It Is Finished – Living From the Power of the Cross (Friday 11/7/25

It Is Finished – Living From the Power of the Cross

Segment One: The Finished Work of the Cross (John 19:17–37)

Main Theme: Jesus’ sacrifice fulfilled every prophecy, satisfied justice, and opened the way for redemption.

Teaching Points:

• Jesus carried His own cross — the innocent bearing the guilt of the guilty (Isaiah 53:4–6).

• Pilate’s inscription, “King of the Jews,” was heaven’s declaration to all humanity.

• Soldiers dividing His garments fulfilled Scripture (Psalm 22:18); nothing was random.

• Even in suffering, Jesus showed compassion, caring for His mother and forming the family of faith.

• “It is finished” (tetelestai) means paid in full — the end of striving, the beginning of freedom.

• The piercing of His side revealed blood (atonement) and water (cleansing) — complete salvation.

Practical Steps:

1. Carry your cross daily – surrender self-will to God’s will.

2. Trust God’s plan in chaos – His sovereignty works even through suffering.

3. Extend compassion in pain – love others in the midst of your struggle.

4. Rest in “It is finished” – live from acceptance, not for approval.

5. Let the blood and water flow in you – receive forgiveness and renewal daily.

Segment Two: The Ripple Effect of the Cross

Main Theme: The cross changed everything — heaven, earth, and every human heart forever.

Teaching Points:

• The tearing of the veil symbolized access to God — grace initiated by heaven, not earned by man.

• The cross was not defeat; it was divine victory — disarming powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15).

• Death died when Jesus did; the war was won when He said “It is finished.”

• Believers live from victory, not for it.

• The same Spirit that raised Jesus now lives in you — resurrection power is personal.

• The cross turns faith from striving to surrender, from performance to presence.

Practical Steps:

1. Remember your position – you are fighting from victory, not toward it.

2. Pray from faith, not fear – God already moved on your behalf.

3. Echo the cross in your actions – forgive, love, and serve as Jesus did.

4. Walk in boldness – the enemy is disarmed; your authority is secure.

5. Live with heaven’s perspective – the veil is torn, access is open.

Segment Three: The Blood and the Water

Main Theme: The flow from Jesus’ side symbolizes complete salvation — forgiveness and transformation.

Teaching Points:

• Blood represents atonement (justice satisfied). Water represents cleansing (sanctification ongoing).

• Salvation is not just pardon—it’s purification; not just forgiveness—it’s renewal.

• The Church (the bride) was birthed from Christ’s pierced side, just as Eve from Adam’s.

• The blood redeems your position; the water renews your condition.

• The Word of God continually washes believers (Ephesians 5:25–27).

• Grace doesn’t stop at the cross; it flows daily through the Word and the Spirit.

Practical Steps:

1. Accept the blood – stop trying to earn forgiveness.

2. Allow the water – let Scripture cleanse your heart daily.

3. Stay under the flow – confession and renewal are continual.

4. Live transformed, not just forgiven – cooperate with the Spirit’s sanctifying work.

5. Return to the cross often – it’s not just where you were saved, it’s where you stay free.

Segment Four: Living From the Finished Work

Main Theme: The cross ended striving and began freedom — we live from Christ’s completed work, not our effort.

Teaching Points:

• “It is finished” means your need to prove yourself is finished too.

• Religion says “do”; Jesus says “done.”

• The Christian life is lived from rest, not reach.

• You are not working for grace—you’re working from grace.

• The blood changes your status; the Spirit changes your story.

• Freedom means walking in peace, not performance.

Practical Steps:

1. Replace striving with resting – you are already approved in Christ.

2. Live in freedom – stop rebuilding the veil with guilt and shame.

3. Obey from love, not fear – service is a response, not a requirement.

4. Stand firm in identity – no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).

5. Walk daily in victory – let grace fuel your doing and joy fill your being.

Final Closing: The Redemptive Crescendo

Main Theme: The cross was not a tragedy—it was a trade. Redemption is complete, and freedom is available now.

Key Takeaways:

• The cross rewrote your story; the empty tomb sealed it.

• You are not beyond redemption; you are the reason for it.

• The blood still speaks forgiveness; the water still flows cleansing.

• Stop striving. Start standing.

• You are not your past; you are His purchased.

• Grace doesn’t tolerate you—it transforms you.

Application Steps:

1. Believe the truth of the cross – your debt is paid.

2. Walk in daily renewal – live washed by the Word.

3. Live redemptively – extend to others what you’ve received.

4. Declare victory – remind your heart and the enemy: It is finished.

5. Rest and rejoice – freedom is your new normal.

Summary Thought:
Everything changed at the cross. The blood covered your sin. The water cleansed your soul. The veil was torn. The striving ended. The grave was defeated.
It is finished—and now, it is your turn to live like it.