The Profound Significance of ‘It is Finished’ in Fulfilled Eschatology
As a believer in Christ, delving into the depths of the Bible can reveal profound truths. One such truth is encapsulated in the powerful phrase, “It is finished.” In this article, we will explore the biblical and eschatological significance of these three words, as they represent the culmination of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
The Biblical Foundation:
Our journey begins in the book of John, specifically in John 19:30: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” These words were spoken by Jesus on the cross, and they carry immense weight in the realm of fulfilled eschatology.
1. The Completed Work:
“It is finished” signifies the completion of Christ’s mission on Earth. He had accomplished the work of redemption. This moment marked the climax of God’s New Covenant with humanity. It is crucial to recognize that in fulfilled eschatology, this event holds particular significance because it indicates the fulfillment of prophecies and promises.
2. The Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The Old Testament is replete with prophecies about the Messiah. In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfilled these prophecies to the letter. One of the most significant of these is Isaiah 53, which describes the suffering servant. “It is finished” echoes through these prophecies, signifying that Christ had fulfilled every requirement.
3. The New Covenant Realized:
Fulfilled eschatology emphasizes that the New Covenant, promised in the Old Testament, was fully realized through Christ. The sacrifices, rituals, and ceremonies of the Old Covenant found their completion in His sacrifice. As believers, understanding that “It is finished” marks the transition from the old to the new is paramount.
The Eschatological Perspective:
In the context of fulfilled eschatology, the phrase “It is finished” takes on a unique significance. It signifies not just the completion of Christ’s earthly ministry but also the fulfillment of end-time prophecies. Believers in Christ look back to this moment as a pivotal point in God’s grand plan.
1. The Consummation of All Things:
Fulfilled eschatology teaches that many end-time prophecies, like the return of Christ and the resurrection, were spiritually fulfilled in the first century. “It is finished” represents the consummation of all things in the eyes of believers who adopt this eschatological view.
2. The New Heaven and Earth:
Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. Fulfilled eschatology posits that this new creation began with Christ’s finished work. Believers in this view see the emergence of a “New Covenant Creation,” where the old has passed away, and all things have become new.
Conclusion:
“It is finished” is a divine proclamation of the completion of God’s redemptive work through Christ. As believers in Christ, whether adhering to fulfilled eschatology or other perspectives, we can all appreciate the significance of this moment in our faith. It marks the ultimate act of love and grace, bridging the gap between God and humanity. Whether you view it through the lens of fulfilled eschatology or any other theological framework, one thing is certain: the power and meaning of “It is finished” remain central to our understanding of the Gospel.