The Sixth Word from the Cross: The
Word of Victory
Introduction
The sixth word spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross is one of the most
powerful and meaningful statements in the crucifixion story. As Jesus was
nearing the end of His suffering on the cross, He said:
“It is finished.”
This statement is known as the Word of Victory. Although Jesus was
dying, these were not words of defeat but words of completion, fulfillment, and
victory. Jesus was declaring that the work He came to do on earth had been
completed.
This word shows that the cross was not a failure but the fulfillment of
God’s plan of salvation.
The Work of Jesus Was Completed
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant that His mission on earth had
been completed. He had fulfilled the purpose for which He came into the world.
His mission was to teach truth, show God’s love, forgive sins, and ultimately
give His life as a sacrifice for humanity.
Everything that had been promised and planned was now completed. His
life, His teachings, His miracles, and His sacrifice were all part of God’s
plan. Nothing was unfinished, nothing was incomplete.
This word shows that Jesus was in control even at the moment of death. He
was not defeated by the cross; He completed His mission through the cross.
The Fulfillment of God’s Plan
From the beginning of His life, Jesus knew that He had come to give His
life for humanity. The cross was not an accident; it was part of God’s plan for
salvation. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was declaring that God’s plan
had been fulfilled.
The sacrifice had been made. The price for sin had been paid. The way to
God had been opened. The work of redemption had been completed.
This word shows that salvation was not something humanity could achieve
on its own. It was completed by Christ through His sacrifice.
The Victory of the Cross
Many people see the cross as a place of suffering and death, but this
word shows that the cross was also a place of victory. Jesus did not say, “I am
finished,” but “It is finished.” The mission was finished, the work was
finished, the sacrifice was finished.
Through the cross, sin was defeated, death was defeated, and the power of
evil was broken. The cross looked like defeat to the world, but in reality, it
was the greatest victory in history.
This is why the sixth word is called the Word of Victory. Jesus completed
the work of salvation and opened the way for eternal life.
A Lesson for Believers Today
The sixth word from the cross teaches believers several important
lessons.
First, it teaches us that Jesus completed the work of salvation. We do
not have to earn salvation by our own efforts; it is a gift given through
Christ’s finished work.
Second, it teaches us about faithfulness and perseverance. Jesus
completed His mission even though it involved suffering and sacrifice. This
teaches us that we should complete the work and responsibilities God has given
us.
Third, it teaches us that what looks like defeat may actually be victory
in God’s plan. The cross looked like the end, but it was actually the beginning
of salvation and hope.
The Meaning of “It Is Finished”
These three words carry deep meaning. They mean that the work of
redemption was completed, the sacrifice was made, the debt of sin was paid, and
the mission of Christ was fulfilled.
These words are words of completion, fulfillment, and victory. They show
that Jesus did not leave His work unfinished. He completed everything
perfectly.
This gives believers confidence, hope, and peace, because salvation is
based on what Christ has done, not on what we can do.
Conclusion
The sixth word from the cross is the word of victory. When Jesus said,
“It is finished,” He was declaring that His mission was complete and the work
of salvation had been accomplished. The cross was not a defeat but a victory
over sin, death, and evil.
This word reminds believers that Christ completed the work of salvation,
and through Him we have forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. It also teaches us
to finish the work and responsibilities God has given us and to trust that
God’s plan always leads to victory.
The sixth word from the cross reminds us that what Jesus finished on the
cross opened the door for humanity to be saved and restored to God.