13/02/2025
“Embracing the Transformative Power of the Finished Work of the Cross”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, and those yet to be in Christ, 
The concept of the finished work of the Cross through Christ Jesus is not only a cornerstone of the Christian faith but also the embodiment of God's eternal love and redemptive plan for humanity. When Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He was articulating the completion of a divine mission that spans the entirety of human history. This declaration signifies that through His sacrificial death, Jesus accomplished everything necessary for our salvation, reconciliation with God, and empowerment for a new life.
To grasp the significance of the finished work of the Cross, we must first recognize humanity's profound need for redemption. Sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, creating a chasm between humanity and God (Genesis 3). In Romans 3:23, we are reminded, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The weight of sin separates us from the Holy One, resulting in spiritual death and a life devoid of true purpose. Yet, God, in His infinite love and mercy, did not abandon humanity to its plight. Instead, He initiated a plan that would ultimately lead to restoration and reconciliation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see a foreshadowing of the sacrificial system culminating in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The countless animal sacrifices outlined in the Mosaic Law served as temporary coverings for sin but were never sufficient for complete atonement (Hebrews 10:4). These sacrifices pointed to the need for a perfect Lamb, one who would take away the sins of the world once and for all. John 1:29 captures this profound truth as John the Baptist proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” This declaration underscores the fulfillment of God's promise in Jesus.
The finished work of the Cross encompasses several key elements: atonement, justification, redemption, and sanctification. Each of these concepts reveals the depth of what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection.
**Atonement** refers to the act of making amends for sin, restoring the relationship between God and humanity. In His sacrificial death, Jesus became the ultimate atonement, absorbing the penalty for sin that we rightfully deserved. Isaiah 53:5 proclaims, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed.” Through His suffering, Jesus paid the price that satisfied divine justice, allowing us to be reconciled to God.
**Justification** is the legal declaration that a sinner is considered righteous in the sight of God. This profound transformation occurs not because of our works but solely through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). When we accept Christ as our Savior, His righteousness is imputed to us, allowing us to stand before God without condemnation. Romans 8:1 assures us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” This is the essence of grace—unmerited favor bestowed upon us through faith. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:21 emphasizes this truth: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
**Redemption** speaks to the act of being bought back or liberated from bo***ge. Through His death, Jesus paid the ransom for our sins, freeing us from the grip of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7). Colossians 1:13-14 declares, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” This liberation not only removes the penalty of sin but also restores our identity as children of God, granting us the right to inherit His promises and blessings. Galatians 4:4-5 affirms this transformative truth: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
**Sanctification** is the ongoing process of being made holy, set apart for God’s purposes. While justification occurs at the moment of faith, sanctification is a lifelong journey of growing in grace and Christlikeness. Through the finished work of the Cross, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in accordance with God’s will (Galatians 5:16). Philippians 1:6 reassures us, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” The Spirit guides us, convicts us of sin, and equips us to walk in obedience as we grow in our relationship with Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reminds us, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
The finished work of the Cross also signifies victory over the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 reveals, “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the forces of evil, assuring us that we are more than conquerors through Him (Romans 8:37). This victory empowers us to live boldly, knowing that we are not fighting for victory but from a place of victory already secured by Christ. Revelation 12:11 proclaims, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
As we reflect on the finished work of the Cross, it is essential to recognize that it is not limited to individual salvation; it extends to the entire world. The call of the Gospel invites all to experience the transformative power of Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Our response to His grace compels us to share the good news of salvation, participating in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
The implications of the finished work of the Cross also extend to our daily lives. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and grace to those around us. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Our lives should be a testimony of the transformative power of the Cross, illustrating the love and mercy we have received. Additionally, we are called to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to bear fruit and fulfill our God-given purpose (Galatians 5:22-23).
In conclusion, the finished work of the Cross through Christ Jesus is a profound declaration of God’s love, mercy, and grace. It encompasses our atonement, justification, redemption, and sanctification, providing us with a new identity and purpose. As we embrace the truth that it is finished, we are called to live in the light of this reality, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and share the hope of the Gospel with others.
If you have not yet experienced the transformative power of the finished work of Christ, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Him. Acknowledge your need for a Savior, and invite Him into your heart. Romans 10:9 assures us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” This is your opportunity to embrace the life-changing gift of salvation and step into the fullness of what Christ has accomplished for you.
Let us pray together, seeking His presence and guidance as we commit ourselves to live in the light of His finished work. May we be empowered to shine His light in a world that desperately needs the hope and love found only in Him. Amen.
In the name of the one true Christ