This sermon explores the profound truth and transformative power of Jesus' final words on the cross, "It is finished," and our response to it.
Good morning, dear congregation. It's always a joy to see your familiar faces, and to welcome those who might be joining us for the first time. We are gathered here in the spirit of worship, in the spirit of fellowship, and in the spirit of learning. Today, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a profound truth, a truth that has the power to transform, to heal, and to liberate. This truth is found in the life and the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
These are words of immense power and significance. They are the final words of Jesus on the cross, the culmination of His earthly ministry, and the declaration of His victory over sin. But what does it mean for us, friends? What does it mean for you and me, living in this world, two thousand years later?
To help us grasp the depth of these words, let's consider the thoughts of the great theologian, J.I. Packer. In his book "Knowing God," Packer wrote, "The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration." Indeed, our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice, our comprehension of His finished work on the cross, is rooted in our awe and adoration for Him. It's in the recognition of His sovereignty, His love, and His grace.
So, as we stand in awed adoration of our Savior, let us also stand in the truth of His words - "It is finished." Let us consider the fulfillment of prophecy, the finality of His sacrifice, and the freedom we have through Him.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, and for His victory over sin. As we reflect on His words, "It is finished," may we gain a deeper understanding of Your love for us, and may we be transformed by the power of Your truth. Guide us, Lord, in our reflections today, and help us to apply Your Word in our daily lives. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Transition. So, friends, are you ready? Are you ready to stand in the truth of Jesus' final words on the cross? Are you ready to be transformed by the power of His sacrifice? Are you ready to live in the freedom He has won for you? Let's go forth, together, into the depth of these words, "It is finished."
When we look at the words of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished," we are immediately drawn into the narrative of God's grand design, a narrative that was written before the foundation of the world. This narrative, this divine plan, was not a random series of events, but a carefully orchestrated sequence of prophecies and fulfillments.
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the coming Messiah, about His life, His ministry, His death, and His resurrection. These prophecies were not vague or ambiguous, but specific and detailed. They spoke of His birth in Bethlehem, His lineage from the house of David, His suffering and death, and His resurrection from the dead.
This fulfillment of prophecy is not just a historical fact, but a powerful testament to the reliability of God's Word. It affirms that God is faithful to His promises, that He is sovereign over history, and that His plans will always come to pass.
The first aspect we need to consider is the precision of these prophecies. The Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah were not general or vague, but specific and detailed. They spoke of His birth in Bethlehem, His lineage from the house of David, His suffering and death, and His resurrection from the dead.
The second aspect is the timing of these prophecies. These prophecies were not made a few years or even a few decades before Jesus was born. They were made hundreds of years before His birth.
The third aspect is the scope of these prophecies. These prophecies were not just about one or two aspects of Jesus' life, but about His entire life and ministry. They spoke of His birth, His childhood, His ministry, His teachings, His miracles, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection.
Finally is the impact of these prophecies. These prophecies were not just for the people of Israel, but for the entire world. They were not just for the time of Jesus, but for all time. They were not just for the physical realm, but for the spiritual realm. When Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, He did not just fulfill a historical prediction. He fulfilled a divine promise. He fulfilled a promise of salvation, a promise of redemption, a promise of eternal life.
Transition. So, when we hear the words of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished," let us remember the fulfillment of prophecy. Let us remember the precision, the timing, the scope, and the impact of these prophecies. Let us remember that God is faithful to His promises, that He is sovereign over history, and that His plans will always come to pass. And let us remember that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who was foretold by the prophets, the one who came to save us from our sins.
As we ponder the words "It is finished," we are drawn into the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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