It Is Finished!

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

This is probably one of the most significant verses in the Bible.  The implications of those three words “It is finished” uttered by Jesus as he hangs on the cross are phenomenal.  Why are these three words so important?  They are important because they shows us that…

1.  The wrath of God was satisfied. 

Isaiah 53:10-11 tells us that “it pleased the Lord (God) to bruise him (Jesus)” and “He (God the Father) shall see the travail (pain) of his (Jesus’) soul and shall be satified..” 

Psalm 7:11 tells us, ”God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”  The offering of Jesus on the cross was the only offering that has ever satisfied God’s wrath. 

The pain, the agony, and the infinite suffering that Jesus went through on the cross was necessary for God’s wrath to be satisfied.  Only only hope to escape the impending wrath of God that abides on us is to believe on Jesus, the Son of God, who gives everylasting life. (John 3:36)

2.  The payment for sin is fully made. 

The words “It is finished” mean: “paid in full”.  It is the idea of completely paying a debt and burning the record of the debt.  It will be remembered no more (Hebrews 8:12) 

When Jesus died on the cross, He was taking our place.  Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.” 

2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “For he (God) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”  Our only hope of salvation is the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:8).

3. The work of salvation is done. 

If someone said, “The work in the garden is finished,” it would be a waste of time and effort to go out and start working in the garden again.  So many times we are deceived into thinking that salvation and true Christianity are about what we can DO rather than what Christ as DONE. 

In reality, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).  “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6). 

The work of salvation is complete.  The gift of salvation is being extended to each every person.  All the remains is for us to receive the gift of eternal life is to turn from our sins and depend totally on Jesus Christ to save us from sin, death, and Hell.

What are you trusting in to save you?  The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross?  Or your own goodness?  There is none good, no not one!  Only Jesus can save.  Trust Him today!  For more information, contact us at 028 7122 6164.

Children’s Bible Class

I love Tuesday nights at Northwest Baptist Church and Wednesday nightst at Roe Valley Baptist Church!  We have a great time in a more relaxed, informal Bible study, fellowship, and prayer time.  We usually start with a cup of tea, a Bible study, and then have a time of prayer.

Over the summer, David and Tracey Laverty are teaching a Children’s Bible Class.  The class is the result of David’s burden to teach and disciple the children in the church.  They young people are learning great Bible truths in a child-friendly format.  At the end of the summer, we are going to put all of the material from the class together and make it available to anyone who is interested.

Below is a picture of the class.  If you do not come for our midweek services either in Derry or Limavady, I hope you will start, because you will really enjoy it and so will your children!