It is finished

Talk about famous last words.

"It is finished."

Spoken by Jesus on the Cross as he gave up his spirit (John 19:30), and combined with the power of his resurrection, these three words mean absolutely everything to me as a believer.

Sometimes in order to fully grasp what something is, I have to first understand what it is not.

"It is finished" is not "It is almost finished."

"It is finished" is not "My part is finished. Your turn."

"It is finished" is a statement of fact; not a question.

The way I live most days, you'd sure think I believe this is what Jesus said. And I hate that. It's exhausting and wrong. God's word is full of truth reminding me I cannot earn salvation; I cannot win more of God's love through good deeds; I cannot be more forgiven than I already am. Because it is finished.

My salvation was completely earned by Jesus.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! - Galatians 2:21

God's love for me is extravagant and unchanging throughout all time.

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5

My sin is covered by the blood of Jesus and forgiveness has been fully granted.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. - Ephesians 1:7

"It is finished" is my greatest joy. When I believe it as I should, I find rest in Who my God is and fully enjoy him as he desires and deserves.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. - Acts 4:12

Don't miss it....salvation is found in no one else. Not in me or my best efforts. Not in you or your clergy's forgiveness. Not in any social justice cause or religious ritual or even in devoted scripture memorization or powerful prayer time. Salvation is found only in Jesus and his finished work. May we never be guilty of adding a question mark where God has placed a period.

For me, "It is finished" is the most powerful combination of words ever spoken.

I'm recommitting myself to believe it - and to live it each and every day.

Dear Doubting Me,

Just for today, stop trying to prove you are good enough. You know full well God's word proves over and over - you aren't!

"For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." (Psalm 51)

And you also know the good news - Jesus is good enough. He covers your failings completely.

"...the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1)

And not only does he cover your sin, he has the supernatural power to redeem and use it to bring glory to his Name.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8)

So just for today, rest in that. Rejoice in that. Live THAT.

Love,
Believing Me

Scandalous

Something that is so far beyond unfair, it's scandalous ... everything I've ever done ... and I'm forgiven.

Think you don't need a Savior? Take a look at God's commands:

No other gods, only me.

No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am God, your God.

No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.

Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Honor your father and mother so that you’ll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you.

No murder.

No adultery.

No stealing.

No lies about your neighbor.

No lusting after your neighbor’s house—or wife (or husband)...Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbor’s.


I'm guilty. So, so guilty. When I was younger, I used to look at the list and think, "Well, I haven't done that or that and certainly not THAT. I'm doing pretty good." But pretty good doesn't cut it. Plus, it's a lie. None of us are doing pretty good. God is holy. We cannot enter his presence except through faith in his perfect Son, Jesus. His righteousness covers our unrighteousness.

Jesus paid the steep and painful price for my ugly rebellion against a Father who has done nothing but love me. It's scandalous that I'm forgiven. But I am. And because of that truth...

I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bride with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10

Oh, how he loves you and me!