There are at least five other major scenes at the cross before this one. I start here because Jesus had said that He would rise on the third day. Day one started when He died on the cross, which is why we start there.
In the Jewish way of thinking, a part of a day counted as a full day.
So, day 1 of Jesus’ awaited resurrection was Friday at 3:00, when Jesus died, until sundown that day.
Day 2 was sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
Day 3 was sundown Saturday till Sunday morning when He rose from the dead.
Jesus’ finished work took sin away (John 1:29). That is, He removed sin as a barrier between God and man. The cross bridges the gap.
His death fulfilled God’s justice (1 John 2:2).
The finished work of Christ means that the promise of life that He made is true. It proves that the promise of life is true.
How?
John’s Gospel reports eight miracles, which he calls signs. The eighth and final sign is Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead on the third day (see John 2:18-22).
So, Jesus’ finished work is both the means by which we were made savable and proof that Jesus indeed saves once and for all those who simply believe in Him.
While He neared death, Jesus said, “I thirst.” That fulfilled an OT prophecy (Ps 22:15).
When Jesus then said, “It is finished!” and “gave up His spirit,” He was fulfilling several OT prophecies that said that the Messiah would die for the sins of the people (Ps 22:1, 16-17; Ps 31:5a; Ps 34:20; Isa 53:4-9).
He gave His life up; no one took it from Him.
The finished work of Christ means the following:
- He did all the work. There is no work left for us to do.
- He took away the sin barrier. We do not need to deal with our own sins.
- His promise of everlasting life to all who simply believe in Him is true. His finished work proves that.
His crucifixion with wicked men and His burial in a rich man’s tomb also fulfilled prophecy (Isa 53:9; John 19:38-42).
All of the signs in John’s Gospel, including the greatest sign, Jesus’ death and resurrection, were given to lead people to faith in Him for everlasting life (John 20:30-31).
Do you believe that His work is finished?
If so, are you sure you have everlasting life by faith in Him? If not, why not?
John 3:16 says it all. Whoever believes in Him has everlasting life. It really is that simple.
