrote, “The last words of Jesus on the cross were not a cry of defeat. They were a declaration of victory. They were not the final words of a dying man—they were the opening words of a new era.”
The finished work means eternal security for those who repent and trust Christ.
You can live today with hope and assurance. Eternal life is not wishful thinking—it is a settled reality in Jesus.
The Gospel Presentation: The Finished Work
Beloved, the gospel is simple yet profound:
Jesus lived the life we could not live—perfect, sinless, holy.
He died the death we deserved—bearing the wrath of God for our sins.
He was buried, proving His death was real.
He rose again on the third day, defeating death, and proving His sacrifice was accepted by God.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The work of salvation is finished—but the question is, have you received it?
Call to Action: Go! And Live in the Finished Work
Stop striving for acceptance. You are accepted in Christ.
Stop living in guilt. Your debt is paid.
Start living with boldness. Sin is defeated, eternity is secure.
Charles Stanley once said, “When Christ died on the cross, He did not leave one unfinished detail of redemption. Everything necessary for salvation was accomplished.”
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, maybe you have been trying to earn God’s favour. Maybe you carry guilt you cannot shake. Maybe you fear death and eternity. Hear the cry of Jesus: It is finished.
Come to the cross. Repent of your sins. Trust in Christ. Receive Him as your Saviour and Lord. Today can be the day of salvation.
Conclusion:
“It is finished” means the price is paid, the work is done, the victory is won. Nothing more needs to be added. Nothing more needs to be done.
So, beloved, Go! And live in the finished work of Christ. Live forgiven. Live free. Live secure in Him.
Benediction:
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, NLT)
