12 Reasons Why Jesus Meant It When He Said, It Is Finished
Today we will talk about 12 reasons why Jesus meant it when He said, “It is finished.” Many Christians do not know what this means. The phrase, which Jesus uttered from the cross, holds a significant weight in understanding the culmination of His earthly mission. In this meditation, we will explore the biblical meaning, historical context, and the depth of this declaration. Each reason unveils a layer of significance, offering us insights into grace, redemption, and the completion of God’s divine plan through Christ. Let’s open our hearts and minds to what God has to say through His Word!
1. The Fulfillment of Prophecy
When Jesus declared “It is finished,” He closed a chapter that had been written long before His birth. The prophets of the Old Testament foreshadowed His coming and the sacrifice He would make. The Hebrew Bible laid out a framework through which God promised a Savior who would bear our sins and restore the relationship between humanity and Himself.
For instance, in Isaiah 53:5, we read, “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” This beautiful prophecy outlines the suffering the Messiah would endure—Jesus, on the cross, perfectly fulfilled this promise. The New Testament authors often echo these prophecies, citing them as a reminder of God’s sovereign plan (Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 4:21).
As we reflect on the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrifice, we can appreciate the weight of His words. The claims He made, and the act of sacrifice, were rooted in centuries of divine expectation, illustrating how every detail of His life had purpose and meaning according to God’s plan. This reinforces our understanding that Jesus’ mission was not random, but rather a deeply woven narrative of redemption.
2. The Completion of the Law
Another essential reason Jesus meant it when He said, “It is finished,” is the completion of the Law. Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). This means that everything the Law demanded was completed through His sacrificial death. The sacrificial system laid out in the Old Testament required endless sacrifices for atonement, but Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Law on our behalf.
In Romans 10:4, we learn, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Jesus’s death marked the end of the sacrificial system and the beginning of a new covenant. His declaration signifies that with His sacrifice, the requirements of the Law have been fulfilled, and no further sacrifice is necessary for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:10).
This completion means that those who place their faith in Christ are no longer under the weight of the law, but rather under grace (Romans 6:14). This is a freeing truth; we are redeemed from the penalty of our failures, and through Christ, we can now pursue a relationship with God without the burden of the law hanging over us.
3. The Victory Over Sin
Jesus’ cry of “It is finished” also speaks volumes about His victory over sin. His sacrifice provides an ultimate solution to the problem of sin that has plagued humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb who paid the penalty for our sins, which allows us to stand before God as blameless.
In 1 John 1:7, we read that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” This cleansing is complete; His sacrifice covers every sin imaginable—past, present, and future. We find hope in Romans 8:1, where Paul writes, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This triumph over sin brings us peace and assurance, knowing that we are no longer enemies of God but reconciled through His Son.
Understanding this victory assures us that when Jesus said “It is finished,” He meant that the barriers separating us from God have been removed. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus has already paved the way for us. This new identity in Christ empowers us to live differently—no longer shackled by sin but free to pursue righteousness (Galatians 5:1).
4. The Restoration of Relationship
Humanity’s relationship with God was fractured by sin, but through Jesus’ sacrifice, we see a restoration of that vital connection. When Jesus declared “It is finished,” He signified the opportunity for direct access to God. The temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed.
In Ephesians 2:13-14, Paul explains, “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus’ work on the cross bridged the gap caused by sin and alienation, allowing for a close and personal relationship with the Almighty.
As we reflect on this restoration, it becomes evident that our intimate relationship with God was His ultimate goal from the very beginning. The words “It is finished” serve as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God would go to bring us back into fellowship with Him. We are invited to approach Him as sons and daughters, experiencing His love and grace intimately.
5. The Defeat of Death
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ sacrifice is that it led to the defeat of death itself. When Jesus proclaimed “It is finished,” He was not just marking the end of His earthly mission; He was foreshadowing His victory over death. The resurrection that followed just days later solidified this triumph, demonstrating His power to conquer what was once thought to be the ultimate end (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
Hebrews 2:14 reminds us, “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.” In defeating death, Jesus liberated us from its grips and promised us eternal life (John 11:25-26). Our faith is not just for this life—Jesus gives us hope for eternity.
This victory is essential for every believer; it allows us to enjoy life without the fear of death. Furthermore, knowing that death has been defeated changes our perspective on life and gives us the confidence to share the message of hope with others (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ words “It is finished” ring through history as a trumpeting declaration that death is not the end for those who believe in Him.
6. The End of Sacrificial Systems
Before Jesus’ sacrifice, the Jewish faith was centered around a system of sacrifices that were required for atoning for sin. But when Christ said “It is finished,” He marked the end of that old system, establishing a new way to God that did not rely on the continual offering of animal sacrifices. Hebrews 10:1 states, “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.” Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law, becoming the perfect, once-and-for-all sacrifice.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist recognized Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” His work eliminated the need for any more sacrifices. The blood He shed on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sins, simplifying the way believers connect with God and shifting our focus from ritualistic practices to a personal relationship with Christ.
This transformation allows us to embrace grace fully. Instead of trying to earn God’s favor through sacrifices and rituals—as was common in the Old Testament—we now experience God’s grace freely (Ephesians 2:8-9). His declaration “It is finished” solidifies that our salvation is a gift, allowing us to live out our faith with gratitude rather than obligation.
7. The Promise of New Life
Moreover, Jesus’ statement “It is finished” signifies that those who believe in Him are promised new life. Upon our acceptance of Christ, we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new life is not merely an improvement of the old one, but it is entirely transformed by the power of His resurrection.
In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The finishing work of Christ on the cross opens us up to experience life in a totally new way. His resurrection power allows us to walk in victory over sin, shame, and the burdens we used to carry, giving us the confidence to embrace the future with hope (Romans 6:4).
As we reflect on the new life promised to us, we see that Jesus’ victory is not just for ourselves but for the entire world. His sacrifice was a game-changer, inviting us all to partake in the abundant life that He offers, free from the chains of our past and filled with the potential for a future that glorifies God.
8. The Invitation to Evangelism
When Jesus said “It is finished,” He also entrusted us with the great commission. The completion of His work offers us a chance to spread the good news to others. After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). We are called to share the message of salvation and grace that Jesus provided through His finished work on the cross.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This powerful mission is birthed from the knowledge that Jesus has done the hard work for us; we simply carry the message of hope to a world in desperate need of it.
Understanding that “It is finished” prompts us to take seriously our role in spreading the Gospel. It is a stunning responsibility and privilege to carry on the work that Jesus initiated. Each of us is vital to the mission, determining how the world perceives the good news of Christ’s finished work. We are equipped with the Holy Spirit to empower us and give us boldness (Acts 4:31).
9. The Assurance of Eternal Security
Jesus’ assurance that “It is finished” also emphasizes the security we have in Christ. Once we accept His sacrifice, we cannot be separated from His love or the promise of eternal life. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Our salvation is secure because Jesus’ work on the cross is complete. He accomplished everything that was necessary for our reconciliation with God; it doesn’t hinge on our performance or goodness. Ephesians 1:13-14 reminds us that when we believe in Him, we are marked with the Holy Spirit—a seal of promise that secures us as God’s own.
This truth is incredibly comforting. We can live with confidence, knowing that our salvation doesn’t depend on our efforts but on what Christ has already accomplished. It invites us to rest in His grace, free from the anxiety of losing our salvation, and encourages us to draw near to Him, knowing we are fully accepted (Hebrews 10:22).
10. The Unity of All Believers
In declaring “It is finished,” Jesus also set the foundation for unity among believers. His sacrificial love bridges diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Ephesians 4:4-6 encourages us that there is “one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” His completed work unites us in the mission of spreading the gospel.
In Galatians 3:28, we read that “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The cross, which signified Jesus’ willingness to become the ultimate sacrifice, broke down walls that divide us and invites us into fellowship with one another. Our common bond is found in the love of Christ that transcends human differences.
This unity calls us to love and serve one another, reflecting God’s character and representing His Kingdom together. It challenges us to reach across aisles and embrace our differences, all while pointing back to Jesus, who completed the work necessary for us to be one family under God.
11. The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
When Jesus said “It is finished,” He not only secured our future but also empowered us in the present through the gift of the Holy Spirit. After His resurrection, He promised us the Holy Spirit, saying, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The completion of His work made it possible for the Spirit to dwell within us.
Through the Holy Spirit, we receive guidance, comfort, and power to live righteous lives. John 14:26 tells us, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” This gift empowers us to love like Christ, be witnesses, and serve others (Galatians 5:22-23).
Understanding that “It is finished” embraces our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We are called to rely on His strength, live according to His leading, and bear fruit in our lives that brings glory to God. Believers are not left to tackle life alone; we walk in the Spirit, assured by the work of Jesus on the cross that empowers us every step of the way.
12. The Call to Live Out Our Faith
Lastly, Jesus’ declaration “It is finished” compels us to live out our faith actively and vibrantly. We are not merely receivers of grace, but agents of it as well. James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ’s finished work.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul encourages us to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Our faith requires action; we are called to share, serve, and love because we’ve been loved so abundantly. Living out our faith is a response to the incredible grace we have received.
By embracing our identity in Christ and allowing His love to flow through us, we create a ripple effect, touching the lives of those around us. It’s a call to not only enjoy the benefits of our salvation but to actively engage in revealing Christ to the world. Our faith becomes a living testimony of His completed work every day.
Final Thoughts
As we consider the phrase “It is finished,” we see that it is far more than a final statement; it is a declaration packed with truth and significance. Each of the twelve reasons we’ve discussed shows the marvelous implications of Christ’s finished work on the cross. From fulfilling prophecies to defeating sin, from restoring our relationship with God to empowering us with the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ sacrifice is the cornerstone of our faith.
Understanding what it means when Jesus said “It is finished” ignites passion in our hearts to live for Him. We are reminded that our faith is grounded in grace, emboldened by His love, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we go forward, we carry the message of this good news, sharing the victory and hope we have through Christ.
Let us walk in the light of what Jesus accomplished and remember that in Him, we are set free, made new, and empowered to live a life that reflects His glory. We are forever thankful for the truth behind “It is finished,” and we commit to spreading that message to the world around us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4