Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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.

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