“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30, ESV)
Powerful words, but what do they mean? The religious leaders and angry crowd were probably thinking, “Good riddance; it’s finished!” Satan was probably thinking, “I win. He’s finished.” The disciples probably thought, “We left everything, and now it’s finished?” Yet, to Jesus, they meant, “Father, I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4).
So, what was the finished work? Jesus’ death marked the end of relating to God through good behavior and religious rituals. He initiated a new way – knowing the Father personally and living in intimate oneness with Him through a new covenant. As I prepare to celebrate that finished work and what it cost Him, I bow in humble adoration and gratitude. To me, His finished work means:
– I am no longer the person I used to be; I am a new creation.
– I am no longer under condemnation; My Father sees me in Christ as righteous, holy, and blameless.
– I am no longer an enemy of God under His wrath. I live in His love and favor.
– I am no longer a spiritual orphan; I’m His dearly-loved daughter.
– I am no longer searching for love in all the wrong places; I’m secure in my Father’s unfailing love.
– I am no longer alone; I am one with Christ; His Spirit lives in me and will never leave or forsake me.
– I am no longer a pauper; I have a rich inheritance through God’s promises to me.
– I am no longer blind to spiritual things; I see God moving in my life.
– I am no longer a slave to sin; as a bondservant of Christ, I’m free and empowered to walk in holiness.
– I am no longer a victim; I have Christ’s power and authority to stand against my enemies.
– I am no longer taken captive by the enemy’s lies; I walk in the truth that sets me free.
– I am no longer driven by religious rules and traditions; the love of Christ controls me.
– I am no longer bound to this world; I’m a citizen of heaven and am seated in heavenly places.
– I no longer live in guilt and shame. I’m forgiven, cleansed, and justified.
– I no longer strive to be good enough for God; I have Christ’s righteousness – more than enough.
– I no longer perform for my Father’s love, acceptance, or approval. It’s freely and unconditionally given.
– I no longer stand far off from God; I come boldly before Him and know His love, mercy, and grace.
– I no longer need someone speaking to God for me and telling me what He said. I can hear His voice.
– I no longer live under the law of sin and death; I am under the law of love and liberty.
– I no longer stumble in the darkness; I live in the Kingdom of light.
– I no longer work for God; I co-labor with Him. He works in me to will and to do His good pleasure.
– I no longer trust in my flesh; His Spirit equips me with everything good for doing my Father’s will.
– I no longer wonder if God is disappointed in me; He works in me that which is pleasing in His sight.
– I no longer try to love God; He poured His love into my heart and is perfecting that love in me.
– I no longer live without purpose; I have a destiny, a hope, and a future in God’s Kingdom.
– I no longer wander aimlessly; I have a Teacher, Counselor, Helper, and Guide in the Holy Spirit.
– I no longer live in fear; my Father’s love casts out all fear.
– I no longer live in anxiety; my Father keeps me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Him.
– I no longer live in sorrow; I cast my cares on Jesus because He cares for me.
– I no longer have to figure this Christian life out; I walk in childlike faith and trust my Father’s plans.
“Father, thank You for loving me so much that You gave up Your Son so that I can have life and have it more abundantly. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving your life to reconcile me back to the Father to live as a new creation. Thank You for delivering me from the power of sin and death, from my sin-sick, self- serving life, and for giving me hope and a future. Thank You for the finished work that has made me new and one with You.”
Lisa Moore