Finished

Finished

When Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” He did not just refer to the finished work on the cross. A life had now been concluded; a life’s work was finished. Throughout His life—after every work He had performed—He was able to say: “It is finished.” There was never an unfinished work to be found in His steps. In Bethsaida He laid His hands on a blind man who could then see men walking about as trees. Then Jesus laid His hands on him again, and he could see clearly. Jesus did not walk away from an unfinished work; that would have been contrary to the spirit of the finished work. Leaving something unfinished is contrary to the power and righteousness of God; it is contrary to His laws, which are perfect. He who finishes his works has joy as a reward. He who does righteousness is of God. Everyone is to do all his works as unto God and serve Him as before His face. The maid who washes only half the floor and leaves the rest is unscrupulous. Satan will gladly let the world finish their works and bring them to perfection so that it might be like the Most High, but it is his desire for the believers to be inexact and indifferent so that the world can have an opportunity to mock. Thus Jesus spoke of the man who wanted to build a tower; first he considered whether he had enough to finish the work so that the people would not mock him.

The world mocks those believers who do not finish their works, who walk away from an unfinished work, who make promises and do not keep them. The world mocks, and it is of little avail to tell them about Christ and His finished work if one’s life is in disharmony with that spirit that carries things through to completion. Such people have the appearance of godliness, but not its power; they use hypocritical words at meetings, but they deny Him with their works. They become an abomination to God, an offense to God’s children, and an object of mockery to the world. They feign spirituality, and at the same time their conscience is seared because of their unrighteousness. He who is unfaithful with the mammon of unrighteousness will not be entrusted with the true riches. If he does not carry out his material responsibilities toward his neighbor, how can he discharge his spiritual responsibility toward his brethren? If God cannot get him to be faithful in his earthly work, he is certainly not fit for spiritual work.

The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of the finished work. Paul did not consider his life as dear to himself in order that he might finish his course and the ministry he had received from God.

He did not sell God’s will and his own spiritual character for sordid gain, but he stood firm in his resolve, being able to proclaim, “I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.”

Jesus said, “I have glorified You on the earth; I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

You will also glorify God on earth and exalt Him when you follow Jesus and with a willing mind finish your works with a good conscience.