When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. - John 19:30

Don't overlook these words. What was the intent behind Jesus' words, "it is finished," as He hung upon the cross? These words are significant and when properly understood teach us a phenomenal truth, indeed, the most important truth ever to be heard by human ears. "It is finished" means that whatever Christ came to do, it was completed as He died upon the cross.

So, what was finished? To answer the question "what is finished" you must first consider the purpose of Christ coming into the world. Why did Jesus come to earth?

According to the angel, the Heavenly Messenger, in Matthew 1:21, Jesus came to save HIS people from their sins. He did not come to die for anyone who would accept Him. This would have placed uncertainty and the unavoidable potential of some failure in His Work. You see, had He died for all, and all were not saved, then there would be a degree of failure to His work. God forbid! No, He laid down His life for the sheep, His chosen people.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. - Matthew 1:21

He laid down His life for His sheep. According to Ephesians 1 and Romans 8, these sheep were chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world. They were given to Christ as an espoused bride. He came to die for them, to redeem them, and redeem them He did. These people are described as being an innumerable host of people, chosen out of every nation, kindred, tribe and tongue. Christ was both their Great High Priest and also the Sacrifice (Hebrews 10) offered to take away their sin. He died upon the cross to pay their sin debt and secure their home in Heaven.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love... - Ephesians 1:4

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.- Romans 8:29

So, was that work of redemption completed? Absolutely! Remember, our study passage is Jesus' victory pronunciation upon the cross! Jesus' own words were "IT IS FINISHED." The eternal redemption of the elect family of God was secured by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. They will join Him in Heaven and live as joint-heirs with Him for all of eternity. Why? Because IT IS FINISHED!