
The Moment That Changed Everything
As Jesus hung on the cross, suffering for the sins of the world, He uttered three final words that echo through eternity: “It is finished” (John 19:30). In that moment, the earth trembled, darkness covered the land, and something miraculous happened—the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This event was no mere coincidence; it was a divine act symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The tearing of the curtain and Christ’s final declaration marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of direct access to God for all who believe in Him.
What “It Is Finished” Means for Believers
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was proclaiming that His mission on earth was complete. His sacrifice had paid the full price for sin—once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). No more sacrifices were needed. No longer would people need a high priest to mediate between them and God. The work of salvation was accomplished, and grace was extended to all who would receive it.
- The Debt of Sin Was Paid in Full
- Romans 6:23 reminds us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Jesus bore our sins on the cross, fulfilling Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.”
- A New Covenant Was Established
- The old covenant, based on the law and sacrifices, was fulfilled through Christ’s perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12-15).
- Now, through faith in Jesus, we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- The Barrier Between God and Man Was Removed
- The temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies—the place where God’s presence dwelt—from the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year to make atonement for sins.
- When the curtain tore, it signified that God’s presence was no longer confined—through Christ, we now have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16).
The Tearing of the Temple Curtain: A Divine Invitation
The tearing of the curtain was a powerful, supernatural event that signified several key truths:
- Access to God for All People
- “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18)
- We no longer need an earthly mediator—Jesus is our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).
- The End of Religious Barriers
- Under the old covenant, the Holy of Holies was reserved for the high priest alone. Now, the presence of God is open to everyone who calls on the name of Jesus (Acts 2:21).
- The Power of Christ’s Sacrifice
- The fact that the curtain was torn from top to bottom shows that this act was initiated by God, not man.
- This symbolizes that salvation is a gift from God, not something we achieve by works (Titus 3:5).
Final Thought:
For believers, the words “It is finished” should bring peace, assurance, and confidence. The work of salvation has been completed; we don’t have to strive to earn God’s love or forgiveness. Instead, we are called to walk in the freedom and grace that Christ has provided.
Let us live with boldness, knowing that the way to God is open, that we are fully redeemed, and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because of Jesus, we no longer stand outside the veil—we stand in the presence of the Almighty, as His redeemed children.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)