The Cross: Grace Displayed

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30

Jesus’ death was not an accident, an unfortunate ending to a powerful ministry. In fact, His death was the ultimate success. As He hung on the cross in agonizing pain, His final words were, “It is finished.” He had completed what He came to earth to accomplish - our redemption from sin.

Many times Jesus had told His disciples what He planned to do. He wanted them to understand why He had to die, why He could not stay with them forever. Jesus said that He came to “give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). A ransom is the payment demanded for the release of a person from some form of bondage. Jesus was the price that satisfied the requirements of a holy and righteous God and released us from captivity to sin.

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you agree with God that the death of His Son is adequate and sufficient payment for your sin. Sin no longer has a hold on you; the punishment of death is rendered null and void forever. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...” (Eph. 1:7). You find eternal freedom when you place your faith in Christ’s finished work. His victory is yours.

“Marvelous, infinite, matchless, grace, freely bestowed on all who believe...” -Julia H. Johnston