“It is finished.”
John 19:30
What did Jesus come into the world to do? He came to seek and save the lost. He came to give His life as a ransom for many, and on the cross He said, “It is finished.”
What is finished? Jesus finished bearing the guilt of our sins. He finished enduring the punishment of our hell. The divine wrath was finished being poured out on Him. The justice of God was satisfied. The perfect sacrifice was offered. Complete atonement was made. Hell was vanquished. The condemnation was removed. So the Redeemer can finally say, “It is finished.”
If you visit the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, Illinois, USA, you can walk through the “Rotunda of Witnesses,” where beautiful artwork forms the background to some marvellous statements about Jesus Christ. One amazing statement is from eighteenth century pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards (from sermon No. 2344, “Christ’s Dying Word for His Church”):
Though millions of sacrifices had been offered; yet nothing was done to purchase redemption before Christ’s incarnation…so nothing was done after his resurrection, to purchase redemption for men. Nor will there be anything more done to all eternity.
The long night of His suffering is over. The full course of His obedience is complete. The decisive battle with His enemy is over. The perfect sacrifice has been offered. It is finished!
Can you think of anything that could be added (or that you could add) to Jesus’ work of redemption?
