It is Finished

Dale did a wonderful job preaching on the crucifixion of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark this past weekend. Here we are, a few days later, remembering our Savior’s death on Good Friday. Friday is “GOOD” because we stand in awe before the cross of Christ—not as a tragic accident of history but as the sovereignly ordained centerpiece of God’s redemptive plan. 
 
We know through God's Word that this didn’t just happen in the Gospels either. In fact, before the foundation of the world, God decreed that His Son would lay down His life for His people (Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:4-5). The crucifixion was not a moment of defeat, but the very means by which our God would satisfy His justice, demonstrate His mercy, and accomplish His salvation for His people. Every moment of Christ’s journey to the cross—every wound, every harsh word, every whip, every nail, every detail—unfolded exactly as God had planned. We need to remember that our Savior's life wasn’t taken; it was given!
 
At the heart of Good Friday lies the doctrine of substitutionary atonement which Dale touched on last Sunday (you should go back and watch it HERE if you couldn’t join us). Christ did not die as a mere example or martyr; He died as our substitute. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God’s wrath that our sins deserved (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:25). God made Him to be the sin offering for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the glorious “great swap" that Pastor David has illustrated for us for years—our sin for His righteousness, our death for His life. The cross is where justice and mercy meet, where the holy love of God is most clearly displayed.
 
When Christ declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He wasn’t uttering words of defeat, but a cry of victory. The debt was paid in full. The curse of the law was satisfied. Redemption was secured for all of us who have trust in Him. Good Friday calls us to rest not in our works, but in the finished work of Christ. CFC, we rejoice that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Let the cross humble us, assure us, and stir our hearts to worship the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.
 
Let’s fully understand, remember, and take in Friday…and be joyful that Sunday is coming!
 
We can't wait to worship Jesus -- the One who defeated death -- with you this Saturday and Sunday!