It is Finished

5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (LSB) 

One of the teachings in the Word-Faith movement from their leadership is that Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross was insufficient to accomplish the salvation of His people. They teach that Jesus then had to go to Hell to suffer as a lost person by being tormented by Satan. If that were true then what did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”? (John 19:30)

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been finished, in order to finish the Scripture, *said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28-30 (LSB) 

The Greek verb that is translated “finished” carries the idea of fulfilling one’s task and in religious contexts has the idea of fulfilling one’s religious obligations. Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God completed the entire work of redemption. This Greek word that is translated as “It is finished” has been found in the papyri being placed on receipts for taxes meaning “paid in full.” What does this tell us? God is Sovereign. Jesus’ death and resurrection were all according to plan. Also, Jesus’ death on the cross was a great victory because through it He purchased or redeemed His people.  View article →