It is Finished
John 19:30: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Death is typically viewed as a finish, the termination of life on earth. The Bible, in Revelation 21:8, speaks of the second death, which is the lot of every unredeemed soul. Life here has ceased, but an eternal death has commenced … it is finished! When Jesus died, however, God’s redemption plan was completed. This would be evidenced a couple of days later when Jesus exited the tomb. Also finished: the power of sin, death and Satan … It is finished!
Like a dread disease, the Apostle James tells us that when sin has run its course, it brings death. Paul described the end reward of sin: death. However, he also spoke of God’s gift of eternal life “through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We now have the opportunity to choose our end. Jesus made a way for those who are finished with sin, so when this life is over, we merely step into a never-ending life with the Lord.
Fifty days after Jesus was crucified, the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the followers of Jesus (Acts 2:1-4). This caused quite a stir, and those gathered asked what this was they were witnessing. The Apostle Peter showed through Old Testament prophecy that this was the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on mankind. By the time Peter was through with his message, people in the crowd had determined they were finished with sin, and asked what they MUST do. Faith in what Jesus provided by death required some action on their part.
Acts 2:38-39: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
This Easter is a great time to decide “It is finished” in regard to sin, and to respond as those of whom we read. Forgiveness, cleansing, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost is the promise to “whosoever will.”
2 Corinthians 6:2 (BBE): (For he says, I have given ear to you at a good time, and I have been your helper in a day of salvation: see, now is the good time; now is the day of salvation):