These three wonderful words, "It is finished," contain the essence of the gospel. No unsaved person can properly understand their meaning. The gospel of the grace of God tells what Christ has done for sinners, not what they are to do for Him. It is, when believed, the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16).
"It is finished" were the dying words of our truest, best, and dearest Friend. Christ poured out His soul as an offering for sin and uttered this triumphant cry. On account of our sins He suffered, and bled, and died!
WHAT WAS FINISHED? The work of redemption. The ransom has been paid, and the penalty has been met. The types and shadows of a past dispensation are completed. We do not need the "shadow", for we have the Person.
His life of shame, of suffering, and of sorrow was also ended. He had been "despised and rejected of men," as He still is by the world. Many times He had been faint, weary, hungry, and thirsty, but that is all over. "For your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.
He, the Lord Jesus, "bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24. When He died at Calvary a full and perfect atonement for sin was accomplished. "Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." Hebrews 9:26.
God is fully satisfied with Christ's finished work, and He desires that you should be satisfied too. If that work is complete, what is left unfinished for you to do? Can you add to a "finished" work? Salvation has been purchased at an infinite cost, and now is offered to you as a free gift.
"Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on Him whom He hath sent." John 6:28, 29.