It is finished. As we begin this Lenten season, let’s skip ahead to the end. The end gives us perspective as we begin.
From the cross, Jesus declared victory over sin and death.
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
What was finished? What did Jesus finish on the cross? A better question may be, “What didn’t Jesus finish?” Or maybe an even better question is, “What started—what began—after Jesus finished paying our penalty, resulting in the ultimate end of sin and death?”
It is finished.
“Finished”—téleios—meaning “fully finished” or “accomplished to the uttermost.”
Jesus made atonement for our sin. His whole life pointed to this one moment, the moment of atonement. It was in this moment, the moment when the wrath of God was poured upon Jesus instead of us—His body fully broken, His blood fully shed— that it was accomplished to the uttermost. In the words of John the Baptist, Jesus’ forerunner, when he saw the Savior coming toward him: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Around the church, we get used to talking about the cross. But friend, what happened on the cross is the single most important event in redemptive history. What God did on the cross is treat Jesus Christ as if He had committed every single sin ever committed by every single person. The full wrath of God was placed on His Son instead of on you and me.
God the Father is treating His Son as if He had lived your life. And in return, He is able to treat you as if you had lived Jesus’ perfect life.
It is finished.
The work of reconciling your relationship with God is finished. What Jesus did completely justifies you. What Jesus accomplished completely redeems you because He is your perfect sacrifice. And because of that, God is completely and utterly pleased with you. On the cross, Jesus declared a complete victory on your behalf, covering all your sins.
What if it’s true? What if God is completely and utterly pleased with you, just as you are, right where you are? What if you lived as if these truths were true?
All your sin. It has all been redeemed.
It is finished.
Reflection:
- What is finished?
- Reflect on this statement: “God is completely and utterly pleased with you.” How are you learning to rest in this truth? What causes you to push back from fully embracing this truth?
- “It is finished.” How might you fully live into this truth today?
Pray through the truth of Isaiah 43.1-7.
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
