INTRODUCTION

Few moments in human history have carried such profound weight as the final scene of Jesus Christ on the cross. Among the seven final sayings of Christ recorded in the Gospels, the phrase “It is finished” (John 19:30) stands out not only for its brevity but also for its cosmic significance. In this declaration, Jesus encapsulates the culmination of His earthly ministry, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the completion of a redemptive plan that spans from Genesis to Revelation. Pastor David Jang, in his reflections on this passage, underscores how Jesus’ last words from the cross—translated from the Greek word tetelestai—highlight a decisive closure to God’s plan to save humanity.

In the natural sense, seeing a man crucified and about to die might stir our thoughts of hopelessness or defeat. And certainly, to many who witnessed the crucifixion, it could have seemed like the tragic end of what had been a promising ministry. Yet, from the standpoint of biblical revelation, Christ’s death on the cross was neither an accident nor a sign of weakness; it was God’s “appointed time” in which salvation would be firmly accomplished. The New Testament writers, and particularly John, go out of their way to frame this event as the centerpiece of divine grace and fulfillment.

This expanded study, inspired by Pastor David Jang’s teaching, will delve into three subtopics:

1. The Meaning of “It Is Finished” Proclaimed in the Midst of the Despair of the Cross
2. The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Completion of Salvation: The Hyssop, the Passover Lamb, and the Lord’s Blood
3. The Lord Who Was Exalted by His Humility, and the Glory of Those Who Follow That Path

Each section aims to deepen our understanding of how the words “It is finished” illuminate the heart of the Christian gospel, showcasing God’s faithful love and unveiling the paradox of victory through suffering. In total, we shall see how Jesus’ self-emptying on the cross, far from being a moment of failure, was the ultimate manifestation of divine triumph.

May this reflection lead us into a richer appreciation of the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection. As we meditate on this supreme act of love, we are reminded that our hope and faith stand firmly on what Christ has accomplished—once and for all.

SUBTOPIC 1. THE MEANING OF “IT IS FINISHED” PROCLAIMED IN THE MIDST OF THE DESPAIR OF THE CROSS

1.1 The Final Words of Jesus: Tetelestai

In John 19:30, we read that Jesus, having received the sour wine, proclaimed, “It is finished!” and bowed His head, giving up His spirit. The Greek word translated as “It is finished,” tetelestai (Τετέλεσται), carries nuances that go beyond a simple statement of conclusion. Historically, tetelestai was sometimes stamped on bills of sale or debts to indicate that payment had been rendered in full. This usage parallels the theological idea that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross “paid in full” the debt of sin, thereby nullifying the claim that sin and death had on humankind.

Pastor David Jang highlights that tetelestai should be understood in the context of ancient financial, legal, and religious language. In the commercial sense, it was a term of final settlement; in the legal sense, it marked the end of a sentence or the fulfillment of obligations. In the religious sense, particularly in Jewish sacrificial practices, “completion” signaled that an offering had been fully rendered for the sake of atonement. When Jesus pronounced tetelestai from the cross, each of these connotations resonates: He completes the law’s demand for atonement, satisfies the divine justice, and seals the victory over sin.

Yet, from a human viewpoint, the immediate scene at Golgotha (Calvary) is one of apparent defeat. Crucifixion was a public and excruciating form of execution meant to humiliate, terrorize, and dissuade the populace from incurring the wrath of Rome. Individuals who were crucified were typically viewed as criminals, rebels, or the lowest members of society—abandoned and disgraced. That the Son of God would suffer such a death was and remains a scandalous claim (see 1 Corinthians 1:23). Indeed, it is an offensive thought to the “natural mind” that God would allow the Messiah to be executed in such a degrading manner.

Yet John’s Gospel, far from painting Jesus as a hapless victim, portrays Christ as a sovereign figure who consciously embraces the cross. Time and time again, John points out that all these events transpired “so that Scripture might be fulfilled,” showing that none of the details of Jesus’ passion occurred by chance. The evangelist even carefully constructs the narrative to highlight that Jesus was in control: He was the One who “knew that His hour had come” (John 13:1), and He was the One who declared that “no one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18). Therefore, “It is finished” must be interpreted not as an exasperated cry of one who gives up in the face of tragedy, but as a confident, triumphant declaration that all was accomplished exactly according to God’s design.

1.2 Despair and Hope in the Crucifixion Scene

If we stand at the foot of the cross merely as observers of human suffering, it is natural to feel despair. The crucifixion scene in the Gospels is saturated with emotion: soldiers casting lots for clothing, onlookers mocking Jesus, religious leaders taunting Him, and His own followers weeping from a distance. For many, especially the disciples who had placed their Messianic hopes in Him, Jesus’ death would have seemed like the abrupt collapse of everything they believed.

Pastor David Jang points out that even today, we often interpret terrible events as failures or moments of defeat. Whether it is personal tragedy, unjust suffering, or the many disappointments we face in a fallen world, our default perspective might be to see no good outcome. Yet, John the apostle encourages us to read events through the lens of God’s sovereignty. The cross, in all its horror, is simultaneously the greatest manifestation of God’s power and love. Paradoxically, at the very instant Jesus appears weakest, the foundation of salvation for humankind is firmly laid.

In the specific passage (John 19:28–30), just before He declares “It is finished,” Jesus says, “I am thirsty.” He does so in order to fulfill the Scripture (Psalm 69:21). Whereas earlier, He refused the wine mixed with gall (an analgesic of sorts—Matthew 27:34), preferring to bear the pain to the end, now that all is accomplished, He receives the sour wine. It is a small yet profound detail that testifies to the completion of every prophecy connected to the Messiah’s suffering. In every action, Jesus fulfills the will of the Father, ensuring that the sacrificial plan for redemption is brought to perfect fruition.

1.3 The “Loud Cry” of Other Gospels and John’s Specific Emphasis

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) summarize Jesus’ last moments with descriptions such as “He cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit” (Matthew 27:50), or “Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last” (Mark 15:37). Luke’s Gospel (23:46) specifies that Jesus called out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” before breathing His last. John, however, provides the specific wording of that loud cry: tetelestai. This is not a contradiction but rather an additional detail that highlights the theological significance of Jesus’ final word. The fact that He “cried out” indicates a note of triumph, not resignation. In John’s perspective, this shout echoes throughout salvation history, sealing the redemption God had prepared since the foundation of the world.

Pastor David Jang draws attention to the difference in emphasis: where the other Gospels might focus on Jesus’ demonstration of trust in the Father, John wants us to see the intricate connection between Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and the fulfillment of Scripture. At the cross, we do not merely witness a person dying but the God-Man accomplishing God’s plan. “It is finished” thus becomes the bold stamp of completion upon every prophecy from the Old Testament that pointed forward to the Messiah’s atoning work.

1.4 The Cross as a Place of Cosmic Victory

In the eyes of the world, the cross is historically tied to shame, fear, and finality. But in the cosmic sense, it stands as the great turning point. Pastor David Jang underscores that the true power of “It is finished” lies in the cross as a moment of cosmic significance. On the cross, Jesus reconciles humanity to God, triumphs over the forces of darkness, and inaugurates the new creation.

The apostle Paul, who once persecuted Christians, later came to glory in the cross, famously declaring: “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 6:14). What was once a symbol of terror was transformed into the banner of Christian hope. This is only possible if something utterly transformative took place at the cross—something that fully accomplished salvation and ushered in a new state of affairs between God and creation.

In summarizing this first subtopic, we see that John 19:30, along with the rest of Scripture, proclaims that Christ’s final words on the cross are the triumphant declaration of a mission completed. Rather than defeat, the cross testifies to the fulfillment of prophecies, the canceling of our sin-debt, and the manifestation of God’s redemptive love. What appears to be ultimate despair is, from heaven’s perspective, the ultimate act of triumph.

SUBTOPIC 2. THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY AND THE COMPLETION OF SALVATION: THE HYSSOP, THE PASSOVER LAMB, AND THE LORD’S BLOOD

2.1 The Connection to Passover and Exodus Imagery

One of the most conspicuous ways the Gospel of John portrays Jesus’ crucifixion is by embedding it in the imagery of the Passover feast. From John 1:29, where John the Baptist exclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” the reader is primed to see Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. The Passover event, described in Exodus 12, commemorates how the Israelites in Egypt were saved from the plague of the firstborn by applying the blood of a spotless lamb to their doorposts. The “angel of death” would then “pass over” these marked homes, sparing them from judgment.

Within this context, John notes crucial details in his narrative of the crucifixion. For instance, he records that the crucifixion took place during the preparation for the Passover (John 19:14), aligning Jesus’ death with the slaying of the Passover lambs in the Temple. Moreover, none of Jesus’ bones were broken (John 19:36), which echoes the command in Exodus 12:46 that no bones of the Passover lamb should be broken. These details solidify the connection between Jesus and the Passover lamb—He dies as the final sacrificial Lamb who brings about redemption once and for all.

Pastor David Jang stresses that these parallels are not incidental. By situating Christ’s death during the Passover season and by preserving specific details such as unbroken bones, the Gospel writer underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of centuries of sacrificial types and prophecies. Every time an Israelite celebrated Passover, the ceremony pointed forward to the coming Messiah who would make a perfect atonement. Now, at the cross, that atonement is realized.

2.2 The Role of Hyssop: A Symbol of Purification and Deliverance

In John 19:29, we find another symbolic detail: “A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to His mouth.” The mention of hyssop may seem incidental unless one recalls how hyssop was employed in the Old Testament. Hyssop was used in rituals of purification, most notably in Exodus 12:22, where the Israelites used hyssop branches to apply the lamb’s blood to the doorposts during Passover. It was also used in various purification rites outlined in Leviticus (e.g., Leviticus 14:4–6 for the cleansing of lepers).

Thus, the hyssop used to bring sour wine to Jesus’ lips underscores the symbolic connection between the cross and the Passover/purification rites. As Jesus drinks from the sponge attached to the hyssop branch, the Gospel of John is subtly declaring that He is the true Passover Lamb whose blood purifies from sin. Everything about the crucifixion scene resonates with the meaning of redemption—no detail is wasted or accidental.

Pastor David Jang observes that in many of our modern reflections, we might skip over small botanical or ritual details. But the ancient Israelites would have been keenly aware of hyssop’s liturgical significance. For them, hyssop was inextricably linked to the idea of being spared from death and cleansed from impurity. By weaving this imagery into the crucifixion account, John underscores the life-giving power of Christ’s sacrifice and the completion of every ritual foreshadow that the Old Testament offered.

2.3 Jesus’ Blood: Cleansing and Life-Giving

In the broader Christian tradition, the blood of Christ is frequently spoken of as “the precious blood” or “the blood that washes away sin.” Far from being a mere metaphor, Scripture affirms the blood as the life force that accomplishes a divine exchange (cf. Leviticus 17:11). The writer of Hebrews states, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). As such, the repeated imagery of Jesus’ blood in John 19 (both in the scourging and, later, the soldier’s spear in verse 34) highlights the cost of redemption.

When the soldier pierces Jesus’ side, John 19:34 records, “Immediately blood and water came out.” Interpreters through the ages have debated the medical and symbolic significance of this statement. Some point to the water possibly representing the fluid in the pericardial sac; others highlight the theological symbolism of baptism (water) and the Eucharist (blood). Regardless of whether one emphasizes the medical or sacramental aspect, the immediate effect is to show that Jesus was fully poured out—He withheld nothing in His sacrifice.

Pastor David Jang emphasizes that this moment signifies the complete outpouring of Christ’s love. Nothing was withheld; His very heart is exposed. This evokes the truth that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16), and here on the cross, that love is tangible, illustrated by blood and water. This is “the costliness of grace,” to use Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s phrase—grace that is not cheap but purchased at a profound price. And precisely because Christ’s sacrifice is so costly, the result is a once-for-all redemption that truly saves.

2.4 The Universal Significance of the Atonement

Jesus’ atoning work is not limited to one group or nation; it extends to all who put their faith in Him. This universal scope is hinted at in John 12:20–25, where Greeks (representing the Gentile nations) come seeking Jesus. At that juncture, Jesus speaks of the seed that must fall to the ground and die in order to bear much fruit. He is pointing to His death as the means of producing a “harvest” of believers drawn from all corners of the globe. Thus, the cross is not a tragic ending but the beginning of God’s worldwide kingdom movement.

Moreover, John 1:29 underscores how Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Not just the sin of Israel, nor the sin of a select few, but the sin of the entire world. Pastor David Jang underlines that this broad scope of redemption forms the basis for global missions and evangelism. If in Christ’s death there is genuine atonement for sin, then the message of the cross must be proclaimed universally, to all peoples, tribes, and tongues (Revelation 7:9). This is why the early church quickly spread the news of Christ’s death and resurrection beyond Judea and into the Gentile world, trusting that the crucified Messiah was, in fact, Lord over all.

2.5 “It Is Finished” as the Fulfillment of All Ritual and Prophecy

From the vantage point of the Old Testament, the sacrificial system was ongoing. Year after year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood for the sins of the people. Yet Hebrews 10:4 reminds us that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” in a permanent sense. These repeated sacrifices were meant to point forward to a single, definitive atonement that would truly expiate sin.

That definitive atonement arrived in the person of Jesus, the ultimate High Priest who offered Himself once and for all (Hebrews 7:27). In saying, “It is finished,” Jesus declared that no further sacrifice would ever be needed. The Old Testament rituals, while they served a purpose, now stand fulfilled. This does not render them meaningless; rather, it completes their meaning and intention. The entire trajectory of Scripture—from the sacrifices in Genesis, to the Passover in Exodus, to the prophecies in Isaiah—all converge on the cross of Christ.

Pastor David Jang urges that when believers grasp the significance of “It is finished,” they can rest in Christ’s completed work, free from legalistic attempts at self-atonement. Whether in ancient or modern religious practices, the human tendency is to try to earn salvation or to seek some additional step beyond the cross. But John 19:30 definitively teaches that there is no addendum to what Jesus has accomplished. We are saved by grace through faith in His finished work.

Hence, the second subtopic concludes: The cross fulfills every thread of prophecy and sacrifice woven throughout the Old Testament. The hyssop, the Passover lamb, and the blood of Christ converge into one grand narrative that points to the universal, once-for-all redemption that Jesus alone could secure.

SUBTOPIC 3. THE LORD WHO WAS EXALTED BY HIS HUMILITY, AND THE GLORY OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW THAT PATH

3.1 The Paradox of the Cross: The Place of Utter Humiliation and Ultimate Glorification

The cross in the Roman world was the epitome of shame and degradation. Crucifixion was reserved for those regarded as the worst criminals and rebels. It was so offensive that polite Roman society rarely spoke of it openly. In that light, it is staggering to consider that the early Christians chose the cross—an object of scandal—as their chief symbol. This reversal can be explained only by recognizing that in God’s providence, the cross, the lowliest instrument of torture, became the highest emblem of victory.

Pastor David Jang points out that Jesus’ journey to Calvary was one of complete self-emptying (cf. Philippians 2:7–8). Jesus, “being in very nature God,” took on the form of a servant, was born in human likeness, and then humbled Himself further to die a criminal’s death on a cross. This descent from heaven’s glory to earth’s shame was not forced upon Him; He chose it out of love and obedience to the Father. Thus, the cross is the climax of God’s self-giving love.

And yet, as Philippians 2:9–11 continues, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.” The “therefore” is crucial: because Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, God has exalted Him to the highest place. In short, Christ’s humiliation directly leads to His glorification. This sets a pattern for believers: the path to true spiritual glory is not through self-promotion or worldly power, but through servanthood, sacrifice, and humility.

3.2 The Lesson from James and John’s Mother

In Matthew 20:20–23, we read of the mother of James and John requesting that her sons sit at Jesus’ left and right in His kingdom. It is a classic example of human ambition—seeking the highest places of honor. Jesus uses this occasion to ask, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?” (Mark 10:38). That cup, symbolizing the suffering of the cross, is precisely the path the disciples must be prepared to follow if they truly want to share in Jesus’ glory.

Pastor David Jang zeroes in on this story to illustrate how easily we can misunderstand the nature of spiritual greatness. The Kingdom of God operates on a different set of principles from the kingdoms of this world. While the world pursues status, comfort, and dominion, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in service (Matthew 20:25–28). He Himself came not “to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This is the essence of the cross—servant leadership, sacrificial love, and obedience even unto death.

Interestingly, the mother of James and John, after being corrected by Jesus, appears later at the foot of the cross (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40). Her presence during Jesus’ crucifixion reveals a deeper transformation—moving from a worldly perspective of glory to a willingness to stand with Jesus in His most painful hour. In that sense, she becomes a witness to the paradox of the cross: the shameful place of execution is, in truth, the site of Christ’s supreme victory. To share in Christ’s glory, one must be willing to partake in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10–11).

3.3 True Discipleship: Taking Up the Cross Daily

Jesus repeatedly told His disciples: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In the first-century Roman context, the mere mention of a cross would evoke terror. Yet Jesus uses the image to describe the disciple’s life: a continual dying to self and living for God. Pastor David Jang explains that while salvation is fully accomplished by Christ’s “It is finished,” believers are called to respond by walking in the way of the cross.

This involves crucifying one’s ego, pride, and self-centered desires. It is easy to admire the cross as a historical artifact or a sentimental symbol, but it is far more challenging to live its implications day to day. Nonetheless, this is precisely what Jesus invites His followers to do: to embrace a life marked by humility, service, and often suffering for righteousness’ sake. Such is the “narrow path” (Matthew 7:14) that leads to life, a path that the world finds foolish or undesirable.

3.4 The Communal Implications of the Cross

When a faith community truly embraces the cross, it transforms their relationships and priorities. A church or fellowship shaped by the cross emphasizes forgiveness over retaliation, generosity over greed, and unity over division. Pastor David Jang highlights that where the cross is central, there can be no room for petty rivalries or the exaltation of human personalities. Instead, believers become increasingly conformed to Christ’s likeness, which is self-sacrificing and loving.

In the apostolic church described in Acts, we see glimpses of how the early Christians’ understanding of Christ’s sacrificial love shaped their communal life. They shared possessions, cared for the needy, and were willing to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–35). Of course, no church is perfect, and the New Testament also recounts struggles and conflicts. Yet the ideal set before them was guided by the ethic of the cross: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

3.5 Hope in Suffering, Glory in Humility

Another dimension Pastor David Jang explores is how the cross reframes the Christian’s experience of personal suffering. Because Jesus’ crucifixion was the gateway to resurrection and exaltation, believers can trust that their own sufferings are not meaningless. Romans 8:17–18 teaches that if we share in Christ’s sufferings, we also share in His glory. This does not mean we seek suffering for its own sake, but when it inevitably comes, we can endure with hope, knowing that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed.”

Jesus Himself taught, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). This principle, which He applied to His own impending death, also extends to the life of every believer. The “death” of our own selfish ambitions, comfort zones, or even literal persecution for Christ’s sake can lead to spiritual fruitfulness and greater intimacy with God. The cross, paradoxically, is the path to abundant life.

3.6 Living in the Light of “It Is Finished”

Ultimately, the Christian life is lived in the secure foundation of Christ’s completed work. We do not strive to add to the cross or to improve upon it. Instead, we abide in it, constantly drawing from its well of grace. Knowing that Jesus has already “finished” the task of redemption frees us from the burden of perfectionism or the fear that we might not be “good enough” for God. The cross proclaims we can never be “good enough” in ourselves—only Christ is—but we are graciously invited to share in His righteousness.

From this position of rest in Christ’s finished work, we are empowered to serve others without the need for self-promotion or anxiety about status. We serve because Christ has served us, and we love because He first loved us. This is the essence of Christian living, as taught in John 13:34–35, where Jesus instructs His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. The measure of that love is the cross, and the continuing power to love flows from the victory of “It is finished.”

To close the third subtopic: The cross stands as the ultimate expression of humility turned into glory. Followers of Christ, likewise, tread the same path—dying to self, living in service, and ultimately sharing in resurrection glory. In a world that exalts pride and power, the cross calls us to a counter-cultural lifestyle of sacrificial love. When we take up our cross daily, we discover the secret of true exaltation in God’s kingdom: “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

CONCLUSION AND FINAL REFLECTIONS

Across these three subtopics, we have explored Pastor David Jang’s emphasis on John 19:30 and the declaration, “It is finished.” We have seen how, when viewed within the broader tapestry of Scripture, this moment at Golgotha is not one of defeat but the apex of God’s redemptive plan:

1. The Meaning of “It Is Finished” Proclaimed in the Midst of the Despair of the Cross
   1. Jesus’ final words, tetelestai, underscore a triumphant completion of His mission.
   1. Even though the cross appears as the pinnacle of despair from a human perspective, God uses it to showcase the fulfillment of prophecy and the securing of our redemption.
2. The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Completion of Salvation: The Hyssop, the Passover Lamb, and the Lord’s Blood
   1. By connecting the crucifixion with Passover imagery, John demonstrates that Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood redeems humanity once and for all.
   1. The hyssop, used to apply the blood during the original Passover, appears again at the cross, symbolizing the cleansing and purifying power of Christ’s sacrifice.
   1. Jesus’ blood poured out fulfills every sacrificial system in the Old Testament, leaving no further need for additional offerings.
3. The Lord Who Was Exalted by His Humility, and the Glory of Those Who Follow That Path
   1. The cross is not merely an emblem of suffering but also the means by which Christ is exalted.
   1. Believers are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, embracing the paradox of humility that leads to glory.
   1. This path involves daily self-denial, taking up our cross, and living in sacrificial love, confident that final exaltation awaits those who share in Christ’s sufferings.

At its heart, the message of “It is finished” conveys that the work of salvation rests entirely on God’s initiative and Christ’s obedience. From the vantage point of faith, we see that every Scripture pointing to the Messiah has been accomplished; nothing in God’s plan remains incomplete. Consequently, Christians approach God not as those who must continually prove themselves worthy, but as those who have been justified by grace through faith in a finished work.

Indeed, the cross holds out a beautiful paradox: though it involves the deepest level of suffering and self-emptying, it ends in eternal life and glory. Jesus’ resurrection, which follows the crucifixion, is proof that the cross did not have the last word—life overcame death, love conquered hate, and hope shattered despair. The cross is thus an icon of hope precisely because “It is finished” was declared there, and the resurrection confirmed the truth of that statement. Death could not hold Jesus; the price was paid, the veil was torn, and the door to eternal fellowship with God is now wide open.

Living Out the Reality of the Cross

• A Daily Posture of Surrender
Since Jesus accomplished everything necessary for our salvation, the Christian life is fundamentally about surrendering to God’s grace. This includes repenting of self-reliance and allowing Christ’s Spirit to transform us from within. The cross stands as a daily reminder that we are not our own but were “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
• Participation in the Church Community
The cross invites believers not only into a vertical relationship with God but also into a horizontal relationship with each other. Love, service, forgiveness, and mutual edification become the marks of a cross-centered community. When each member denies themselves for the sake of others, the church mirrors the sacrificial character of Jesus.
• Proclamation of the Gospel
The universal significance of Christ’s atoning work compels believers to share the gospel. Since Christ has paid the debt for all, we desire to see every tribe and tongue experience His redeeming love. The story of the cross—though foolishness to some and offensive to others—remains “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).
• Hope Amidst Suffering
Because Jesus’ crucifixion is inseparable from His resurrection, the cross also transforms our perspective on suffering. Christians suffer with hope, knowing that God can bring resurrection life out of every crucible. When we face trials, we recall that our Lord suffered and overcame, and we place our trust in His victory.

The Eternally Echoing Cry: “It Is Finished”

Pastor David Jang’s reflections encourage us not to let the phrase “It is finished” fade into a mere theological slogan. It is meant to resonate in every aspect of our lives:

• In our worship, we praise God for accomplishing our salvation.
• In our doubt, we find assurance that Christ has resolved the question of our standing before God.
• In our sin, we find grace to repent and to be cleansed by the blood once shed for all.
• In our service, we model our Lord’s humility and selflessness, continuing the work of love empowered by the Spirit.

Ultimately, the cross is God’s “Yes” to humanity. Even when we rejected Him and crucified the Prince of glory, He turned that darkest moment into the greatest redemptive act. If God can transform the crucifixion into the cradle of redemption, then there is no situation He cannot redeem in our personal lives and in the world at large. Indeed, tetelestai is the resounding proclamation that love triumphs over sin and death, and that the promise of new life is secure.

Therefore, let us hold fast to this extraordinary event at the heart of history. Let us cling to the cross, not as a relic, but as the living power of God that continues to shape and renew all who trust in Christ. We close this extended meditation with the apostle Paul’s heartfelt words: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). By embracing the folly of the cross and surrendering to the Son of God who cried, “It is finished,” we enter into the realm of divine wisdom, eternal life, and abiding fellowship with our Creator and Redeemer.