Today we will talk about what did Jesus mean when He said it is finished. This statement, spoken from the cross, holds immense significance in Christian belief. For many believers, it symbolizes the completion of Jesus’ mission on Earth and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. However, understanding the full depth of “it is finished” allows us to appreciate the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice and the new life offered to us through His resurrection. Let’s take a moment to focus our hearts and minds as we explore what this means through the lens of Scripture.
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said It Is Finished
Understanding the Greek Meaning
When Jesus declared “It is finished” (John 19:30), He used the Greek word “tetelestai.” This term is a perfect passive form of the verb “teleo,” meaning to complete, fulfill, or bring to an end. In the first-century context, this term had various nuances. It was commonly used in financial transactions to indicate that a debt had been fully paid; it was as though Jesus was shouting, “the debt of sin is paid in full.” This notion of debt is echoed in Romans 6:23, where Paul reminds us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. Thus, Jesus’ words serve as a triumphant proclamation that the required payment for sin was complete.
Moreover, the significance of “tetelestai” can be likened to a finishing line in a race. In Hebrews 12:2, we are encouraged to run the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. When Jesus declared “It is finished,” He affirmed that He had run His race of suffering and obedience, fulfilling all that God required. The culmination of His ministry was not only His death but also the victory over sin and death. His completion of the work means we no longer have to live under the weight of guilt and sin; He bore it all on our behalf—what a relief! This astonishing truth empowers us to live in freedom and joy.
The Hebrew Perspective
While the New Testament primarily employs Greek, the Hebrew scriptures provide essential insight into the significance of fulfilling God’s promises. In Hebrew, the concept of fulfillment relates to the words “kālat,” which emphasizes coming to an end or completion. Jesus’ statement resonates with the Hebrew understanding of sacrifice as seen in Leviticus 16:30-31 during the Day of Atonement when sin was symbolically taken away through the sacrificial lamb. Ultimately, Jesus is the ultimate Lamb of God (John 1:29) who fulfilled this longstanding prophetic tradition.
The Jewish people had been waiting for a Messiah, one who would eradicate sin and restore their relationship with God. This journey can be traced back to the Law given to Moses in Exodus 20 and the prophetic writings throughout the Old Testament that depicted the coming Savior. By confirming the completion of His mission, Jesus illustrates the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning redemption. In Luke 24:44, He outlined how everything written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled, solidifying His identity as the Messiah who meets the requirements. For the Hebrews, God’s plans were not mere promises; they were guaranteed assurances activated through Christ’s death and resurrection.
Historical Views on the Significance of “It is Finished”
Throughout church history, “It is finished” has been seen as central to Christian doctrine. Many early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Athanasius, emphasized that this phrase encapsulated the core of the Gospel message. They taught that through this declaration, Jesus secured our salvation, establishing a new covenant in His blood, which made Christianity different from previous religious systems built on works and continual sacrifices.
The Reformation further highlighted the importance of this phrase. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin articulated that salvation could not be earned but was a gift of grace, resting firmly on Christ’s finished work on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 states that we are saved by grace through faith, a faith that rests upon the assurance that all requirements have been fulfilled in Christ. This transformation changed how believers relate to God; no longer burdened by attempts at self-justification, we are invited to simply receive God’s grace and mercy through faith.
In essence, the phrase “It is finished” serves as a powerful declaration of freedom from legalism and the entrance into a personal relationship with God. As believers, we can walk with confidence knowing that Jesus has accomplished what we could never achieve on our own. The historical implications extend to our understanding of grace, assuring us that it is not about what we do, but rather what has already been done for us.
The Personal Application of “It is Finished”
How does the truth behind Jesus’ statement of “it is finished” translate into our daily lives? It is so vital for us as modern-day believers to grasp the importance of this proclamation. Understanding that the work is finished liberates us from the chains of guilt, shame, and the constant striving for perfection we often impose on ourselves. We see in Colossians 2:13-14 that God made us alive with Christ, forgiving all our sins and canceling the debt that stood against us. This is an incredible promise meant to encourage us and remind us that we are loved and accepted, not on the basis of our own merits but solely through the grace of Jesus.
Furthermore, knowing that Jesus finished the work of salvation empowers us to share the Good News with others boldly. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs us to make disciples of all nations, a mission we can undertake knowing His work is sufficient. This call to share aligns with our understanding of the Great Commission, imbued with encouragement and direction. Rather than feeling inadequate, we can step forward in confidence, for the One we represent has already accomplished the work necessary for redemption.
Lastly, recognizing the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice establishes a solid foundation for our faith. We can rest assured that the same powerful presence that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us (Romans 8:11). The implications of this truth affect every part of our lives as we navigate struggles, joys, and challenges. By leaning into the truth that “it is finished,” we can be assured that we are never alone, for He has equipped us to live a life reflective of His grace and love.
Final Thoughts
In our journey through the meaning of “It is finished,” we see just how significant this statement is for the entire Christian experience. We explored the Greek and Hebrew understandings that illuminated the depths of this phrase, highlighting how it signals the culmination of God’s plan for our salvation.
We also considered how church history has shaped our understanding of this declaration, emphasizing that we are saved by grace through faith because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf. Most importantly, we discovered how the truth of this phrase applies to our daily lives, freeing us from guilt and enabling us to share the hope we have in Christ.
As we move forward, let us carry the truth of “it is finished” in our hearts, serving as reminders that Jesus completed the necessary work so we can live in freedom and joy. May we continually rest in His grace and boldly share this incredible message with those 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