“It is Finished”: What Did Jesus Mean?

What Does the Phrase “It is Finished” Mean in Its Original Greek Context?

The phrase “It is finished,” spoken by Jesus on the cross, is translated from the Greek word “τετέλεσται” (tetelestai). This term appears in the New Testament, specifically in John 19:30. In the original Greek context, “tetelestai” is derived from the verb “τελέω” (teleo), which means “to bring to an end,” “to complete,” or “to accomplish.” This verb conveys the idea of fulfilling an objective, completing a task, or achieving a purpose.

The significance of “tetelestai” lies in its use in various contexts in ancient Greek literature and inscriptions. It was commonly used in commercial transactions to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. When someone finished repaying a debt, they might receive a receipt stamped with “tetelestai,” meaning the obligation was completely satisfied. Similarly, it could be used in the context of completing a job or fulfilling a command.

In the context of Jesus’ crucifixion, “tetelestai” signifies the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. Jesus’ declaration marks the culmination of His sacrificial work, indicating that the purpose for which He came into the world had been fully accomplished. This completion encompasses His atonement for sin, the fulfillment of the law, and the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity.

Summary:

• “It is finished” translates to “tetelestai” in Greek, meaning “to bring to an end” or “to accomplish.”
• In ancient Greek, it often indicated a completed transaction or fulfilled task.
• In Jesus’ context, it signifies the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecies.

Why Did Jesus Use the Specific Phrase “It is Finished” on the Cross?

Jesus’ use of the phrase “It is finished” on the cross carries profound theological and spiritual implications. It reflects the culmination of His redemptive work, fulfilling the divine plan of salvation. By declaring “It is finished,” Jesus signified several key aspects of His mission.

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah who would suffer and atone for the sins of humanity. By saying “It is finished,” Jesus affirmed that these prophecies had been fulfilled through His life, death, and resurrection.
2. Completion of Atonement: Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, animals were offered to atone for sins, but these sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered Himself as a perfect and final sacrifice, fully satisfying the requirements of God’s justice and providing complete atonement for sin.
3. Establishment of a New Covenant: Jesus’ death marked the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, based on the law given through Moses, was fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant, established through Jesus’ sacrificial death. This new covenant offered forgiveness of sins and a restored relationship with God for all who believe in Him.
4. Defeat of Evil: Jesus’ declaration also signified the defeat of Satan and the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin, death, and the devil, securing victory for all who place their faith in Him.

Summary:

• Jesus’ declaration fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
• It marked the completion of atonement for sins through His perfect sacrifice.
• It signified the establishment of a New Covenant between God and humanity.
• It proclaimed Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and evil.

How Do Different Christian Denominations Interpret “It is Finished”?

The interpretation of “It is finished” varies among Christian denominations, reflecting their distinct theological perspectives.

1. Roman Catholic Interpretation: Catholics understand “It is finished” as the culmination of Jesus’ sacrificial work, fulfilling the Old Covenant and instituting the New Covenant. The Catholic Church emphasizes the ongoing significance of the Eucharist, seeing it as a re-presentation of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, allowing believers to participate in His redemptive work.
2. Protestant Interpretation: Most Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists, emphasize the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. They view “It is finished” as a declaration that Jesus’ atonement is complete and sufficient for salvation, requiring no additional works or sacrifices. This belief is foundational to the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
3. Eastern Orthodox Interpretation: The Eastern Orthodox Church sees “It is finished” as the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation, completed through Jesus’ incarnation, death, and resurrection. Orthodox theology emphasizes the transformative and restorative aspects of salvation, viewing Christ’s work as a means to deify humanity and restore the image of God within them.
4. Evangelical Interpretation: Evangelical Christians often stress the personal significance of Jesus’ declaration. They believe “It is finished” means that Jesus has fully paid the penalty for sin, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him. Evangelicals emphasize the assurance of salvation and the believer’s personal relationship with Jesus.

Summary:

• Catholic: Fulfillment of Old Covenant, ongoing significance in the Eucharist.
• Protestant: Sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, justification by faith alone.
• Orthodox: Fulfillment of salvation plan, focus on transformation and restoration.
• Evangelical: Personal significance, assurance of salvation through faith.

What is the Significance of the Perfect Tense Used in the Greek Word “Tetelestai”?

The perfect tense of the Greek word “tetelestai” used in John 19:30 is significant for several reasons:

1. Completed Action with Ongoing Effects: The perfect tense in Greek indicates an action that has been completed in the past with results continuing into the present. When Jesus said “tetelestai,” He was declaring that His redemptive work was fully accomplished and that the benefits of this completed action would endure indefinitely.
2. Fulfillment and Continuity: The perfect tense emphasizes both the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission and the continuity of its effects. His atonement for sin was not just a past event but has ongoing implications for believers, providing continuous access to forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
3. Permanent State: The use of the perfect tense underscores the permanence of Jesus’ accomplishment. It signifies that nothing more needs to be added to His work; it is eternally sufficient. This reinforces the belief in the completeness and finality of Christ’s sacrifice.
4. Theological Assurance: For believers, the perfect tense of “tetelestai” provides assurance of salvation. It affirms that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient and complete, offering a foundation for faith and confidence in the promise of eternal life.

Summary:

• Completed Action: Indicates an action completed in the past with ongoing results.
• Fulfillment and Continuity: Emphasizes the enduring effects of Jesus’ mission.
• Permanent State: Signifies the eternal sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Theological Assurance: Provides confidence in the completeness of salvation.

How Do Biblical Scholars and Theologians Explain the Depth of “It is Finished”?

Biblical scholars and theologians explore the depth of “It is finished” by examining its theological, historical, and spiritual dimensions.

1. Theological Depth: The phrase encapsulates the core of Christian theology, emphasizing the doctrines of atonement, redemption, and justification. Scholars like N.T. Wright and John Stott highlight how “It is finished” signifies the completion of God’s redemptive plan, reconciling humanity to Himself through Jesus’ sacrifice.
2. Historical Context: Scholars examine the historical context of Jesus’ crucifixion, understanding “It is finished” in light of Jewish sacrificial practices and Roman execution methods. They explore how Jesus’ death fulfilled the typology of the Passover lamb and the sacrifices in the Temple, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin.
3. Spiritual Implications: Theologians like Karl Barth and Hans Urs von Balthasar delve into the spiritual implications of Jesus’ declaration. They discuss how “It is finished” reveals the depth of God’s love and the extent of Jesus’ suffering, demonstrating His obedience unto death and His victory over sin and death.
4. Exegesis and Hermeneutics: Detailed exegesis of the biblical text, including linguistic and grammatical analysis, helps scholars uncover the nuances of “tetelestai.” They explore how its use in various contexts within Scripture reinforces its significance in John 19:30.

Summary:

• Theological Depth: Emphasizes core Christian doctrines of atonement and redemption.
• Historical Context: Relates to Jewish sacrificial practices and Roman execution methods.
• Spiritual Implications: Reveals God’s love and Jesus’ obedience and victory.
• Exegesis and Hermeneutics: Detailed analysis of the biblical text and language.

What are the Broader Implications of “It is Finished” for Christian Eschatology?

The phrase “It is finished” (tetelestai) spoken by Jesus on the cross has significant implications for Christian eschatology, the study of the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity. This declaration encapsulates the completion of God’s redemptive work through Christ, which influences several eschatological themes:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ declaration that “It is finished” signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. This fulfillment is pivotal in Christian eschatology as it confirms that God’s plan for salvation, foretold by the prophets, has been realized through Christ’s death and resurrection. This completion sets the stage for the eschatological hope of the Second Coming.
2. Inauguration of the Kingdom of God: By proclaiming “It is finished,” Jesus indicates the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. While the Kingdom is not yet fully realized (the “already but not yet” eschatological tension), Jesus’ death and resurrection mark the beginning of its establishment on earth. This event assures believers of the ultimate victory of God’s Kingdom, which will be fully realized at the end of times.
3. Defeat of Evil: Jesus’ words declare the defeat of sin, death, and Satan. This victory is central to eschatological expectations, as it assures believers that the forces of evil have been overcome. In the end times, this victory will be fully manifest when Christ returns, bringing about the final judgment and the restoration of all creation.
4. Assurance of Salvation: “It is finished” provides assurance of salvation to believers, which is a cornerstone of eschatological hope. Jesus’ completed work guarantees that those who have faith in Him will be saved and can look forward to eternal life. This assurance shapes Christian living and the hope of resurrection and eternal communion with God.

Summary:

• Fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
• Inauguration of the Kingdom of God.
• Defeat of sin, death, and Satan.
• Assurance of salvation and eternal life.

How Does the Catholic Church Interpret “It is Finished”?

The Catholic Church interprets “It is finished” within the context of its rich theological tradition, emphasizing the completion of Christ’s sacrificial work and its ongoing significance in the life of the Church.

1. Sacrificial Fulfillment: The Catholic Church views Jesus’ declaration as the culmination of His role as the sacrificial Lamb of God. His death on the cross is seen as the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament sacrificial system. This sacrifice is made present to the faithful through the Eucharist, which is seen as a re-presentation of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice.
2. New Covenant: The phrase signifies the establishment of the New Covenant between God and humanity. This New Covenant is central to Catholic theology and is celebrated in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, thus entering into the new and eternal covenant.
3. Ongoing Redemption: While Christ’s sacrificial work is complete, the Catholic Church teaches that the effects of this redemption are ongoing. The Church participates in Christ’s redemptive work through its sacramental life, teaching, and the acts of mercy and justice. The Church continues to apply the merits of Christ’s passion to the faithful through the sacraments.
4. Eschatological Hope: “It is finished” also points to the eschatological hope of the final consummation of God’s Kingdom. The Church teaches that Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end. The declaration on the cross assures believers of the ultimate fulfillment of this hope.

Summary:

• Fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices.
• Establishment of the New Covenant.
• Ongoing application of Christ’s redemptive work through the sacraments.
• Eschatological hope of Christ’s return and final judgment.

How Do Psychological Interpretations Interpret “It is Finished”?

Psychological interpretations of “It is finished” explore the phrase’s impact on the human psyche, focusing on themes of closure, release, and transformation.

1. Closure and Completion: Psychologically, “It is finished” represents a moment of closure and completion. This can be understood as a resolution of a significant phase or task. In the context of human experience, achieving closure on difficult or traumatic events can bring a sense of relief and peace, mirroring Jesus’ declaration as a moment of resolving His earthly mission.
2. Release from Burden: Jesus’ words can be seen as a release from the burden of sin and suffering. Psychologically, this reflects the human need to let go of burdens, guilt, and unresolved issues. The phrase invites individuals to accept that some struggles are over and to embrace the freedom that comes from letting go.
3. Transformation and New Beginnings: “It is finished” also signifies the beginning of a transformative process. Just as Jesus’ death leads to resurrection, psychologically, acknowledging the end of one phase can open the door to new growth and opportunities. This transformation is a key theme in therapeutic processes, where acknowledging the end of certain behaviors or patterns is crucial for personal growth.
4. Hope and Assurance: The psychological impact of assurance and hope provided by “It is finished” cannot be overstated. This phrase can instill a deep sense of hope and confidence that, despite current suffering or challenges, there is a resolved and assured future.

Summary:

• Represents closure and completion.
• Signifies release from burden.
• Marks the beginning of transformation and new beginnings.
• Instills hope and assurance.

How Did the Church Fathers Interpret “It is Finished”?

The Church Fathers provided rich theological insights into the phrase “It is finished,” emphasizing its significance in salvation history and the life of the Church.

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy and Law: Early Church Fathers like Augustine and Athanasius interpreted “It is finished” as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the Mosaic Law. They emphasized that Christ’s work completed what the Law and the Prophets had pointed towards, bringing the Old Covenant to its intended fulfillment in the New Covenant.
2. Victory Over Sin and Death: The Church Fathers also saw this declaration as a proclamation of victory. For example, John Chrysostom highlighted that “It is finished” signified the defeat of sin and death, which had entered the world through Adam. Through Christ’s obedience unto death, He triumphed over the powers of darkness.
3. Satisfaction and Atonement: Anselm and other Fathers developed the idea of satisfaction, where Christ’s death was seen as satisfying the justice of God for the sins of humanity. “It is finished” thus indicated that the debt of sin was paid in full, and humanity was reconciled with God.
4. Christ’s Obedience: The phrase was also interpreted as the culmination of Christ’s obedience to the Father. The Fathers like Irenaeus noted that Jesus, as the second Adam, was obedient unto death, undoing the disobedience of the first Adam and restoring humanity to its intended relationship with God.

Summary:

• Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Law.
• Proclamation of victory over sin and death.
• Indication of satisfaction and atonement for sins.
• Culmination of Christ’s obedience.

Facts & Stats

1. Biblical Usage: The phrase “tetelestai” appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of John (John 19:28, 19:30).
2. Manuscript Evidence: Ancient Greek papyri have been found with the word “tetelestai” used in business documents and receipts to show that a bill had been paid in full.
3. Theological Interpretation: Various theological interpretations from different denominations emphasize the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.
4. Psychological Impact: Studies in psychology often highlight the importance of closure in mental health, showing parallels with the significance of Jesus’ declaration in providing spiritual closure and assurance.
5. Church Fathers: Key Church Fathers such as Augustine, Athanasius, and John Chrysostom provided foundational interpretations that continue to influence Christian theology.

References

1. The New Testament (Catholic Bible Press): Contextual analysis of the original Greek phrase and its significance in biblical theology.
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Catholic Church’s official teachings on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and its implications for salvation and the sacraments.
3. Church Fathers’ Writings: Insights from early theologians like Augustine, Athanasius, and John Chrysostom on the meaning of “It is finished.”
4. Pope Francis – Let Us Dream: Contemporary reflections on the implications of Jesus’ declaration for Christian living and hope.
5. Psychological Studies: Research on the importance of closure and transformation in psychological health.
6. John 19:28-30

John 17:4

John 4:34

Colossians 1:14

Matthew 27:34

John 3:16