“It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” — John 19:30
At the climax of the crucifixion, just before Jesus surrendered His spirit, He spoke three words that echoed across eternity: “It is finished.” This declaration, though brief, is one of the most powerful and profound statements in all of Scripture. In these final moments, Jesus wasn’t whispering defeat; He was proclaiming victory.
What Was Finished?
To the casual observer, it might have looked like Jesus’ life was coming to a tragic end. But from heaven’s perspective, this was the completion of a divine mission. The phrase “It is finished” comes from the Greek word tetelestai, meaning paid in full. This was a term used in commerce to indicate that a debt had been fully paid. Jesus wasn’t just announcing the end of His suffering—He was declaring that the debt of sin had been canceled.
The law had been fulfilled. The prophecies had been completed. The Lamb of God had been sacrificed. Redemption was accomplished.
The End of an Old Covenant
Jesus’ death marked the end of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. No longer would the blood of bulls and goats be required to temporarily cover sin. Christ’s blood was sufficient—once and for all. The veil of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that direct access to God was now possible through Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51).
No more separation. No more rituals. Through the finished work of the cross, we are invited into a new and living relationship with God.
The Beginning of New Life
Though Jesus said, “It is finished,” He did not say, “I am finished.” His work on earth was done, but His story was far from over. Three days later, He would rise from the grave in power and glory, defeating death and offering eternal life to all who believe.
The cross was not a symbol of defeat, but of triumph. What was finished was sin’s stranglehold, death’s dominion, and Satan’s grip over humanity. Jesus laid down His life willingly, and in doing so, He purchased our freedom.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was speaking to every weary soul, every sinner in need of grace, every heart burdened by guilt and shame. He was saying:
- You don’t have to earn your salvation—it’s already been paid for.
- You are no longer under condemnation—grace is now your covering.
- You can live in victory—not in bondage.
We no longer strive for acceptance; we rest in what Christ has done. Our sins—past, present, and future—were nailed to that cross. There is nothing more to add, and nothing we can take away from His perfect sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
As Jesus bowed His head and gave up His spirit, the world would never be the same. That dark day on Calvary became the brightest light in history. In His death, we find life. In His surrender, we find freedom. In His final words, we find our eternal hope:
“It is finished.”
Hallelujah. The work is done. The way is open. Salvation is here.
Have you received the gift that Jesus finished for you?
Now is the time to stop striving and start believing. Let His finished work become the beginning of your new life.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57