IT IS FINISHED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 19:28-30
Key Verse: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:5-6; Hebrews 10:12-14; Colossians 2:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:21
INTRODUCTION
In John 19:30, Jesus uttered one of the most powerful statements in history: “It is finished.” These words were spoken at the climax of His suffering on the cross, signifying the completion of His redemptive mission.
This declaration was not a cry of defeat but a proclamation of victory. Everything required for the salvation of humanity had been accomplished. The debt of sin was paid in full, and the barrier between God and man was removed.
For believers, this statement carries profound significance. It means that the work of redemption is complete, and we now live in the benefits of what Christ has already finished. Our salvation, victory, and reconciliation are rooted in this finished work.
1. THE COMPLETION OF THE WORK OF REDEMPTION
Jesus completed the mission for which He came into the world.
a. Fulfilment of Prophecy (Isaiah 53:5)
Christ’s suffering fulfilled the prophetic scriptures concerning the Messiah.
b. The Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12)
Jesus offered Himself once and for all for sins.
c. The Removal of Sin (John 1:29)
He took away the sin of the world.
d. Obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:8)
Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will through His obedience.
e. Biblical Example:
The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed to Christ, who became the final and perfect sacrifice (Leviticus 16:15-16).
2. THE PAYMENT FOR SIN WAS FULLY MADE
The declaration “It is finished” signifies that the debt of sin has been completely paid.
a. The Cancellation of Debt (Colossians 2:14)
The record of our sins was nailed to the cross.
b. Redemption Through His Blood (Ephesians 1:7)
Forgiveness comes through Christ’s sacrifice.
c. No More Condemnation (Romans 8:1)
Believers are free from condemnation in Christ.
d. Justification by Faith (Romans 5:1)
We are declared righteous through faith in Jesus.
e. Biblical Example:
The Passover lamb symbolised deliverance, fulfilled in Christ as the Lamb of God (Exodus 12:13).
3. VICTORY OVER THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
Through His death, Jesus defeated Satan and the forces of evil.
a. Triumph Over Principalities (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus disarmed spiritual powers and authorities.
b. Destruction of the Works of the Devil (1 John 3:8)
Christ came to destroy Satan’s works.
c. Authority Given to Believers (Luke 10:19)
Believers share in Christ’s victory.
d. Freedom from Bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Jesus delivered those held captive by fear of death.
e. Biblical Example:
David’s victory over Goliath symbolises Christ’s victory over the enemy on behalf of His people (1 Samuel 17:49-50).
4. ACCESS TO GOD WAS RESTORED
The finished work of Christ opened the way for direct access to God.
a. The Veil Was Torn (Matthew 27:51)
The barrier between God and man was removed.
b. Bold Access to God (Hebrews 10:19)
Believers can now approach God with confidence.
c. Reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Christ restored our relationship with the Father.
d. A New Covenant Established (Luke 22:20)
Jesus inaugurated a new covenant through His blood.
e. Biblical Example:
The high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year, but now all believers have access through Christ (Hebrews 9:6-8).
CONCLUSION
The words “It is finished” declare the completeness of Christ’s redemptive work. Nothing more needs to be added; everything required for salvation and victory has already been accomplished.
Believers are called to live in the reality of this finished work; walking in freedom, victory, and confidence. Through Christ, we have been redeemed, justified, and given access to God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for the finished work of Christ on the cross, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to walk in the reality of my redemption, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let every power of sin be broken in my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, help me to live in the victory Christ has secured for me, in Jesus name.
5. Father, grant me boldness to approach You in prayer, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let every chain of bondage in my life be broken, in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to fully understand the power of the cross, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let my life reflect the freedom and victory in Christ, in Jesus name.
9. Father, strengthen my faith in the finished work of Jesus, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let the benefits of redemption be evident in my life, in Jesus name.
