04/03/2026
Last Sunday, we looked at John’s Gospel and were reminded that even the disciples didn’t fully understand that the cross was always part of God’s plan. It can be tempting to view Jesus’ death as an unfortunate tragedy, but Scripture makes it clear that the cross was not an accident—it was the fulfillment of God’s purpose from the very beginning.
So, when Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He was not expressing defeat or saying His life was over. He was making a declaration of victory. The question is, what exactly was finished?
1. The Law was fulfilled
Everything God required, every command and standard of holiness, was perfectly accomplished in Jesus. Where humanity failed, He succeeded, and through Him the purpose of the Law was completed.
2. God’s wrath was satisfied
The judgment that sin deserves was not ignored—it was poured out. Jesus willingly took the full weight of that judgment upon Himself, drinking the cup of wrath in our place so that we would not have to.
3. The enemy was defeated
What looked like a moment of victory for Satan was actually his defeat. Through the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin and overcame death, securing victory over every force of darkness.
4. Salvation was secured
Jesus accomplished everything necessary for us to be made right with God. Salvation is not something we earn through effort or good works, but something we receive by grace through faith in Him.
Good Friday reminds us that we are not coming to God trying harder or proving ourselves. We are coming to remember that everything needed for our salvation has already been accomplished.
It is finished.
Watch the full sermon here - https://branchchurch.subspla.sh/7r3hpkt