It Is Finished

What is significant about Jesus' words from the cross, 'It is finished?' To what did they primarily refer? Of course we cannot know what was uppermost in Jesus' thoughts when He spoke these words, but there are a number of ways they can be understood in the light of the rest of Scripture. What was finished? 1) The long road of humiliation which began in Bethlehem 33 years before. 2) The final process of betrayal, punishment and death which began in the upper room. 3) The great plan of the ages for the redemption of mankind. 4) All the words of the prophets which had to be fulfilled by His life. 5) The death-blow to Satan has been inflicted. 6) All that had to be done in order to redeem men. 7) The great weight of sin, the fearful judgement of His holy Father, has now exacted the full penalty. 8) If you are one of Christ's sheep, your personal debt has been paid. It is finished.