It Is Finished

It Is Finished
Sunday, November 03, 2019
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Hebrews 9:25–28

Most of the religions of the world teach that man’s relationship with God or a multitude of gods requires repairing. The difference between Christianity and the others is where the focus and responsibility of that repair is placed. Most of the people living in the world today are attempting to do something so that they can be accepted by God, however they may conceive of Him. But the Bible tells us that the work of salvation has already been completed. That is what Jesus declared just before He died on the cross. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

There is nothing we can do to earn or deserve salvation. And indeed anything that we insist on doing ourselves, whether that is joining a church, getting baptized, doing good works, or turning over a new leaf, takes away our ability to receive salvation on God’s terms. We must trust Him alone to save. The English reformer Thomas Cranmer said, “This is the honour and glory of this our high priest, wherein He admitteth neither partner nor successor. For by His own oblation He satisfied His Father for all men’s sins, and reconciled mankind unto His grace and favour.”

Today's Growth Principle:
Since Jesus has done all the work for salvation, we only need to accept His offer by faith alone.