From Golgotha to the Grave (5)
Notes
Transcript
The Proclamation of Completion
Bible Passage: John 19:29–30
"It is finished."
The ancient Greeks boasted of being able to say much with little -
"to give a sea of matter in a drop of language" was regarded as the perfection of oratory.
They did just that with this one word which in the Greek is Tetelestai, which comes from the verb teleo, which means "to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish."
It's a crucial word because it signifies the successful end to a particular course of action.
A Servant’s Word—Used when a task had been completed.
A Priest’s Word—Used when a sacrificial animal was found to be worthy.
A Farmer’s Word—Used when a perfect specimen had been born into the flock.
An Artist’s Word—Used when the final touches had been applied to a masterpiece.
A Merchant’s Word—Used when a deal had been struck and all the haggling had ended. Its usage meant that both parties were satisfied.
A Homeowners Word—Used when a mortgage had been paid in full. It signified that there were no more payments required.
A Soldier’s Word—Spoke of putting one’s foot on the neck on an enemy at the gate.
The word means more than just "Im done." It means "I did exactly what I set out to do."
"It is finished" is but one word in the original, yet in that word is wrapped up the gospel of God;
in that word is contained the ground of the believer’s assurance;
in that word is discovered the sum of all joy, and the very spirit of all divine consolation
"It is finished."
was not the despairing cry of a helpless martyr;
it was not an expression of satisfaction that the termination of His sufferings was now reached;
it was not the last gasp of a worn-out life.
it was the declaration on the part of the divine Redeemer
who came from heaven to earth with one mission, and that mission was now done;
all that needed to be done was now done
But what did Jesus mean?
What was finished?
In this message that I have Sub-titled ‘The Proclamation of Completion’, we will explore the meaning behind Christ’s Last words from the cross and how it impacts our lives today.
I. Prophesy Has been Fulfilled
I. Prophesy Has been Fulfilled
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled,…
We have to remember that this was not ‘plan B’
This was not some last ditch effort to save man kind
Nothing had gotten out of hand
This was God’s plan before the first atom of dirt was spoken into existence (Foundations of the World)
Immediately following the fall of Adam, God gave the first prophesy that a redeemer would come. Gen.3:15
Time will not permit us to consider all of the prophecies that were given concerning the coming Messiah, from His virgin birth in Bethlehem of Judea, to His being the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Judah, and of the lineage of David.
Just understand that Jesus fulfilled each of these prophecies and so many more
Last week we we looked at verse 28 and we saw that all things had been accomplished
It is interesting to note that the word translated accomplished is the same word translated, into It is finished.
The plan of God had been fulfilled and Jesus declared It is finished, revealing that all had been completed.
There was nothing left for him to do
there's more here than a simple verb.
Tetelestai is in the perfect tense in Greek.
That's significant because the perfect tense speaks of an action which has been completed in the past with results continuing into the present.
When Jesus cried out "It is finished," he meant "It was finished in the past, it is still finished in the present, and it will remain finished in the future."
What It Means:
By Jesus saying ‘It is finished’ He confirmed that everything that was prophesied about the Messiah’s suffering was now accomplished.
It ment that in three days He would rise from the grave and during those three days He would go to Abrhams bosom and take captivity captive
He knew that He would be seen of many after His ressurection
He knew that He would accend and sit at the right hand of the Father and He knew that one day His Father would say go get my Children.
When He said it is finished, He knew there was nothing left that would not be completed.
I. Prophesy Was Fulfilled
When He said it is finished He was saying....
II. Path Has Been Cleared
II. Path Has Been Cleared
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
– The Way to God Opened
a. No More Sacrifice
_ The Law was Satisfied
From the very beginning, before the foundation of the world, God's plan for salvation was already in place (Rev. 13:8).
The culmination of that plan was seen at the cross when Jesus completed His earthly ministry.
God had determined from the outset to send His Son as a sacrifice for sinners, a promise first revealed to Adam in Genesis 3:15.
This truth was symbolized in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, including the offerings presented in the Tabernacle and Temple.
Every act of God pointed forward to the moment when Jesus would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.
Since humanity's fall in the Garden of Eden, when God provided coverings for Adam and Eve by shedding the blood of an animal (Gen. 3:21), the themes of death, suffering, and atonement have been central to approaching God.
This principle is consistently reflected throughout Scripture:
In Genesis 4, Abel’s offering of a lamb demonstrated the necessity of a blood sacrifice.
In Genesis 8, Noah responded to salvation from the flood by offering a sacrifice to God.
In Exodus 12, the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice the Passover lamb as they prepared to leave Egypt.
On the Day of Atonement, under the Law, lambs were sacrificed to atone for the sins of the people.
The centuries of bloodshed through countless sacrifices served as a temporary measure, pointing forward to something greater.
However, despite the vast amount of blood that was shed, none of these sacrifices could truly remove sin (Heb. 10:11
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
These acts of worship were symbolic,
postponing divine judgment as believers in the Old Testament placed their faith in the promise of a greater, final sacrifice.
They looked forward to the Messiah’s atoning work,
just as believers today look back in faith to Christ’s completed sacrifice.
While the sacrifices of the Old Testament could not provide complete atonement, Jesus’ death on the cross fully resolved the problem of sin (Heb. 10:10–14; Heb. 9:12–14).
The divine plan, conceived in eternity past before the world was even formed, reached its perfect fulfillment when Christ, the Lamb of God, gave His life on the cross.
Now, everything necessary for salvation is found in the blood of Jesus Christ.
There is no other means by which people can be made right with God.
Regardless of background or status, all must be cleansed by His blood to receive eternal life (Rev. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:18–19).
As the well-known hymn declares, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"
I have good news for you this morning,
Grace Replaces the Law
– We are saved by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
a. No More Sacrifice
b. No More Separation
– The temple veil was torn (Matthew 27:51).
As Jesus took His final breath on the cross, a remarkable event occurred within the Temple.
The heavy veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was torn in two,
from top to bottom.
This was no ordinary tear—this was an extraordinary, supernatural act.
Historical accounts suggest that the veil was several inches thick, possibly as wide as a man’s hand, and incredibly strong.
Some scholars estimate that it required hundreds of priests just to position it within the Temple.
Human hands alone could not have accomplished such a feat; this was an act of God.
Beyond the physical miracle, the tearing of the veil carried deep spiritual significance.
Before Jesus’ sacrifice, God's presence was veiled behind this curtain, and only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make an offering for the people's sins.
This system demonstrated the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.
However, Jesus' death changed everything.
The role of a human high priest from the tribe of Levi as an intermediary was no longer required.
Jesus Himself became our eternal High Priest,
removing the barrier that once separated people from God.
Because of His finished work on the cross, all believers now have direct access to God’s presence.
No longer restricted by a physical veil, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence, bringing our prayers and needs before Him (Hebrews 4:16).
Through Jesus, the separation between God and humanity has been forever removed.
His sacrifice fully satisfied God’s requirement for atonement, making future sacrifices unnecessary.
His sacrifice grants us unrestricted access to the Father, offering salvation and reconciliation to all who place their faith in Him.
What It Means:
Jesus removed the barrier between God and man, making salvation available to all who believe.
I. Prophesy Was Fulfilled
II. Path Has Been Cleared
III. Powers Have Been Defeated
III. Powers Have Been Defeated
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
– Satan, Sin, and Death Defeated
a. Satan’s Authority Broken
– Christ crushed the enemy’s power (Genesis 3:15, Colossians 2:15).
I Colossians 2:15 Paul provides insight into the victory Jesus achieved through His death and resurrection.
In doing so, Christ disarmed and stripped away the power and authority of spiritual forces, triumphing over them completely.
Paul specifically refers to the influence of Satan and his dominion over the world.
Before salvation, humanity is under the control of sin, enslaved by the ruler of darkness.
Satan dominates lives, holding people captive under the power of sin.
Through His public victory on the cross, Jesus crushed Satan’s hold over humanity, securing redemption for all who trust in Him.
Because of this triumph, we do not have to live in defeat.
a. Satan’s Authority Broken
b. The Power of Sin Defeated
– No longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6-7).
Before experiencing salvation, our lives were dominated by the desires of the flesh.
Our primary focus was on gratifying sinful cravings, leading to the inevitable consequences of a life enslaved to sin.
However, everything changed when we came to Christ.
Through His sacrifice, our old sinful nature was put to death, and we were given new life.
No longer controlled by the flesh, we were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to walk in obedience to God.
Through Christ, we have been liberated from the power of sin.
It no longer holds us captive, for we now walk in the freedom that comes through our new life in Him.
a. Satan’s Authority Broken
b. The Power of Sin Defeated
c. The Sting of Death Removed
– Christ brings eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
When Christ entered death on the cross and rose again three days later, He forever rendered death ineffective in the lives of His children.
Now, there is no sting, just a passing from this world to the next , 2 Cor. 5:1–5.
Jesus Christ absorbed the full sting of death in himself.\
(Ill. A boy crawled up into his mama’s lap one hot summer day and just sitting there, loving mama, and mama loving him, and then the little fellow became afraid and the little fellow pulled closer to its mama and the mother said, “What’s the matter, Son?” And the little boy said, “Oh, Mama, look at that bumble bee! Look at that bumble bee buzzing all around me. Mama, Mama, I’m afraid of that bumble bee.” She said, “Aw, Son, you don’t have to be afraid of that bumble bee.” “Well, Mama, that bumble bee will sting me.” “No, no, no, Son. That bumble bee won’t sting you, you don’t have to be afraid.” “Why don’t I, Mama?” And Mama reached out her hand and she showed the little boy her hand and in her hand she pulled out a stinger and she said, “Son, you don’t have to be afraid of that bumble bee; that bumble bee has already stung your mama and it can’t sting you. I’ve got the stinger.”)
What It Means:
Jesus secured our victory over sin, Satan, and death—His work is final and complete.
I. Prophesy Was Fulfilled
II. Path Has Been Cleared
III. Powers Have Been Defeated
IV. Payment Has Been Made
IV. Payment Has Been Made
– The Price for Sin is Paid in Full
a. Like a Merchant, An Agreement Has Been Reached and Both Parties are Satisfied
As noted earlier, the phrase Jesus spoke on the cross, “It is finished,” was commonly used in business transactions to signify that an agreement had been fulfilled and both parties were satisfied.
In this context, it signifies that God the Father fully accepted the work of Jesus on the cross.
a. Like a Merchant An Agreement Has Been Reached and Both Parties are Satisfied
b. Like a Debtor Our Note Has Been Paid
– Jesus took our punishment (Colossians 2:13-14).
His sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood served as the complete and perfect payment for sin, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:11.
This concept is echoed in the biblical term “propitiation”, which means to appease or satisfy.
Scripture refers to Jesus as the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10).
This word is closely linked to the mercy seat—the covering of the Ark of the Covenant—where blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement.
In the same way, Jesus Himself is the atoning sacrifice that fully satisfies God’s righteous requirements.
Jesus’ finished work guarantees our salvation (John 3:16).
This is incredibly good news for all of us!
The reality is that, on our own, we could never measure up to God’s perfect standard.
The Bible makes it clear that even our best efforts are like filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6).
Furthermore, Scripture declares that none of us are good (Romans 3:12).
But here’s the hope we have: Since Jesus has fully satisfied the Father, we no longer have to strive to do so on our own.
If we are in Christ, His atoning work is applied to us as well.
That is why salvation is called a Gift
The Gift of Eternal Life –
What does this mean for us?
i. We do not have to earn our salvation.
– Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can achieve through our own efforts.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Because we are sinners by nature, we could never meet God’s perfect standard—but Jesus has already done so!
When we are found in Him, God accepts us on the basis of our relationship with Christ (Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
i. We do not have to earn our salvation.
ii. We do not have to rely on our own credit.
– Titus 3:5 reminds us that salvation is not a result of our righteous deeds, but of God’s mercy.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
i. We do not have to earn our salvation.
ii. We do not have to rely on our own goodness.
God does not accept us because of who we are, but because of who Christ is.
– Left to ourselves, we could never stand before a holy God.
But through Christ, we are made acceptable in His sight.
Salvation is received by faith alone.
– Acts 16:31 declares that we are saved by simply believing in Jesus Christ.
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Because Jesus has completely fulfilled the work of salvation, God requires nothing more from us than to place our faith in Him.
If you believe that He died on the cross, that He rose from the dead on the third day, and that His blood has the power to cleanse your sins, then salvation is available to you
(Romans 10:9–10).
The work is finished—our role is simply to believe and trust in what He has done.
What It Means:
When Christ proclaimed ‘It is finished’ He was letting the world know that payment had been made.
The penalty for sin was fully paid, and no further sacrifice was needed.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Rest in the Finished Work of Christ
When Jesus said, "It is finished," He declared:
Prophecy fulfilled.
Path Has Been Cleared
Powers Have Been Defeated
and Payment Has Been Made
✔ Sin paid for.
✔ Satan defeated.
✔ Salvation secured.
Nothing more needs to be done!
Are you still trying to "earn" what Christ already finished?
Will you trust in His completed work today?
In Christ's declaration 'It is finished,' we find our ultimate victory over sin, freeing us to live transformed lives in light of His completed work.
Tetelestai, it is finished, is the Savior's final cry of victory.
When he died, he left no unfinished business behind.
Will you accept Jesus' finished work on the cross?
Will you stop striving and start resting in His grace?
Will you live in the victory He secured?
Because of Jesus, "It is finished!" Now, will you believe it?
