BY JACK WARD
Some people have a way with words. They just have such a grasp of language and an eloquence of speech that they are always saying things that are deeply profound. Jesus was a person like that. All through the years of His recorded ministry, one thing about Him kept the people spellbound: His ability to say things in a manner in which they had never been said before.
As Jesus was preparing to give His life a ransom for sin, the Bible tells us that He made this simple statement: “It is finished!” I believe that these are the greatest words Jesus Christ ever spoke and I would like to tell you why.
For years, liberals and unbelievers have declared that this cry of Jesus from the cross is a cry of defeat. They say it is the word of a man who lost everything. However, they are a million miles from the truth of the matter. This English phrase is from a word that is very expressive and filled with meaning. In fact, it is the greek word “testelisti” that means “paid in full” or the “deal is completed.” It was the rubber “Paid” stamp on the bill that we owed God. We are sinners and could not pay our sin debt to God. We could not give God anything to make us righteous and gain forgiveness for our sins.
The term “It is finished” was used in many areas of society then and today. Some included:
1. A Servant’s Word – Used when a task had been completed.
2. A Priest’s Word – Used when a sacrificial animal was found worthy.
3. A Farmer’s Word – Used when a perfect specimen had been born into the flock.
4. An Artist’s Word – Used when the final touches had been applied to a masterpiece.
5. 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. Therefore, it is plain to see that this word is not the cry of a defeated man but is instead the shout of a victor! This is the exultant cry of one who has just won a great victory.
The victory is that in Jesus our salvation is truly finished! God asks no more of us than for us to place our faith in the work that Jesus finished on the cross. Over 185 times in the New Testament, the sole condition given for salvation is belief — having faith or trust in Jesus Christ. The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. All those who place their trust in Jesus for salvation will be saved from the coming judgment. To add any other condition to faith for salvation is to make justification a matter of works. Our salvation was finished and completed at the cross.
Now do you see why I said this is the greatest thing Jesus ever said? Because “it is finished,” you and I can enjoy salvation through the blood of Jesus without having to fear that our works aren’t good enough. We can enjoy fellowship with the Lord knowing that He will accept us because we have accepted His Son. Jesus Christ plus nothing equals everything!
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