What does the Bible say about redemption?
The Bible teaches that redemption is fully accomplished through Jesus Christ, as proclaimed in John 19:30, where He declares, 'It is finished!'
Moreover, through His sacrifice, Jesus has perfected those who are sanctified, delivering them from sin, death, and the power of Satan. His finished work guarantees the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon His followers and the establishment of an eternal kingdom in the hearts of His people. As believers reflect on the significance of 'It is finished,' they find assurance that their redemption is both comprehensive and immutable, promising everlasting life and communion with God.
John 19:30, Hebrews 10:14, Ephesians 2:14-16, Romans 8:1
How do we know that Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient for our sins?
We know Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient because He proclaimed 'It is finished,' indicating complete atonement for sin as confirmed throughout Scripture.
Scriptures reinforce this truth, emphasizing that Jesus' blood cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7), and that all who believe in Him are justified (Romans 5:1). Thus, the believer can confidently rely on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, knowing that it is effective for their eternal salvation and ongoing sanctification.
John 19:30, 1 John 1:7, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 9:12
Why is the concept of 'It is finished' important for Christians?
'It is finished' is vital for Christians as it signifies the completion of redemption and the assurance of salvation through Christ's atoning work.
For Christians, understanding that redemption is 'finished' offers immense peace and assurance. It reinforces the truth that salvation is not based on personal merit but solely on the work of Christ. As believers meditate on this phrase, it serves as a reminder of their secure standing before God, rooted in the completed work of Christ rather than their own efforts. Therefore, 'It is finished' becomes a source of hope, motivating believers to live out their faith in gratitude and obedience, knowing they are fully accepted and loved by God.
John 19:30, Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 10:14
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, it is finished."—John xix. 30.
— John 19:30
Perhaps these words formed the sixth cry of the Lord Jesus on the cross. The glorious close of all his sufferings was now arrived; and full of these high ideas which occupied his holy mind, he cried out, "It is finished!" What is finished? Redemption-work is finished. All the long series of prophecies, visions, types, and the shadows of good things to come, which pointed to Jesus and redemption by him, were now finished in their accomplishment. The law was finished in its condemning power; and the gospel commenced its saving influence. Jesus, by that one sacrifice now offered, had for ever perfected them that are sanctified. The separation between Jew and gentile was now finished and done away for ever. Jesus had now "gathered together, in one, all the children of God which are scattered abroad." The iron reign of sin and Satan, of death and hell, were now broken in pieces by this stone cut out of the mountain without hands; and life and immortality, pardon, mercy, and peace, were brought to light, and secured to the faithful, by this finished redemption of the Lord Jesus Christ. The peace, the love, the favour of God the Father, was now obtained; and that spiritual kingdom of the Lord Jesus, which shall have no end, was from this moment set up in the hearts and minds of his people. The sure descent of the Holy Ghost was now confirmed; and the Lord Jesus already, by anticipation, beheld his Israel of old, and his gentile church, as well as Ethiopia and the multitude of the isles, stretching forth their hands unto. God. Full of these and the like glorious prospects the mind of Jesus was filled; and having received the vinegar, as the last prophecy remaining then to be completed, he cried out, "It is finished!" My soul, never let these precious, precious words of Jesus depart from thy mind. Do by them as Moses commanded Israel concerning the words he gave them; "let them be in thy heart, and in thy soul; bind them as a sign upon thine hand, and let them be as frontlets between thine eyes." Tell thy God and Father what thy Jesus hath told thee—"It is finished!" He hath finished redemption for thee; and He will finish redemption in thee. He hath destroyed death, both satisfied and glorified the law, taken away the curse, made full restitution for sin, brought in an everlasting righteousness, and opened the glorious mansions of the blessed as the home and rest of all his people. Oh my soul, let these dying words of thy Jesus be made by thee as an answer to all thy prayers, and begin that song to the Lamb, which ere long, thou wilt fully and loudly sing among the church above—"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood."
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!