“It Is Finished” — The Completed Work of Christ (John 19:30)
When Jesus declared “It is finished” on the cross, He was not simply announcing the end of His suffering. He was proclaiming the complete fulfillment of God’s promises and the prophecies spoken throughout the Old Testament. This statement marks the divine completion of the work that the Father had given Him to accomplish.
1. Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled at the Cross
The Messiah Would Be Pierced
Prophecy – Isaiah 53:5
“He was pierced for our transgressions…”
Fulfillment – John 19:34
“One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear…”
None of His Bones Would Be Broken
Prophecy – Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20
“Not one of His bones will be broken.”
Fulfillment – John 19:33, 36
“When they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs…
These things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled…”
His Side Would Be Pierced and Seen
Prophecy – Zechariah 12:10
“They will look on the One they pierced.”
Fulfillment – John 19:37
“They will look on Him whom they pierced.”
His Garments Would Be Gambled For
Prophecy – Psalm 22:18
“They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
Fulfillment – John 19:23–24
“This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled…”
He Would Be Given Sour Wine
Prophecy – Psalm 69:21
“They gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
Fulfillment – John 19:29–30
“Jesus received the sour wine and said, ‘It is finished.’”
2. What “It Is Finished” Truly Means
The words “It is finished” signify the completion of God’s redemptive plan, which was foretold through the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
This includes:
- The fulfillment of messianic prophecies
- The completion of the sacrificial work for sin
- The opening of the way to God
- The beginning of the New Covenant
- The victory over sin through Jesus’ blood
Jesus accomplished everything the Father had commanded. The prophecies were not partially fulfilled — they were fully completed.
3. What This Means for Believers Today
Jesus completed His work, but the believer’s journey begins by entering into what He has accomplished. The Bible teaches:
- We must be born of water and Spirit (John 3:5).
- We must be born of God’s seed (James 1:18; Luke 8).
- We must be harvested at the end of the age (Matthew 13).
- We must overcome to receive God’s promises (Revelation 2–3).
- Our names must be written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21).
Jesus finished His mission; now believers must walk according to the fulfilled Word.
4. A Call to Enter the Completed Word
“It is finished” is a divine invitation.
It invites us to enter the Word that has already been fulfilled and to understand the promises that God has completed.
Through the fulfilled Word:
- We find life
- We understand God’s will
- We walk the path opened through the cross
- We hold to the New Covenant without adding or subtracting (Rev. 22:18–19)
Today, may we remember what Jesus completed on the cross and examine how we are living within the Word He fulfilled.
