IT IS FINISHED

July 17, 2013

IT IS FINISHED

When we as Christians think simplistically about saving souls, especially in regards to our family, friends love ones, and co-workers we set ourselves up to always expect simple solutions recognizable answers, and precise results even under insurmountable situations and circumstances. But as Christians, we all need to come to terms with the actuality that Satan still exists and he is as strong as ever Because he realizes His time is just about up.

Satan has had close to six thousand years to study prophecy. And he knew over two thousand years ago when Christ said “IT IS FINISHED!” that his days were numbered. Yes, at the cross was the end of it all for Satan. Yes, at that point, Satan knew without a doubt, that all the prophesies, all the laws, all the prophets before Christ, terminated on the cross when Christ repeated, just three words. And everything from that point is than consummated, because this is where God concludes, to everyone who believes, “IT IS FINISH!”.

Three simple words became Satan’s demise. “IT IS FINISHED!”. I don’t believe that ever in history of our world, anywhere, at any time, by anybody, where three words, were more pertinent with there meaning, than these three words given by one man our Savior on Calvary. “IT IS FINISHED!” In John 19:30 it says “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar He said, ‘IT IS FINISHED!’ and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost.”

And I  believe, Satan and all the forces of evil were totally shocked, and amazed! You see, this is the platform into which Jesus is moving. You can say the life of Jesus was a three act drama. The first 30 years of His life, act 1, is in preparation for the last three which is act 2, and the final act, act three, which will take place when He leaves the heavenly courts, to come and get his faithful children. The first chapter has been written, The second chapter came to a climax on the cross, when he said “IT IS FINISHED”

The third chapter began at His resurrection, and will end very soon. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 says “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape”. The terror Satan must have felt when Christ said “IT IS FINISHED”! I can only imagine demons asking Satan what’s happening as they see Jesus dying on the cross.

I can see angels looking over the parapets of heaven, I can see the Jews the Romans and the Greeks all there together on Calvary wondering what is this all about. But it was not until the death of Christ, that Satan’s character clearly was revealed. Satan had so hidden himself with duplicity, and deceit that even the holy Angels had not understood the course he took or why. The plan of redemption was completed at Calvary the character of God was revealed to all mankind, and God’s love and honor is now established.

The destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain to all, at the cross, and the redemption and salvation of man was guaranteed. And the universe was forever protected from the penalty of sin, if and only if, we are willing to give it all to Master. At the cross, Christ and His Father fully comprehended what His sacrifice on Calvary meant to each of us who believed, as He looked forward to our Salvation. And what those three words would mean to the faithful, when He cried out, “IT IS FINISHED.”

Each Old Testament prophet before Christ was like an artist that came along and put their own unique style on the canvas of this story. One by one, they came, each putting their distinct, color and touch on the canvas. Then as Christ is Crucified, we have the final stroke which finishes the picture, and meaning of God’s sacrifice, for us, and his angels who up to this point still did not fully understand. And now the revelation to mankind IS FINISHED! And Satan’s fate is sealed.

But we as Christians have A responsibility, because it is only an individual who has walked with God who recognizes the importance of Paul”s statement in Romans 5:7-9 when he says “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

John says it best in John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” So our mandate Comes directly from our savior who did it all for us. And that is to tell the world “IT IS FINISHED!”. And through Christ, we whose heart is fixed to serve God will always find the opportunity to be a witness for Him, because the more we can focus on the character and love of Christ the more we come to realize that we must follow Him all the way to Calvary by being A humble servant to others as we carry out Christ mission to go into all the world and tell everyone of His love, grace, and mercy.

Remember success as a Christian for Christ is not Him asking us to devote ourselves to His cause: but for us to yield ourselves to His will. Every excuse in word and action, with every element of fear and faithlessness to continue witnessing for Him was challenged and answered on the cross. Like Christ who forever stayed focused on His goal, which was the cross, and our salvation, places each individual who has decided to endure till the end, in various situations, and circumstances, in order to instill upon Them, duties that will be peculiar to the times in which they live, and the various conditions under which we as Christians are placed in order to tell everyone about the good news.

And yes the good news to everyone who believes is “IT IS FINISHED!”. Especially as we enter into the final days of this life’s history, we must constantly study the word of God and seek His Spirit, as we sustain a heartfelt prayer life, “while putting on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”, as you begin to finish this race, while allowing the light of Gods Spirit to also be open before those we witness to. But remember truth is no more desired by the majority today than it was when Christ was on this earth. So we must not get discourage as we use Christ as our example forever enduring to the end.

So my friends, please, never give up, continue the fight to spread the word of God, in this sinful and immoral world we live in, and endure, and never give up until the race is over, and you have reach the finish line. Oh the gratitude of souls that will meet us in the heavenly courts, to thank us for our efforts in presenting the gospel of Christ to them, and letting them know Satan was defeated, and there salvation assured at the cross when Christ said “IT IS FINISHED!”.

And at that time they will finally come to understand the sympathetic, and loving interest which was taken by our Savior, and the faithful workers of Christ, so that they may have salvation. And then, together on one accord, in adoration, throughout the heavenly courts, we will all give God the praise, glory and honor, for we will forever recognize, without Satan telling us otherwise, the Love grace and mercy employed in the salvation of mankind on this earth that were ready to parish, until God sent His only Begotten Son, to die on a cruel cross and, so that we may all be saved from the penalty of sin. And now my friends that is how the story ends.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY