“It is finished.”

These are the last words Jesus spoke prior to His death (Jn. 19:30), and it is these three words that have held my attention for several weeks.

What is finished? What is the “it” Christ references, and how finished is “finished?”

This three-word sentence is actually just one word in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, yet it is the essence of the major theological tenets we hold dear: justification, redemption, sanctification, and glorification. Further, this one cry embodies the inspiration of creation, the incarnation, and the entire scope of eternity.

One word. Translated into three. Carrying the combined weight, genius, and remarkable life of Jesus Christ.

“It” is the problem of sin, the necessity of justice for offences against God, the resolution of God to address the rebellion of mankind, the invasion of earth by Jesus Christ, the demands of the law, the coronation of a new covenant between God and man, the redemption and recovery of God’s lost love, total forgiveness, the transformation option for mankind to be reborn into a new lineage, the prospect of eternal relationship with God, and the removal of all impediments for the commissioning of the Holy Spirit. This is the “it” Jesus references.

“Is” means now. This moment...and this one...and now this one. The “it” that is finished is relevant to each of your moments.

And just how finished is this finished work? That's next, as well as why this examination of grammar matters.

Finished (1 of 2)