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 1:1616For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (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 8:99For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9).
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.