Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ!
It is finished. Lent 2018 is over as of March 29th. Whatever you gave up for Lent is now back on your plate – whatever it may be. Tell me, did you fudge at all during Lent? Were you perfect? Come on, be honest.
If you are like every other human being, you probably fudged just a little. Don’t worry about it, as I said it is finished - done, over.
That is what Jesus said, isn’t it? Before He died on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” So, what was finished? His suffering, was that what was finished? His life, is that what was finished? All the above are kind of true. Jesus’ suffering was over when He died, and He did die physically. But, His death was not the end.
What was finished was the plan for our salvation. Our sin was paid for by Jesus’ blood, “It is finished.” However, our life is not finished when we die in Christ just as His life was not finished.
Even though it appeared that Jesus’ life was over as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus claimed the dead body, it was not over. No, something interrupted Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they went to Jesus’ tomb to complete His burial.
The angel said, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
No dead body in there!
Neither will there be a dead body, bones, or dust left in our graves. Because Jesus lives, we also will live. Let’s say it – “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia – amen!
Jesus atoned for all our sins. From the big ones of adultery, murder, and not loving God with our entire being, to the white lies, the fudging during Lent – all our sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, “It is finished.” Christ is risen from the dead and so will we one day. Happy Easter, amen.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia – amen!
Blessings in His name,
Pastor Hilton