The Lord Jesus ended His work and suffering on the cross of Calvary with the words "It is finished!" (Jn. 19:30). In the original language in which John recorded these words, only one word is spoken by the Lord Jesus--tetelestai. Not three words but one--finished.
It was the cry of consummation, the cry of victory and of completion. In this one word, the Savior declared a fact, a truth so wonderful that Satan has been busy ever since trying to hide from the minds of men and women the meaning of Jesus' last triumphant cry.
As a result, there are millions of earnest, sincere, seeking souls who long for peace and rest but have not yet realized that salvation is a completed work. There is nothing more to be done. Yet these dear souls work and sacrifice, doing things they feel will merit for them the favor of God.
Stand with me once more before that cross. In that deep darkness when God hid His face, hear the Savior's powerful cry, "It is finished!" At that moment the earth shook, the rocks were split, and the graves were opened (Mt. 27:51-52). His work of salvation was complete. Aren't you glad you can say, "Praise God, it is finished for me!" — M.R. De Haan
Lifted up was He to die,
"It is finished," was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior! --Bliss
Salvation cannot be earned; it must be accepted.