It Is Finished! – He Has Risen!
On the day Jesus died on the cross He cried, “It is finished.” He closed one segment in time, a time when mankind was alienated from God because of sin. Jesus paid the ultimate and everlasting cost for the sin debt that humanity owed. Jesus then ushered in a new era where God’s mercy and Justice came together to offer humanity a new way for eternal life.
John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight
Psalm 85:9-10 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace havekissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. NKJ
In the Old Testament God in His compassion and mercy offered mankind time and space to repent and turn from their evil ways. God gave mankind a chance to atone and apologize for their sins through the sacrifice of animals. This was only a temporary solution that only covered sin for a while and had to be repeated often. This was how God – Jehovah, interacted and responded to fallen mankind prior to the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice of God. One that needed no repetition, it was complete in making payment and retribution for humanity’s sin debt in full.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Prior to Christ’s atonement, when mankind refused God’s grace and refused to turn from their evil ways, God would remove His hand of protection. The people were then allowed to receive the full consequences of their actions and decisions. A Holy and Just God required payment for willful disobedience and sin and the wages of sin is death.
Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Every person will choose to either believe in Jesus and receive the payment He made in full or they will stand before a Holy and Righteous God and give account for their own sins and failings. Now the question is, whose death will satisfy this payment? We all have a choice, though some may remain quiet on this matter, but silence is a choice in and of its self.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Jesus lived His life as a man, He died as a man, the Son of Man, limiting Himself to the abilities of humanity. In His death He completed the work God the Father has assigned to all mankind, to live a holy and righteous life, one that reveals and reflects His glory on the earth. Only Jesus was able to complete and bring it to a finish for all humanity.
Hebrews 9:12-14 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Matthew 28:6-7 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
Jesus rose as the Son of God, having all power and authority given to Him. He is able to save those who were lost but believe in Him. Though Jesus died and finished the work of salvation alone, He has risen to give life to many who believe, receive and trust in Him by faith. What we could not do for ourselves Christ did. Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death of the cross for our sins that we may be raised up in the last days to live forever with Him.
Matthew 28: 18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
He has Risen with a new body that will live forever with God. All who receive by faith Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Followers and believers in Christ are saved but we still have our old fallen nature and bodies that are affected by sin. Because He has risen, we have hope in a new life with new bodies, not marred by sin, that will be like the risen body of Christ.
1 John 3:1-2 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. NKJ
Because He has risen, I can face tomorrow! Because He has risen all fear is gone! Because He has risen, I know He holds my future! This life is worth living, just because He lives! And because He lives, He is my Hope!
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. NKJ
Integrity- People of God 