The phrase "It is finished" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John. In John 19:30 , it is recorded: "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished.' And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit."
The declaration "It is finished" (Greek: "Tetelestai") is one of the final sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross. This statement is profound in its theological significance, marking the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It signifies the culmination of Jesus' sacrificial work, the atonement for sin, and the reconciliation between God and humanity.
Theological Significance:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Jesus' declaration indicates the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering servant and the Messiah's role in salvation history. Passages such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 foreshadow the suffering and redemptive work of Christ.
2. Completion of the Law:
By stating "It is finished," Jesus affirms that He has perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law. His life and sacrificial death satisfy the demands of the law, providing a new covenant of grace for believers.
3. Atonement for Sin:
The phrase underscores the completion of the atonement process. Jesus' death on the cross serves as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, once and for all. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."
4. Victory Over Sin and Death:
"It is finished" signifies Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus conquers the grave, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. This victory is echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 : "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
5. Assurance of Salvation:
For believers, "It is finished" provides assurance of salvation. The work of redemption is complete, and nothing can be added to it. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, not by works, so that no one can boast
Historical and Cultural Context:
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the term "tetelestai" was commonly used in various contexts, such as in business transactions to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. This cultural understanding enriches the theological implications of Jesus' words, emphasizing that the debt of sin has been fully satisfied through His sacrifice.
Impact on Christian Doctrine:
The phrase "It is finished" is central to Christian doctrine, particularly in the understanding of soteriology (the study of salvation). It affirms the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the believer's justification by faith. This declaration is a cornerstone of the doctrine of grace, underscoring that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a completed work of Christ.
Liturgical and Devotional Use:
In Christian liturgy and devotion, "It is finished" is often reflected upon during Good Friday services, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the love of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son. Devotionally, believers meditate on this phrase to deepen their understanding of Christ's love and the assurance of their salvation.
The declaration "It is finished" (Greek: "Tetelestai") is one of the final sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross. This statement is profound in its theological significance, marking the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It signifies the culmination of Jesus' sacrificial work, the atonement for sin, and the reconciliation between God and humanity.
Theological Significance:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Jesus' declaration indicates the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering servant and the Messiah's role in salvation history. Passages such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 foreshadow the suffering and redemptive work of Christ.
2. Completion of the Law:
By stating "It is finished," Jesus affirms that He has perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law. His life and sacrificial death satisfy the demands of the law, providing a new covenant of grace for believers.
3. Atonement for Sin:
The phrase underscores the completion of the atonement process. Jesus' death on the cross serves as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, once and for all. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."
4. Victory Over Sin and Death:
"It is finished" signifies Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus conquers the grave, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. This victory is echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 : "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
5. Assurance of Salvation:
For believers, "It is finished" provides assurance of salvation. The work of redemption is complete, and nothing can be added to it. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, not by works, so that no one can boast
Historical and Cultural Context:
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the term "tetelestai" was commonly used in various contexts, such as in business transactions to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. This cultural understanding enriches the theological implications of Jesus' words, emphasizing that the debt of sin has been fully satisfied through His sacrifice.
Impact on Christian Doctrine:
The phrase "It is finished" is central to Christian doctrine, particularly in the understanding of soteriology (the study of salvation). It affirms the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the believer's justification by faith. This declaration is a cornerstone of the doctrine of grace, underscoring that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a completed work of Christ.
Liturgical and Devotional Use:
In Christian liturgy and devotion, "It is finished" is often reflected upon during Good Friday services, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the love of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son. Devotionally, believers meditate on this phrase to deepen their understanding of Christ's love and the assurance of their salvation.
