It Is Finished

Apr 3, 2026

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“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9

Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one marked by sorrow, gratitude, and deep hope. It is the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when the Son of God bore the weight of our sin on the cross. And yet, for centuries, Christians have called this day good.

Not because the events were easy or lighthearted—but because of what Christ accomplished through them.

The Sorrow and the Wonder of the Cross

For many believers, Good Friday carries a heaviness. We reflect on the suffering Jesus endured and the sobering reality that our sin made the cross necessary. Scripture reminds us that sin is not merely a mistake—it is a separation from God, the very source of life and love.

And yet, alongside that sorrow is overwhelming gratitude.

We remember the love of the Father who gave His Son, and the love of the Son who willingly laid down His life. Jesus stood in our place, absorbing the penalty we deserved so that we could be reconciled to God. This is the wonder of the cross: justice satisfied and mercy extended.

A Story That Doesn’t End in Darkness

Even on Good Friday, there is anticipation. We know what Sunday brings.

The resurrection is coming—the victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for all who trust in Christ. Good Friday is not the end of the story. It is the turning point. What looked like defeat became the doorway to redemption. That’s why we call it good.

Here at Faith and Finance, we often talk about stewardship, generosity, and wise financial decisions. But Scripture frequently uses financial language to help us understand spiritual realities.

Terms like debt, ransom, redemption, and inheritance appear throughout the Bible—not by accident, but because they reveal the depth of what Christ has done for us.

Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 — “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

These aren’t just metaphors—they are windows into the gospel. Our sin created a debt we could never repay. Left to ourselves, we had no way to restore what was broken. But Jesus stepped in.

“It Is Finished”

As Jesus breathed His last, He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

The Greek word is tetelestai—a word rich with meaning. It was used by servants to report that a task was completed. It appeared on legal documents to indicate that a requirement had been fulfilled. Most strikingly, it has been found on ancient receipts to signify that a debt had been paid in full.

No balance remaining. Nothing left owed.

So when Jesus spoke those words from the cross, He wasn’t simply marking the end of His life—He was announcing the completion of His mission. The price of our redemption had been paid. The debt of sin was canceled. The separation between God and humanity was bridged—not by our effort, but by His sacrifice.

That changes everything. Because of Christ, we are no longer living in a state of spiritual deficit. We live in the overflow of grace. Jesus didn’t make a partial payment—He paid it in full.

There is nothing left for us to earn. No amount of striving can add to what He has already accomplished. Instead, we are invited to receive this gift by faith and walk in the freedom it brings.

We are free from guilt. Free from striving. Free to live for the One who gave everything for us.

A New Way to Live

On this Good Friday, we’re invited to hear those final words again—tetelestai—and let them settle deep into our hearts.

It is finished.

And because it is finished, our obedience is no longer a transaction to earn God’s favor. It becomes a joyful response to His grace. We follow Christ not to gain life, but because in Him, we’ve already found it.

That’s the beauty of the cross. And that’s why Good Friday is truly good.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

My wife and I bought a small home in 2024 and now have two young kids, with hopes for more. Should we consider moving or refinancing for more space? Also, should I keep $16,000 in savings or invest some of it?
My son and daughter-in-law adopted four Ukrainian teens who may attend college. Where can we find scholarships for them, especially lesser-known ones?
I’m 79, still working as a bi-vocational pastor, and owe about $17,000 on my home. Would a reverse mortgage make sense for me?

Resources Mentioned:

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