By Josh Adkins
When Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He was declaring a victory of epic proportions.
But what precisely does “IT” entail? If we do not define “it” accurately, according to Scripture, we may import whatever we like and assign erroneous teachings to Christ. Sadly, many social media teachers are doing just that, and misleading great numbers of disciples.
So, what does “it is finished” actually mean?
It means sin was atoned for (1 Pet. 2:24). The law of Moses was fulfilled (Matt. 5:17). Its curse was answered (Gal. 3:13). The record of debt was canceled (Col. 2:14). The powers of darkness were disarmed (Col. 2:15). The new covenant was inaugurated (Luke 22:20; Heb. 9:15). The way to the Father was opened (Heb. 10:19–22). The kingdom was launched (Matt. 12:28; Luke 17:21), and our resurrection was guaranteed (1 Cor. 15:20–23).
But “finished” does not mean every benefit of redemption is INSTANTLY embodied in every believer the moment they believe or receive the right revelation. Why?
Because the gospel is not a formula. It is reconciliation unto relationship.
The cross is finished, but our participation in its benefits must be received, applied, embodied, and ministered through union with Christ and a life in the Spirit. The apostles did not preach an “identity gospel” alone. They preached that a new creation identity was the foundation for relational transformation (2 Cor. 3:18).
WE ARE SAVED, BEING SAVED, AND WILL BE SAVED
Some realities are immediate: we are forgiven, justified, adopted, transferred into the kingdom, indwelt by the Spirit, and made new in Christ (Rom. 5:1, 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 1:13–14). The body of Christ desperately needs to grasp these foundational truths!
But some realities are progressive: we renew the mind, walk by the Spirit, confess sin, resist the devil, forgive, endure trials, receive healing, and mature in character and love (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22–24; Gal. 5:16; Rom. 5:1-5; James 1:2–4). Jesus is still the source of transformation, but we must yield and walk with Him to embody such things.
Still, some realities are future: we still await the redemption of our bodies, the resurrection of the dead, and the day death itself is finally destroyed (Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:26, 51–57).
INWARD REST IS NOT ABSENT OF OUTWARD ACTION
In Christ, we “rest.” But biblical rest is not passivity.
Rest means we stop trying to earn righteousness, not that we stop praying (Heb. 4:9–11; Eph. 2:8–10). Rest means we are free from condemnation, not that we refuse confession of sin (Rom. 8:1; 1 John 1:9). Rest means we are accepted in Christ, not that repentance is eradicated (Eph. 1:6–7; 2 Cor. 7:10). Rest means we war from victory, not that there is no war (Eph. 6:10–18; 1 Tim. 6:12).
Confession is not legalism; it brings what is hidden into the light, where the blood of Jesus cleanses (1 John 1:7–9). Repentance is not worldly fear; it is the holy return of a beloved child and bride who wants to honor the Lord (2 Cor. 7:10). Community and the sacraments are not religious works, but a table of formation to which believers are graciously invited (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16–17).
Sanctification is already accepted believers cleansing themselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1). This happens inwardly as we live by the Spirit, in a grace-filled state. Nevertheless, the New Testament says both that we are sanctified at new birth and that we are being sanctified through ongoing transformation (1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Thess. 5:23).
IS HEALING & DELIVERANCE FINISHED?
Concerning healing, it can absolutely be received by faith! But if healing were sweeping and AUTOMATIC for every believer the moment they believed, why would James tell sick Christians to call for elders, receive prayer, and confess sins where needed (James 5:14–16)? If strife or unforgiveness isn’t a factor in receiving from God, why would Peter declare it is (1 Pet. 3:7)? If it’s all merely about revelation, why would Paul speak of “gifts of healings” given to the Church by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:9)? Healing is not striving against the finished work. It is the kingdom being MINISTERED FROM THE AUTHORITY of the finished work.
Similarly, if demons automatically left everyone the moment they believed correctly, why did Jesus command His followers to cast them out in the first place (Matt. 10:1; Luke 10:17–20)? Why not ignore Jesus’ command and just get people saved into their “identity?” Why then would believers still be told to give no opportunity to the devil, resist him, and stand against his schemes (Eph. 4:27; James 4:7; Eph. 6:10–18)? Deliverance is not at war with the finished work. It is the Church ENFORCING the victory Jesus already secured.
Likewise, yes, Christ redeemed us from the curse of Moses’ law (Gal. 3:13), but that does not mean every demonic effect, inherited pattern, willful agreement, or trauma automatically disappears without relational acts of repentance/renunciation, prayer and/or the laying on of hands (James 5:16). The legal claim has been broken, but the effects may still need to be confronted and driven out by Christ’s authority.
“It is finished”’means the powers have been LEGALLY disarmed (Col. 2:15), but the last enemy, death, will be wholly and literally destroyed at Christ’s return (1 Cor. 15:26). Salvation is now, salvation is being worked into us, and salvation will be revealed in fullness when Christ appears (Eph. 2:8; Phil. 2:12–13; 1 Pet. 1:5).
Be careful who you listen to online! There are many shortsighted teachers, some even promulgating genuine heresies. The full council of the New Testament reveals that “it is finished” is not a formula unto itself, but a door to ongoing, divine relationship by which we experience the benefits of Christ’s work.