“It is Finished.” – Resting in the Finished work of Christ

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. – John 19:30

“It is finished.”

Three words that split history. Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead was the end of the reign of sin and death over mankind. Salvation was purchased with Christ’s blood for the whole world, but especially for us personally. The great message is that we are privileged to receive God’s forgiveness, and to rest in His finished work.

Charles Spurgeon, was called the “People’s Preacher,” has given us a beautiful and simple illustration concerning Christ’s finished work:

Spurgeon wrote …. “I spell religion: DO”

All of our religious doings however can never earn salvation, and the problem with “DO” is that at the end of our days, no one has the authority to tell us that our religous works are sufficient for us to enter into heaven to be with Christ. Therefore, the plight of religion is UNCERTAINTY. Living according the the “DO” of religious works, leaves us in a spiritually doubtful state.

Spurgeon continued, but …

“I spell Christianity … D-O-N-E.”

When Christ died, His work was complete. It is DONE. It is finished, and in this we can rest, Jesus is the author of our salvation.

The “Finished Work of Christ” declares the beautiful truth of scripture that Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross fully and eternally paid the penalty for sin, for my sins and yours, and for the sins of the human race.

The Finished Work of Christ states that:

1. Christ’s sacrifice was complete: All that was necessary for salvation was accomplished on the cross, as Christ bore the sin of humanity (John 1:29,35; 2 Cor. 5:21). Unlike the Old Testament priests who continually offered sacrifices, Christ rested from His work on the cross, and sat down. (Hebrews 10:11,12)

2. Salvation is by grace alone: Forgiveness and reconciliation with God are freely offered through faith in Jesus, not through our performance, our good works, or our religious deeds. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

3. The assurance of salvation is a reality: We as believers in Christ can find great confidence in our security in Christ, based on His completed work. 1 John 5:13, states that “these things I have written that you may K-N-O-W that you have eternal life.” (C-A-P-S Emphasis mine). This knowing is experiential, not intellectual. It is a sense of knowing and assurance that touches us deeply within. The Holy Spirit also Himself confirms in our hearts that we are the children of God, and that God is our heavenly Father (Galatians 4:6). The assurance of Christ’s salvation can fill your heart. Even though doubts and discouagements may plague you, the Holy Spirit has the power to continually remind you of all that Christ has done. Your salvation rests on Jesus’ safekeeping!

4. We are preserved and kept by the power of Christ’s salvation, resting in the truth of the scripture that “no man can snatch us out of God’s hand.” (John 10:28,29)

Have you received Christ as Lord and Savior?

Salvation has been paid for by Christ. It is yours. I invite you can to pray with all your heart to Jesus He will receive you as a child of God.

“Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for your death on the cross. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I ask You to come into my heart and life. I receive you as my Lord and savior. I trust You, and I will follow You.”