Christ's Declaration of "It Is Finished" in John 19
When Christ declared "it is finished", He meant that the work of redemption, for which He was sent into the world, was now complete. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God", and in this context, Christ's statement is a declaration of the fulfillment of God's plan to redeem His people. This truth addresses the heart of the gospel, which is that salvation is a work of God, accomplished by Christ, and not a result of human effort. The finished work of Christ is a testament to the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of Scripture, which teaches that salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone.
The significance of Christ's statement lies in its implications for the human condition, which is marked by sin and separation from God. The finished work of Christ means that the penalty for sin has been paid, and that those who trust in Him are justified before God. This truth is at the heart of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and the sovereignty of God in salvation.
The declaration "it is finished" is also a reminder that the work of salvation is not something that can be added to or improved upon by human effort. Rather, it is a finished work, completed by Christ, and received by faith alone. This truth brings comfort and assurance to the believer, who can rest in the knowledge that their salvation is secure, and that they are loved and accepted by God, not because of their own works, but because of the finished work of Christ.