Rooted Student Ministries

    [28] After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” [29] A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. [30] When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
(John 19:28-30 ESV)

    Jesus' last words on the cross was a simple statement that has great meaning for those who are saved.  His death on the cross saved us from our sin, but it was not the cross itself that caused this.  We are not saved because Roman soldiers crucified him.  We are saved not from the crucifixion itself but from what occurred at the crucifixion.  On the cross, Jesus bore the full penalty of sin for those who would believe.  He took on himself the great wrath of God so sinners could be saved.  "He said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."  At the moment he said "It is finished," the salvation of God's people was forever secured.  We were fully atoned at that moment.  All the work needed for our salvation was finished.  I leave you with a hymn that speaks of this concept beautifully.

Man of Sorrows

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Sources:
Sankey, Ira David. My Life and the Sto­ry of the Gospel Hymns. Harper & Brothers, 1906.

L.A. Boone