"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." — John 19:30

In His final moments on the cross, Jesus spoke three words that carry eternal significance: "It is finished." For the Christian, these words are not just a historical statement; they are a lifeline, an invitation to rest, and a wellspring of unshakable peace. But what does it mean to live in light of "it is finished"?

Often, we are caught in the cycle of striving—striving to be good enough, to please others, to make amends for past mistakes, or to secure our own peace. We may feel that if we could only try a little harder, love a little more, or avoid more sin, we would finally feel at peace with God. Yet the truth is, no amount of striving can bring us closer to the holiness God requires. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Left to ourselves, we remain eternally short of God’s perfect standard.

Here, Jesus’ declaration "it is finished" enters like a flood of grace, sweeping away every anxious thought. In those words, Jesus proclaims that all has been accomplished to reconcile us to God. The debt of sin has been paid, the power of death broken, and the way to God’s presence opened. Nothing more can be added to this finished work; it stands completed by Christ’s perfect life and sacrificial death.

So, what does this mean for our everyday lives? To rest in "it is finished" is to find our deepest peace not in what we can accomplish but in what Christ has already accomplished. This peace doesn’t come from our perfection but from His. Psalm 46:10 invites us, "Be still, and know that I am God." This stillness is not passivity but a posture of trust. It is the quieting of our soul as we anchor our hope and identity in what Christ has done, not in what we can do.

Jesus’ finished work frees us from the relentless pressure of self-justification. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not dependent on our performance but on His grace. It allows us to approach each day not with a burden of proving ourselves, but with the joy of knowing we are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully forgiven in Christ. This is the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) because it is not dependent on our circumstances or actions.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your finished work on the cross. Help me to rest in Your words, "It is finished." When I am tempted to strive for peace on my own or to prove my worth, remind me that my worth is found in You alone. Teach me to live each day from a place of quiet confidence in Your completed work, finding my deepest peace in Your perfect love. May my life be a testament to the power of Your grace and the fullness of joy that comes from resting in Your salvation. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life do you find yourself striving to "earn" peace or acceptance from God or others?
2. How does knowing that "it is finished" by Christ’s work change the way you view those areas?
3. In what practical ways can you remind yourself to rest in the peace of God’s finished work, especially when you feel anxious or burdened?

As you go about your day, meditate on Jesus’ words, "It is finished." Let them be a gentle reminder that in Him, you already have the peace, love, and acceptance you seek. Rest in His stillness, for in that rest, you glorify Christ by trusting fully in His completed work.