Untitled Sermon (2)

The Final Cry: It Is Finished!

Bible Passage: John 19:30

Summary: This verse captures the climactic moment of Jesus' crucifixion when He declares, "It is finished!" signifying the completion of His mission to provide salvation and reconciliation between humanity and God.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians and others to find hope and peace in the finished work of Christ. It reminds believers that their struggles and shortcomings are covered by Jesus' sacrifice, allowing them to live in the freedom of grace and forgiveness.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Christ's utterance of "It is finished" signifies the totality of salvation accomplished through His death, underscoring the importance of faith in His complete work rather than reliance on personal effort.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice foretold throughout Scripture, the Lamb of God whose blood covers our sins and fulfills the covenant promises of redemption found in the Old Testament.

Big Idea: The big idea communicates that through Jesus' declaration 'It is finished,' believers can embrace the assurance of salvation and the transformative power of living under grace rather than under the weight of sin and law.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of crucifixion and its significance in Jewish culture. Utilize Logos to study the original Greek text of ‘Tetelestai’ for deeper insight into its implications. Additionally, examine cross-references in the Old Testament that foreshadow Christ's sacrificial death, which could enrich your understanding and application of the theme.

1. Declaration of Completion

John 19:30

You could illustrate how the cry of 'It is finished' encapsulates Jesus' life mission, demonstrating the profound fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and sacrificial systems. Reflecting on this, believers may realize that every sin was nailed upon that cross, and the work of atonement is fully completed, offering complete spiritual rest. Perhaps focus on how this declaration is not a cry of defeat, but a proclamation of victory, urging us to rely completely on Christ's sufficiency and not our own deeds.

2. Culmination of Redemption

Revelation 21:6

Explore the continuation of 'It is finished' with God’s promise, 'It is done'. This could suggest how the work Jesus completed on the cross is secure and leads to the ultimate culmination when He makes all things new. Perhaps this will encourage believers to live in hope, knowing the end of the story is already written, secured by Jesus' final cry. You might point out how God’s sovereign plan is both initiated and completed by Christ, assuring believers of eternal life and victory.

3. Completion of Sacrifice

Hebrews 10:12-14

Maybe discuss how Jesus’ sacrifice, once and for all, replaced the need for continual offerings. With His cry 'It is finished', Jesus becomes the eternal high priest who perfects us through one sacrifice. This could lead believers to trust not in repetitive acts of holiness but in the transformative power of Christ’s singular offering. Highlight that this completed sacrifice invites them to live in the freedom and boldness provided through God's grace.

4. Conquest Over Powers

Colossians 2:13-15

Perhaps explore how 'It is finished' triumphs over spiritual powers. Through Christ's victory, believers’ sins are forgiven, the law’s condemnation canceled, and the devil defeated. This could lead individuals to understand and accept their identity in Christ, freed from guilt and shame, empowered to overcome struggles by the power of Christ’s victory. Stress the transfer of power: from bondage to freedom, from defeat to triumph, facilitated by Christ’s words.

5. Condemnation Conquered

Romans 8:1-2

Consider discussing how 'It is finished' signals there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, emphasizing how this completes the law and ushers in the law of the Spirit. Believers might be encouraged to live by the Spirit’s life-giving power, liberated from the bondage of legalistic living. Encourage a life of peace and assurance, secured by Jesus’ work on the cross, which fulfills the law’s righteous requirement through faith.