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When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. --- John 19:30 ESV Until this time, a complicated system of sacrifices had atoned for sins. Sin separates people from God, and only through the sacrifice of an animal, a substitute, could people be forgiven and become clean before God. But people sin continually, so frequent sacrifices were required. Jesus, however, became the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. The word finished is the same as “paid in full .” Jesus came to finish God's work of salvation (4:34; 17:4), to pay the full penalty for our sins. With his death, the complex sacrificial system ended because Jesus took all sin upon himself. Now we can freely approach God because of what Jesus did for us. Those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection can live eternally with God and escape the penalty that comes from sin. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus and the price He paid. He had completed what You had called him to do! What a triumphant victory when He pronounced “it is finished!” It is a cry of ultimate joy and profound significance. It must have resound throughout the entire universe and it still echoes in my mind. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your finished work on Calvary and for all You suffered for me. All was accomplished so that I could live forever with You in heaven and not fear any condemnation because I am in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen