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QUESTION 41
What did Jesus mean when He cried in John 19:30, "It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave us the ghost?"

ANSWER:
There was only one other thing said to have been finished before, and that in Genesis 2:1 "Thus the heavens and earth were finished.." "And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good...." Genesis 1:31 God was so pleased with this work of creation that He "rested on the seventh day." This doesn't mean He was tired, but that He took great pleasure in His work of creation.

Since His first rest was broken by sin, He began a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17. This creation had to have a plan and provision. This He planned in eternity and provided it in time. When Christ said, "It is finished," it meant the great provision for man and his sins was completed. It could be translated "completed, fulfilled." His work of bearing all the sins of all mankind was completed. He then bowed His head and dismissed His own spirit. "No man taketh it (my life)from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. This commandment I have received of my Father." John 10:18. The word "bowed" means He in reverence, bowed His head. He was never a victim or dying man on the cross. He was there of His own will and delighted to do the Father will. Little wonder we can say "Hallelujah, what a Saviour" He loved us to the uttermost. When we were yet sinner Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Dear reader, "Do you know Him as your sin-bearing Saviour? Have you repented and turned to Him for forgiveness of sins? "There is no other name.... given under heaven, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen