It Is Finished

Introduction: The Cry of Completion, Not Collapse

In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ final words are not whispered in weakness but declared in authority: “It is finished.”

The Greek word Tetelestai was used in several important ways:

Servants used it when a task was completed

artists used it when a masterpiece was finished

Priests used it when a sacrifice was accepted

Merchants used it when a debt was paid in full Merchants

John is telling us: everything necessary for redemption has been fully accomplished.

I. The Work of Atonement Was Finished

(He Paid the Penalty for Sin)

Expanded Commentary:

At the cross, Jesus dealt with the central problem of humanity: sin before a holy God.

God is not only loving—He is just

Justice demands punishment for sin Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We deserve death. Not just a physical death but to be eteranlly separated from God in Hell.

The cross is where justice and mercy meet

Jesus did not merely suffer physically—He endured the full weight of divine wrath.

→ He bore the penalty

→ He stood in our place

→ He reconciled us to God

When Jesus says “It is finished,” He means:

God’s justice is completely satisfied

This is why Hebrews 10:1 “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.”

None of the Old Testament sacrifices could take away sins. Their blood only covered sin and it was temporary.

But the Lamb of God shed His blood, and that blood (and only that blood) can take away the sins of the world

Pastoral Depth:

Many Christians live as if their sins are only partially paid for—like they must “make up the difference.”

But if there were even one sin unpaid, Jesus could not say, “It is finished.”

Application:

Stop trying to earn forgiveness. You could never ear it!

Jesus Christ never died for our good works. They were not worth dying for. But he gave himself for our sins, according to the Scriptures.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)

Rest in a completed atonement

II. The Fulfillment of Scripture Was Finished

(He Completed God’s Redemptive Plan)

Expanded Commentary:

John repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus acted “to fulfill Scripture.” The cross is not a tragic accident—it is the climax of God’s eternal plan.

From beginning to end, the Bible points here:

The promise of a serpent-crusher (Genesis 3:15)

The sacrificial system (Leviticus)

The suffering servant (Isaiah 53)

The pierced and mocked Messiah (Psalm 22)

Jesus fulfills:

→ perfect obedience The Law

→ messianic promises The Prophets

→ sacrifices, temple, priesthood The Types and Shadows

When He says “It is finished,” He is declaring:

“Everything the Father sent Me to do—I have done.”

Theological Insight:

God’s is soverign in evertyhing he does, including our salvation. Nothing is random. Nothing is reactive. Everything is intentional.

Application:

You can trust a God who always keeps His Word

Your salvation is not fragile—it rests on God’s eternal plan

III. The Power of Sin Was Broken

(He Defeated Sin’s Dominion)

Expanded Commentary:

The cross doesn’t just forgive sin—it breaks its power.

Before Christ:

We are not neutral—we are enslaved to sin

John 8:34 “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

Sin is not just what we do—it is what we are. We are born into sin.

BUT, through the cross:

Our old self is crucified with Christ

Romans 6:6 “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

Sin’s dominion is shattered

Romans 6:14 “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

We are given a new identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

This means:

We still sin, because we still live with fallen bodies in an fallen world but we are no longer under sins’s authority

If we have placed our faith in Jesus, then:

→ freedom from sin’s penalty Justification

→ freedom from sin’s power (progressively) Sanctification

Jesus guaranttes both with his words“It is finished”

Fight sin knowing it has already been defeated

Don’t identify with your sin—identify with Christ

IV. The Victory Over Satan Was Won

(He Defeated the Enemy)

Expanded Commentary:

At the cross, Jesus didn’t just deal with sin—He defeated Satan himself.

Satan’s primary weapon is:

(“You are guilty before God”) Accusation

But the cross removes his ammunition:

No condemnation remains (Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

The record of debt is canceled (Colossians 2:14–15 “by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Ironically:

Satan thought the cross was his victory

It was actually his defeat

This is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15:

The serpent bruises His heel, but Christ crushes his head.

When accused, point to the cross

When tempted, remember the enemy is already defeated

Stand firm in Christ’s authority, not your strength

Conclusion: Nothing Needs to Be Added

Jesus didn’t leave salvation unfinished. By his words “it is finished” he declares Salvation is finished. The perfect, holy, sacrifice required for sin’s consequence has been given.

The only right response is to respond in faith:

GOSPEL

Are you trusting in your works — or in Christ’s finished work?

Will you rest in “It is finished,” or keep striving to earn what’s already been secured? How I love the voice of Jesus On the Cross of Calvary He declares his work is finished He has spoken this hope to me Though the sun had ceased its shining – Though the war appeared as lost Christ had triumphed over evil It was finished upon that Cross