When Jesus declared “It is finished” on the cross (John 19:30), He wasn’t simply announcing the end of His earthly life—He was proclaiming the victorious completion of His divine mission. Those three words echo through eternity, signaling the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy, the final payment for sin, and the ultimate bridge between a holy God and a broken world. Everything Jesus came to accomplish—teaching, healing, loving, and ultimately dying for humanity—was now completed.
For believers today, “It is finished” is not just a moment in history—it’s a daily reminder of grace, freedom, and hope. Jesus’ sacrifice means your sins are paid for, your salvation is secure, and guilt no longer has the final word. His finished work invites us to live boldly, love deeply, and share the good news freely. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the powerful meaning behind Jesus’ final words—and what they mean for your life today.
When Jesus uttered the words “It is finished” on the cross, He wasn’t just signaling the end of His earthly suffering. Those three powerful words carried deep significance, marking the completion of a divine mission. Let’s dive into what Jesus meant and why these words are so crucial for Christians.
Understanding “It is finished”
First, let’s look at the context. John 19:30 records, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” Here, Jesus is on the cross, moments before His death. But what exactly was finished?
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ life and death fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. Isaiah 53:5 foretells, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Jesus’ crucifixion wasn’t a random act; it was part of God’s redemptive plan. By saying “It is finished,” Jesus was declaring that every prophecy about the Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice was completed.
Completion of His Earthly Mission
Jesus’ mission was to bridge the gap between God and humanity, caused by sin. In Luke 19:10, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught, healed, and demonstrated God’s love. His ultimate goal was to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. On the cross, Jesus completed this mission, offering salvation to all who believe.
The Significance for Believers
Understanding why Jesus said “It is finished” helps us grasp the magnitude of His sacrifice and its implications for our faith.
The Final Sacrifice
In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required to atone for sin. Hebrews 10:4 states, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” These sacrifices were a temporary solution. Jesus’ death, however, was the final and complete sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10 confirms, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to cover all sin, past, present, and future.
Atonement and Redemption
Sin separates us from God, but Jesus’ death reconciles us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant that the debt of sin was paid in full. We no longer have to rely on our efforts to be right with God; Jesus’ sacrifice has done that for us.
Victory Over Sin and Death
Jesus’ declaration also signifies His victory over sin and death. Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” By dying and then rising again, Jesus conquered death, offering eternal life to believers. His victory is our victory. When we accept Jesus, we share in His triumph over the grave.
Living in the Light of “It is finished”
So, how does this profound truth impact your daily life as a believer?
Assurance of Salvation
Knowing that Jesus completed the work of salvation gives you assurance. You don’t have to earn God’s favor; it’s already given through Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Your salvation is secure because of Jesus’ finished work.
Freedom from Guilt
Guilt can be a heavy burden, but Jesus’ sacrifice means you’re forgiven. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Because of Jesus, you can live free from the guilt and shame of past mistakes.
Motivation for Holy Living
Understanding the cost of your salvation should motivate you to live a holy life. Romans 12:1 urges, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Jesus’ sacrifice calls for a response of gratitude and obedience.
Sharing the Message
Finally, knowing the significance of “It is finished” equips you to share the gospel. People around you need to hear that they don’t have to earn their way to God. They need to know that Jesus has already paid the price. As 1 Peter 3:15 advises, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Conclusion
Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” are a triumphant declaration of the completion of God’s redemptive plan. They mean the fulfillment of prophecy, the completion of Jesus’ mission, and the final sacrifice for sin. For believers, these words provide assurance, freedom, and motivation. As you live out your faith, let the significance of “It is finished” empower and encourage you. And don’t keep this good news to yourself—share it with others who need to hear that Jesus has done it all.
FAQs on “Why Did Jesus Say ‘It is Finished’ on the Cross?”
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”?
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant that His mission to save humanity was complete. He had fulfilled all the prophecies about the Messiah, provided the final sacrifice for sin, and achieved victory over sin and death.
2. Why is “It is finished” significant for Christians?
This phrase is significant because it marks the completion of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the final atonement for sin, meaning believers no longer have to rely on their works for salvation. It’s a declaration of victory and assurance for all who believe in Him.
3. How does Jesus’ declaration affect my daily life?
Knowing that “It is finished” gives believers assurance of their salvation, freedom from guilt, and motivation to live a holy life. It means you can have confidence in your relationship with God, knowing that your sins are forgiven and that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient.
4. How does “It is finished” relate to Old Testament prophecies?
Jesus’ life and death fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice. By saying “It is finished,” Jesus was affirming that every prophecy about His mission had been completed.
5. What is the connection between “It is finished” and the final sacrifice?
In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required to atone for sin. Jesus’ death on the cross was the final, complete sacrifice for sin, rendering those previous sacrifices unnecessary. His sacrifice was sufficient to cover all sin, once and for all.
6. How does this declaration give me assurance of salvation?
Because Jesus completed the work of salvation, believers don’t have to earn God’s favor. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Knowing that “It is finished” means you can rest assured that your salvation is secure.
7. What does Jesus’ victory over sin and death mean for me?
Jesus’ victory over sin and death means that believers also share in this victory. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. This triumph provides hope and assurance for the future.
8. How should understanding “It is finished” impact my behavior?
Understanding the cost of your salvation should motivate you to live a life that honors God. Romans 12:1 encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. It’s a call to gratitude and obedience in response to Jesus’ sacrifice.
9. How can I share the message of “It is finished” with others?
Sharing this message involves explaining that Jesus has already paid the price for sin, and salvation is available to all who believe in Him. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have, as 1 Peter 3:15 suggests, and share this good news with those who need to hear it.
10. What Bible verses support the significance of “It is finished”?
Several Bible verses highlight the significance, including John 19:30 (the declaration itself), Isaiah 53:5 (prophecy of the Messiah’s suffering), Hebrews 10:10 (Jesus’ sacrifice once for all), and 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Jesus becoming sin for us). These verses help us understand the full meaning and implications of Jesus’ declaration on the cross.
