The Final Word

Of all the words that you speak throughout your life time, which words are the most important?

Which of Jesus's words are the most important?  There is a word that stands as His highest. 

John 19:28-30 NIV

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 

29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 

30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

1. The Word of Redemption: “Tetelestai”

At His death, Jesus didn't turn water into wine, but He changed sinners into saints. 

He didn't open the eyes of a blind man, but He made it possible for the eyes of all mankind to be enlighten. 

John 19:30 NIV

30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Salvation is complete!  The work Jesus came to do is done. He spoke of it as early as a 12 year old.   

Luke 2:49 NKJV

49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

It is finished means the final payment of a purchase.  It is a business term. 

John 19:29-30 NIV

29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 

30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Doesn't wine vinegar sound bitter. Just like our sins to the spirit of the Son of Man. 

Exodus 12:22 NCV

22 Take a branch of the hyssop plant, dip it into the bowl filled with blood, and then wipe the blood on the sides and tops of the doorframes. No one may leave that house until morning.

The hyssop plant was used during Passover for protection against the destroyer. Christ's blood promises protection from the destroyer as well.  

Hebrews 10:14 NASB

14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Humanity gets in trouble, and Jesus handles it.  In Hebrew, it means that peace has been made. 

John 19:30 NKJV

30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Jesus lowered His head when His work of redemption on the cross was finished.  

John 10:17-18 NIV

17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 

18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. 

I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

No one took Jesus's life, but He gave it up willingly.  What was finished?  What was complete?  He still teaches.  He still heals. It was the...  

2. The Work of Redemption

2 Corinthians 5:21 RSV

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Behold the double transfer.  Jesus's righteousness to us, and our sin to Him.   

2 Corinthians 5:19 RSV

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

This is an accounting term.  The ledger has been changed by Jesus for us.   

Hebrews 10:14 NKJV

14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

We are saved, but we are being developed.  

Hebrews 10:12 NKJV

12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

When someone is finished, they sit down. Satan can't take it from us, and we can not add to it.  I can benefit from it, but I can not contribute to it.   

Be open to this miracle.

Please embrace this great work of God for you.  Please do not refuse the gift. Please accept the great gift of God's grace.  Why wouldn't you?  

If your sins are so great, that's the point.  You weren't consulted.  God has already conferred it upon you if you'd but ask.       

“God ... grants me the benefits of the perfect expiation of Christ, imputing to me his righteousness and holiness as if I had never committed a single sin, or had ever been sinful, [and as if] I had fulfilled myself all the obedience which Christ has carried out for me, if only I accept such a favor with a trusting heart.” (Heidelberg Catechism)

Be a part of this miracle.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me through this message?

Max Lucado, Guest Speaking at Gateway Church

http://gatewaypeople.com/ministries/life/events/individual-messages-2018/session/2018/11/10/the-final-word