It is Finished

By Bill Brandstatter
    The statement “It is finished” is considered by many to be one of final statements of Jesus as He hung on Calvary’s cross. What did Jesus mean when he referred to “it?” No doubt he was referring to the work the Father gave Him to do. (John 9:4) Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Obviously, all the lost were not yet saved when Jesus died. The process for saving them, however, was finished. Jesus put in motion the preaching of the gospel. He gave the Great Commission to His disciples so men could know what to do to be saved (Mark 16:15, 16). He shed His blood to open the door to heaven for Jew and Gentile alike.    Jesus also came that all men might have life (John 10:10). John tells us that “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) Jesus opened the door of life for all those who obey Him (Heb.5:9).     Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He most definitely did that when he drove out demons from men (Mark. 5:1-20).    Jesus came to set up His church. He laid the foundation (Eph. 2:20). He gave his apostles the entrance requirements and sent them out to preach. All this was done in order to finish the work the Father gave Him to do. (John 17:4)    “It is finished” shows authority.  To say “it is finished” is to say no additions are necessary. When man attempts to add, change, or modify the work of Jesus, he is denying the authority of that statement. God’s work of redemption is done, it is completed.    Peter noted that we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, nothing more is needed. The plan of salvation is complete. Many today have yet to obey (Rom. 10:16). The old song we sometimes sing says, “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.” Does that song apply to you? Is your salvation complete? What more must you do?     

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/