IT IS FINISHED

IT IS FINISHED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 15:37-39

Key Verse: “And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.” (Mark 15:37)

Supporting Texts: John 19:30, Colossians 2:14-15, Hebrews 10:12-14, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 8:1-2

Description: This study reveals the completed work of Christ on the cross and the victory it secured for every believer.

INTRODUCTION

Mark 15:37-39 captures the climactic moment of Christ’s earthly mission. With a loud cry, Jesus gave up His spirit, marking the completion of His redemptive work. This was not a cry of defeat but a declaration of victory.

The parallel account in John records the words, “It is finished,” signifying that everything required for salvation had been accomplished. The price for sin had been paid in full, and the power of darkness had been broken.

This moment changed the course of history. The cross was not the end but the beginning of victory for all who believe. It calls us to live in the reality of what Christ has already finished.

1. THE WORK OF REDEMPTION WAS COMPLETED

Jesus fulfilled the mission He was sent to accomplish.

a) The sacrifice was fully paid (John 19:30)
When Jesus declared “It is finished,” it meant that the debt of sin was completely settled with nothing left unpaid.

b) One sacrifice for all time (Hebrews 10:12)
Christ’s offering was sufficient once and for all, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices.

c) Prophecy was fulfilled (Isaiah 53:5)
His suffering and death fulfilled the prophetic declarations concerning the Messiah.

d) Salvation is now available (Romans 10:13)
Because the work is finished, anyone who calls on the Lord can be saved.

Biblical Example:
The completion of creation (Genesis 2:2) reflects how God finishes what He begins.

2. THE POWER OF SIN AND SATAN WAS DEFEATED

The cross secured victory over every opposing force.

a) The handwriting of ordinances was cancelled (Colossians 2:14)
Every accusation against us was nailed to the cross and removed.

b) Principalities were disarmed (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus triumphed over demonic powers, rendering them powerless over believers.

c) Sin no longer has dominion (Romans 6:14)
Through Christ’s finished work, believers are no longer slaves to sin.

d) Freedom is established (John 8:36)
Whom the Son sets free is free indeed, reflecting total deliverance.

Biblical Example:
David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49-50) symbolises triumph over overwhelming opposition.

3. ACCESS TO GOD WAS OPENED

The barrier between God and humanity was removed.

a) The veil was torn (Mark 15:38)
The tearing of the temple veil signified direct access to God for all believers.

b) Boldness to approach God (Hebrews 4:16)
We can now come confidently before God’s throne of grace.

c) Reconciliation was achieved (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Christ restored the broken relationship between God and man.

d) A new covenant was established (Luke 22:20)
The cross ushered in a better covenant based on grace.

Biblical Example:
Moses entering God’s presence (Exodus 33:11) foreshadows the access believers now have.

4. THE CROSS DEMANDS A RESPONSE

The finished work requires personal acceptance and commitment.

a) The centurion believed (Mark 15:39)
Seeing how Jesus died, he declared Him the Son of God, showing that the cross reveals truth.

b) Faith is required (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation is received by grace through faith in the finished work.

c) Live in the victory of Christ (Galatians 2:20)
Believers are called to live a life transformed by Christ’s sacrifice.

d) Share the message (Mark 16:15)
The victory of the cross must be proclaimed to the world.

Biblical Example:
The jailer’s conversion (Acts 16:30-34) shows the response of faith to salvation.

CONCLUSION

“It is finished” is the greatest declaration of victory ever made. Through the cross, Jesus completed the work of redemption, defeated the powers of darkness, and opened the way to God.

As believers, we must live in this victory daily. The work is already done, our role is to believe, receive, and walk in the fullness of what Christ has accomplished.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, thank You for the finished work of Christ in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to live in the reality of my redemption in Jesus name

3. Lord, deliver me from every bondage through the power of the cross in Jesus name

4. Father, strengthen my faith in the finished work of Christ in Jesus name

5. Lord, help me to walk in victory over sin in Jesus name

6. Father, grant me boldness to approach Your presence in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to understand the depth of Your sacrifice in Jesus name

8. Father, let the power of the cross be evident in my life in Jesus name

9. Lord, use me to spread the message of salvation in Jesus name

10. Father, let my life reflect the victory of Christ in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the victory of the finished work!

2. Every bondage in your life is broken!

3. You shall live in freedom and dominion!

4. The power of sin is broken over your life!

5. You shall enjoy direct access to God!

6. Your life shall reflect the grace of God!

7. You shall overcome every challenge by the cross!

8. You shall walk in boldness and confidence!

9. You shall fulfil your divine purpose!

10. You shall reign in life through Christ Jesus!