BROADCASTS.com

b'If you search \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153famous last words,\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d you\\u2019ll read the final thoughts of a variety of people throughout history\\u2014thoughts that range from sad to crass to funny to hopeful.\\nJesus has seven recorded statements from the cross, but His final statement summarizes His saving work: with His final breath, Jesus announces, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It is finished\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (John 19:30). It is a startling end to the life of the greatest man who ever trod the planet. And yet, on the surface, the three-word sentence seems rather basic.\\nBut picture Leonardo DaVinci painting the Mona Lisa. He has spent many days perfecting his painting. There\\u2019s the blend of colors, the smile, the eyes, the shading. Finally, after completing his masterpiece, DaVinci puts down his brush, sits back in his chair, and announces, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It is finished.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nThat\\u2019s the sense of Jesus\\u2019 words. He had come down from heaven, become a human, lived a perfect life to fulfill the requirements of the law. When Jesus said, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It is finished,\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d He declared that there was nothing more for Him to do to make sinful people righteous before a holy Father. When we put our faith in Him, we are His masterpiece\\u2014the work is already done (Ephesians 2:8-10).\\nThe implications of this are huge. There is nothing left to do, nothing left undone. Jesus completed the task\\u2014dying on the cross and then rising from the grave\\u2014so there is nothing left for us to earn. Jesus\\u2019 righteousness (or sinlessness) covers those who put their faith in Him (Romans 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Virtually every other religion offers salvation through works, but Christianity relies on Christ\\u2019s work to enable salvation from sin and death. Jesus removed all doubt with His final words on the cross: \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It is finished.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d \\u2022 Mike Hurley\\n\\u2022 Read Romans 8. When Jesus died and rose again, what work did he finish? What can we add to His work? \\n\\u2022 Why is Jesus the only One who can finish the work of salvation in us (Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5)? \\n\\u2022 To learn more about Jesus and His work, check out our \\u201cKnow Jesus\\u201d page.\\nWhen Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It is finished.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nPsalm 55'