It Is Finished

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-10-2022

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This morning, I want to take one more look at the Cross of Christ. 

 

1.  There is so much that could be said but I wanted to "zero" in on one final aspect of the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Too often people look beyond the cross because of how they celebrate Resurrection Sunday. 

 

2.  Without the cross there would be no resurrection and without the resurrection there would be no salvation and without salvation there would be no eternal life.

 

B.  This morning, we come to Calvary’s Purpose Completed.  “It is finished!” 

 

In 1921, Jennie Evelyn Hussey wrote the hymn “Lead Me To Calvary. It starts out:

“King of my life I crown Thee now— Thine shall Thy glory be;

Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.

“Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;

Lest I forget thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.”

 

C.  In verse 30, we find words of finality, the words of completion!  Years ago, I heard Dr. James Crumpton preach on this subject ("It is finished") and remember well his emphasis on the Greek word used here: “teleo.”  The last stroke of the artist’s paint brush!

 

Jesus Christ, Jehovah God incarnate, came to die for the sins of the world.  He came to finish the work that the Father gave Him to do. 

 

In the phrase “it is finished” we find accomplishment.  His life: His work finished and summed up in one short phrase.

 

1.  Calvary, where redemption’s price was paid.

 

2.  Calvary, where the Just became the Justifier.

 

3.  Calvary, where the Innocent took the place of the guilty.

 

4.  Calvary, where the blood shed covers my sin, my guilt, and my shame.

 

5.  Calvary, where God’s mercy is great, and His grace is free.

 

6.  Calvary, where the burdened soul finds true liberty!

 

D.  When Christ cried out “IT IS FINISHED,” we find not a distressed voice, not a cry of defeat, BUT a clarion cry of victory!

 

E.  As I thought on the words "It is finished," I pondered on just what Jesus Christ had finished.  I hope and pray that these will be a blessing to you as they are to me.

 

1.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Word Of God Verified – Genesis 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 

There were hundreds of prophecies written concerning Jesus Christ and He fulfilled every prophecy, every promise, every “jot and tittle” perfectly and completely!  God’s Word can be depended upon not only in the performance of this life but also the expectation of the life to come.  Jesus Christ left nothing undone!

 

2.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Work Of Propitiation Done – John 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 

 

At Calvary, we find the finishing of 4,000 years of sacrifices!  Millions and millions of lambs had died while awaiting the death of THE Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.  Mankind had long awaited Messiah’s coming, and we look back to His coming in wonder and amazement.  When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was saying that the substitutionary work on the cross for us had been accomplished.

 

Peter said, in I Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”  (Jesus Christ became the “scapegoat” for you and me.  Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking my place and dying for my sins!)

 

3.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Way Of Salvation Established – John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

Proverbs 16:25  There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

1 Corinthians 1:17-18  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  (18)  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  (Man can teach and preach anything that he chooses but it does not change the fact that salvation is through Jesus Christ and Him alone!  Not a church, not a denomination, not a movement, not a baptism, not a sacrament, not a dogma, and not an individual theology—but the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Man can go his own way but he will not go to heaven until he comes God’s way!)

 

4.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Wages Paid In Full – Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Ezekiel 18:20a  The soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 

Jesus Christ became the “Sinner’s Substitute.”  Our sin separated us from a holy God and Jesus Christ, our Propitiation, reconciled us back to Him through the finished work of Calvary.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

Hebrews 9:26  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  (The cross upon which Jesus died was an “altar” and He was the “sacrifice.”)

 

5.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Lost World Condemned – John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (17)  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  (18)   He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

1 John 5:10  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

 

John 3:19  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  (As Christ suffered for us as no man ever suffered, so the sinner who rejects Christ will one day suffer for all of eternity!)

 

6.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Works Of The Devil Destroyed – 1 John 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

 

Revelation 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  (God will destroy Satan’s position, his purpose, his power, his people, and ultimately his person.  Because of Calvary, one day there will be no more Satan!)

 

7.  In “It Is Finished,” We Find The Wealth Of Eternity Secured – Revelation 5:9  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  (Because of the finished work of Christ on Calvary, one day we that are saved will be “finally home!)

The Blood of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 5-29-2019

Hebrews 9:11-14

Introduction:

A.  A Better Covenant; A Better Tabernacle; A Better High Priest; and a Better Blood!  This is what chapter 9 is all about!  For thousands of years, an earthly high priest slew an earthly animal, took earthly blood and offered it upon the Mercy Seat for an atonement for sin.

B.  As I preach this evening, I just want you to know that the BLOOD IS STILL THERE!  The Blood of Jesus Christ; the Blood of God!  Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world!  This is what Hebrews, chapter 9 is all about!

C.  It is the Blood of Christ that redeems us; it is the Blood of Christ that justifies us; it is the Blood of Christ that sanctifies us; it is the Blood of Christ that cleanses our heart, soul, and conscience; it is the Blood of Christ gives us peace; it is the Blood of Christ that allows us to have fellowship with our heavenly Father! 

D.  Hebrews 9:11-26.  Concerning the shedding of blood for both atonement and salvation, God established two covenants. 

Hebrews 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to theblood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  (This verse contrasts the “new covenant of propitiation” with “that of Abel” or the “old covenant of atonement.” The blood of the first testament was of animal sacrifices which brought atonement or a covering of sin until the blood of the new covenant, which was the blood of Christ, brought about the remission of sin!)

E.  I want to quote J. P. Morgan, a noted financier and multi-millionaire of an earlier American generation.  Before his death, he composed a will consisting of 37 articles and 10,000 words.  While Mr. Morgan had been involved in transactions involving millions of dollars during his illustrious business career, he left no doubt as to what was the greatest transaction he had ever made. In his will he wrote: 

 "I commit my soul in the hands of my Savior, full of confidence that having redeemed me and washed me with His most precious blood, He will present me faultless before the throne of my Heavenly Father. I entreat my children to maintain and defend at all hazards and at any cost of personal sacrifice, the blessed doctrine of complete atonement through the blood of Christ with regard to the believer's salvation."

F.  J. P. Morgan recognized the priceless value of the atoning sacrifice of Christ's blood that was shed in His death on the cross.

The Blood of Christ

1.  It is Personal Blood.  It is the blood of God, though we do not fully understand this, which was different from our blood.  I can no more explain this statement than I can the conception and birth of Christ.  I just believe what the Bible says! 

Matthew 26:28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 

Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,which he hath purchased with his own blood.  (Jesus Christ’s conception, birth, body, life, death, resurrection, and blood were different from ours.) 

2.  It is Pure Blood.  The blood of Christ was not subject to Adamic sin!   The Bible declares that Christ’s blood was not corruptible!  Blood corrupts with it dies.  The blood of Christ was incorruptible and could not die.  The blood of Christ is as much alive today as it was the day on which it was shed.

1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (Two things in these verses stick out to me: a)  It is not corruptible in nature, it is incorruptible   b)  It is precious  in the sight of God.)

1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  (According to the Bible, that same blood that Christ shed is still alive and available for the cleansing of the sinful.  That means it remains, not perished.)

3.  It is Precious Blood.  I hear a lot of so-called men of God say that this blood was not all gathered and applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven. 

1 Peter 2:6-7  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious (precious to God): and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  (7)  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious (precious to the child of God): but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  (To deny the precious blood of Christ tells us something about the spiritual nature of the one who denies it!)

4.  It is Presented Blood.  The blood of Christ did not run into the ground and perish but was purposefully placed on the mercy seat in heaven but our High Priest.  I believe that the Bible teaches two ascensions.

John 20:14-17  And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.  (15)  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.  (16)  Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  (17) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.  (Mary was not allowed to touch Him because the resurrected Lord was now our purified High Priest.)

Matthew 28:6-9  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  (7)  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  (8)  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.  (9)  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.  (Now they could touch the Lord.  Something had changed from the account given in John.)

Luke 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.  (Again, in Luke, the Lord gave permission for the disciples to “handle” Him.)

Hebrews 9:11-12  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  (12)  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  (As the blood of bulls and goats were applied to the mercy seat under the old covenant, the blood of Christ was applied to the mercy seat in heaven under the new covenant.)

5.  It is Powerful Blood.  The blood of Christ can make the vilest sinner clean!  His blood can purge every sin ever committed and save every sinner who will accept it.

Romans 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

6.  It is Permanent Eternal Blood.  Animal blood had to be applied often but the blood of Christ only once forever.  If it is incorruptible and precious (and it is), then it must be therefore eternal (which it is). 

Hebrews 9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

7.  It is Propitiatory Saving Blood.  Our salvation is not through the death of Christ but through the blood of Christ! 

Ephesians 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  (It is of no wonder that the blood of Christ is under the same attack as the Word of God.  Salvation comes through faith hearing the Word of God and personal application of the blood of God.  There can be salvation without either!)

8.  It is Penalizing Blood!  To reject the propitiation of Christ is to damn oneself and possibly your children. 

Matthew 27:24-25  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but thatrather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (25)  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.  (Pilate washed his hands of Christ and placed the decision to crucify our Lord into the hands of the people He came to save.  From the hands of one to the heads of others.  That precious blood has been on the heads of their children for 2,000 years.)