It Is Finished!
John 19:28-30 . . . After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.
“It Is Finished”
Exploring the Meaning Behind Christ’s Final Words on the Cross
By Benedict I.k, April 15, 2025
When Jesus uttered the words “It is finished” from the cross at Calvary, He spoke a declaration that would echo throughout eternity. This powerful statement—just three words in English but a single word in Greek (Tetelestai)—represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
For a person seeking to understand the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, these final words offer profound insight into what was accomplished at Calvary. More than a mere expression of relief that His suffering was ending, Jesus’s declaration marked the completion of something extraordinary—something that would forever change humanity’s relationship with God.
In this moment, suspended between heaven and earth, Christ proclaimed that the work of salvation was complete. But what exactly was finished? And how do these words transform our understanding of faith and redemption today?
Have you ever considered the full weight of what Jesus meant when He declared “It is finished”? The answer to this question unlocks treasures of hope and assurance for every believer.
I. The Historical and Linguistic Context of
“It Is Finished”
The Greek Word “Tetelestai” and Its Rich Meaning
In the original Greek text of John 19:30, Jesus’s declaration “It is finished” is captured in the single, powerful word “Tetelestai”. To understand the profound significance of this statement, we must explore its linguistic depth.
Tetelestai is the perfect tense of the Greek verb teleō, which means “to complete,” “to fulfill,” or “to accomplish.” The perfect tense is crucial here because it signifies a completed action with ongoing results. In other words, when Jesus declared “It is finished,” He was proclaiming that His work was not only complete at that moment but would remain complete for all eternity.
As biblical scholar Dr. Gary Manning Jr. explains, “In John, we have been expecting that Jesus will finish the task that the Father has given him. Part of Jesus’ task that he finished was bringing his message to people like the Samaritan woman. His miracles were also some of the work that he completed. But clearly the most important finished task was Jesus going to the cross.”
Several common uses of tetelestai in ancient Greek culture help illuminate what Jesus might have meant:
A servant’s declaration: When a servant completed an assigned task, they would report to their master with “Tetelestai,” meaning “I have completed the work assigned to me.”
A priestly pronouncement: Priests examining sacrificial lambs would declare “Tetelestai” when finding one without blemish, signifying it was perfect for sacrifice.
An artist’s completion: Artists would step back from their finished masterpieces and declare “Tetelestai” when no further touches were needed.
A legal/commercial term: Perhaps most significantly, “Tetelestai” was written across business documents or receipts to indicate “paid in full” when a debt had been completely satisfied.
What do these ancient uses reveal about Jesus’s intention? They demonstrate that Jesus was declaring the complete fulfillment of His mission—the debt of sin fully paid, the perfect sacrifice offered, and God’s masterpiece of redemption completed.
Understanding John 19:30 in Its Biblical Context
To fully grasp the significance of “It is finished,” we must place John 19:30 within its proper context:
“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)
Painting by Christina Ged
This statement follows Jesus’s declaration of thirst in John 19:28, where Scripture notes, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.'” This reference to fulfilling Scripture is crucial for understanding what Jesus meant by “It is finished.”
Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly speaks about completing the work the Father gave Him to do:
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)
“The works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing…” (John 5:36)
“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (John 17:4)
In the context of these earlier statements, Jesus’s final declaration “It is finished” serves as the culmination of His mission. It wasn’t just that His suffering was over—rather, His divine purpose had been fulfilled.
Biblical scholar N.T. Wright notes, “The word tetelestai doesn’t just mean ‘it’s over’ in the sense of something coming to an end. It means ‘it’s completed,’ ‘it’s accomplished,’ ‘the job is done.'”
II. What Was Finished? The Theological Significance
The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies and Types
When Jesus declared “It is finished,” He was announcing the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic promises. Throughout the Old Testament, God had been preparing for this moment through prophecies, types, and shadows that pointed to Christ’s redemptive work.
Consider these fulfilled prophecies:
The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 prophesied a suffering servant who would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows, be pierced for our transgressions, and make intercession for transgressors. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy completely.
The Passover Lamb: The Passover lamb (Exodus 12) foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death, Christ’s blood now protects believers from spiritual death.
The Sacrificial System: The entire Levitical sacrificial system pointed to the need for a perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1-4 explains that these sacrifices could never take away sins but were “a shadow of the good things to come.”
The Messianic Prophecies: Over 300 specific prophecies about the Messiah—from His birthplace (Micah 5:2) to His suffering (Psalm 22) to His resurrection (Psalm 16:10)—found their fulfillment in Jesus.
Pastor Clarence L. Haynes Jr. explains, “Jesus life and death completed many prophecies, which we find throughout the Old Testament. Even when Jesus was in a place of agony and close to the point of death, he remembered every prophecy written and made sure each one would be fulfilled.”
The Complete Atonement for Sin
Perhaps the most significant aspect of what was “finished” at the cross was the complete atonement for sin. Several key theological concepts help us understand this:
Propitiation: Christ’s death satisfied (propitiated) the righteous wrath of God against sin. “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Expiation: Not only was God’s wrath satisfied, but our sin was removed. Psalm 103:12 beautifully illustrates this: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
Reconciliation: The broken relationship between God and humanity was restored. “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Redemption: We were purchased from slavery to sin. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7).
The Puritan preacher Charles Spurgeon captured this beautifully when he wrote: “The cup was drained; not a drop was left… The great ten-thronged whip of the Law was worn out upon His back. There is no lash left with which to smite one for whom Jesus died.”
The Defeat of Satan, Sin, and Death
With His declaration “It is finished,” Jesus announced His victory over the trinity of evil—Satan, sin, and death:
Satan’s Defeat: Genesis 3:15 prophesied that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. At the cross, this prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus dealt the decisive blow to Satan’s power. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
Sin’s Power Broken: Romans 6:14 assures us, “Sin will have no dominion over you.” The cross broke sin’s enslaving power over believers.
Death Conquered: Though physical death remains, its sting has been removed. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?… But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55, 57).
Theologian John Stott summarizes this victory: “The cross was the triumph of good over evil, of love over hate, of life over death.”
III. The Meaning of “It Is Finished” for Christians Today
Complete Assurance of Salvation
The declaration “It is finished” provides believers with complete assurance of salvation. Unlike other religious systems that require adherents to earn salvation through works or rituals, Christianity proclaims that Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation.
This assurance has several important implications:
Freedom from Performance-Based Religion: We don’t need to earn God’s favor through our works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Certainty of Salvation: Because Christ’s work is complete, believers can have confidence in their salvation. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
Peace with God: Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The finished work of Christ brings an end to the warfare between God and sinners.
Freedom from the Burden of Legalism
Christ’s declaration “It is finished” liberates believers from the heavy yoke of legalism. No longer must we strive to keep an impossible standard to win God’s approval.
Consider these aspects of our freedom:
Release from the Law’s Condemnation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The law’s power to condemn has been nullified for believers.
Liberty in Christ: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). We are called to live in the freedom Christ purchased.
Acceptance in the Beloved: We are “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6, NKJV). God now sees us through the lens of Christ’s perfect righteousness.
Jesus welcomes us as His family: Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
As J.C. Ryle wrote, “We need not fear that either sin or Satan or law shall condemn us at the last day. We may lean back on the thought, that we have a Savior Who has done all, paid all, accomplished all, and performed all that is necessary for our salvation.”
Living in the Reality of Christ’s Finished Work
Understanding that “It is finished” doesn’t mean we have nothing to do as Christians. Rather, it transforms the nature of our doing:
From Working for Approval to Working from Approval: Our service now flows from gratitude rather than fear. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Rest in Christ’s Accomplishment: Hebrews 4:10 speaks of entering God’s rest: “For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” We can cease striving and rest in what Christ has accomplished.
Freedom to Serve in Love: Galatians 5:13 exhorts, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Pastor Tony Evans captures this tension beautifully: “Salvation is not a reward for the righteous, it’s a gift for the guilty.”
IV. Applying “It Is Finished” to Christian Living
Embracing Complete Forgiveness
One of the most powerful applications of “It is finished” is embracing the complete forgiveness Christ has secured for us:
Accepting God’s Forgiveness: Many Christians intellectually know they’re forgiven but struggle to feel forgiven. The truth of “It is finished” reminds us that our forgiveness isn’t based on our feelings but on Christ’s completed work.
Forgiving Others: Jesus taught that those who have been forgiven much should also forgive others. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Forgiving Ourselves: Self-condemnation often persists even after we’ve accepted God’s forgiveness. However, if God declares our debt paid in full, who are we to say otherwise?
No Condemnation: Romans 8:1 declares, “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” This signifies that believers who are in Christ are freed from the penalty of sin and are considered righteous in God’s sight.
Overcoming Sin Through Christ’s Victory
Christ’s proclamation “It is finished” doesn’t just address the penalty of sin but also its power in our lives:
Recognizing Our Death to Sin: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (Romans 6:6).
Living in Resurrection Power: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Actively Appropriating Christ’s Victory: “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).
Pastor Rick Warren explains, “The Bible says that Christ has already defeated sin, shame, Satan, temptation, and death. When you’re in Christ, you’re tied to his anchor.”
Finding Purpose in Sharing the Finished Work
The knowledge that “It is finished” doesn’t lead to passivity but propels us to action:
The Great Commission: The completed work of Jesus on the cross motivates us to fulfill His Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).
Living as Ambassadors: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent the One who has finished the work of reconciliation.
Joyful Testimony: Our testimony becomes not about our own spiritual achievements but about what Christ has already accomplished on our behalf.
Evangelist Billy Graham often noted, “Salvation is the greatest miracle of God. Salvation means that Christ paid the debt of our sin and provided freedom from the power of sin.”
V. Common Questions About “It Is Finished”
If Jesus Said “It Is Finished,” Why Do Christians Still Struggle with Sin?
This question addresses a common misunderstanding about what was “finished” at the cross. While the penalty and power of sin were decisively dealt with, the presence of sin remains until Christ’s return and our glorification.
Theologians distinguish between:
Justification (Completed): The legal declaration of righteousness based on Christ’s finished work.
Sanctification (Ongoing): The process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Glorification (Future): The final removal of sin’s presence when we receive our resurrection bodies.
As Paul honestly acknowledges in Romans 7:19, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Yet he immediately follows with the triumphant declaration that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
If Salvation Is Complete, What Role Do Good Works Play?
The New Testament clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, it also emphasizes the importance of good works as evidence of genuine faith (James 2:14-26).
The proper understanding is:
Good Works Don’t Contribute to Salvation: They are the result of salvation, not its cause.
Good Works Demonstrate Genuine Faith: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
Good Works Glorify God: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Theologian Wayne Grudem explains, “We are not saved by good works, but for good works.”
How Does “It Is Finished” Relate to Christ’s Resurrection?
Some may wonder why we emphasize “It is finished” when Christ’s resurrection was still to come. Here’s how they relate:
The Cross Accomplished Redemption: The price was paid, and the work was finished at the cross.
The Resurrection Confirms Redemption: It serves as the Father’s “receipt” or confirmation that Christ’s payment was accepted.
The Resurrection Guarantees Our Future: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
As Pastor Clarence Haynes explains, “While it is true the work on the cross paid the price in full, which is why Jesus said, ‘it is finished,’ it is the resurrection that seals the deal… His resurrection also proved Jesus was who he said he was.”
VI. The Transforming Power of “It Is Finished” in Daily Christian Life
Experiencing Peace Through Christ’s Completed Work
The declaration “It is finished” offers believers a profound sense of peace:
Peace with God: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Peace of God: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Peace in Trials: Knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence.
Martin Luther found such peace when he realized that righteousness was a gift received through faith rather than achieved through works. This realization transformed not only his life but sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Finding Rest in an Age of Anxiety
In our performance-driven culture where anxiety and burnout are epidemic, “It is finished” offers a countercultural message of rest:
Rest from Striving: We no longer need to exhaust ourselves trying to earn what Christ has freely given.
Rest in Identity: Our worth comes from who we are in Christ, not what we accomplish.
Rest in Providence: We can trust that the God who finished our salvation will also complete His good work in us (Philippians 1:6). Furthermore, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28).
Living with Purpose in Light of Eternity
Far from leading to passivity, understanding “It is finished” propels us toward purposeful living:
Freedom to Risk: Because our eternal future is secure, we can take bold risks for the Kingdom without fear of failure.
Motivation to Serve: Gratitude for Christ’s completed work motivates selfless service to others.
Perspective on Trials: Present sufferings are put in perspective when viewed through the lens of Christ’s accomplished redemption.
As the apostle Paul declared, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
VII. Conclusion: Living in the Reality of “It Is Finished”
As we conclude our exploration of Christ’s powerful declaration “It is finished,” we’re faced with a profound choice: Will we continue to live as though our acceptance with God depends on our performance, or will we embrace the liberating truth that Christ has fully accomplished our redemption?
The finished work of Christ isn’t merely a theological concept to be understood but a transformative reality to be lived. When we truly grasp what happened at Calvary—that the debt was paid in full, that reconciliation was accomplished, that victory was secured—it revolutionizes how we approach God, ourselves, others, and even our struggles.
Every time we partake of communion, we celebrate this reality. Every time we confess our sins, we rest in this truth. Every time we face temptation, we stand on this victory. And one day, when we see Christ face to face, we will fully experience the glorious results of His declaration “It is finished.”
May we live today and every day in light of Christ’s finished work, with hearts full of gratitude, lives marked by freedom, and voices ready to proclaim the good news that “It is finished!”
The Future Restoration of all Things
As the pages of redemptive history unfold, the ultimate purpose for creation is revealed—total restoration of all things. This is not merely a return to a pre-fall state; it is a cosmic renewal whereby all things are reconciled to God through Christ: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19–20, ESV). This renewal encompasses the physical and spiritual realms, culminating in a new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1).
A Prayer of Response
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, who declared “It is finished” on the cross. Help us to live in the reality of Christ’s completed work—not striving to earn what has been freely given, but resting in Your perfect love and acceptance.
When we’re tempted to add to Christ’s work through our own efforts, remind us of the sufficiency of the cross. When we struggle with guilt and shame, help us remember that our debt has been paid in full. And when we face temptation, strengthen us to stand in the victory Christ has already won.
May the truth that “It is finished” transform how we relate to You, to others, and to ourselves. Let it free us to serve You with joy, to love others generously, and to live with unshakable hope.
In the name of Jesus, who completed all things for our redemption, Amen.