Lord’s Library editors compiled this introductory guide to the Finished Work of The Cross for your edification.
The finished work of the Cross is the centerpiece of the Christian faith, cementing God’s plan to redeem humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel revealed through God’s Will showcases salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work, making it clear that it is not through religious works that one is saved, but through trusting in the completed work of Christ on the Cross.
Ephesians 2:8-9 articulates this with clarity: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Here we see the Apostle Paul confirming that salvation is a gift freely given by God’s grace, meaning it is both undeserved and unearned. It comes through faith, which entails trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ, rather than relying on one’s own ability to achieve righteousness, which is not possible.
The Finished Work of the Cross
The Cross represents the ultimate sacrifice, where Jesus bore the punishment for sin that humanity deserved. See 1 Peter 2:24: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” This verse very clearly shows the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death. He took upon Himself the sins of all humanity and, through His suffering and death, offered healing and reconciliation with God to all who believe.
Jesus’ final words on the Cross, “It is finished” in John 19:30, signify the completion of the finished work of the Cross. Everything necessary for salvation was accomplished through His death, as He fulfilled the requirements of God’s justice and provided a way for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with the Father. Colossians 2:14 explains: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” The law, which exposed humanity’s sinfulness, was fully satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice, leaving no outstanding debt for those who believe on the Lord.
Romans 3:23-24 further enhances this message: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Every person has fallen short of God’s perfect standard, but through Christ’s work at Calvary, are justified, by His grace. Justification is not based on personal merit but on what Jesus accomplished at Calvary.
The grace of God displayed through the Cross is also highlighted in Romans 5:8, which says: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse reveals the magnitude of God’s love for humanity. Christ did not wait for people to become righteous or worthy; instead, He died while we were still in rebellion against Him. His grace extends to all, regardless of their past, providing salvation to anyone who believes.
Faith is the key that unlocks this grace. See Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Salvation is not a complicated process; it is the simple act of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, making known to self His victory over sin and death.
Galatians 2:16 again reinforces the finished work of the Cross: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” No amount of adherence to “good behaviors” can justify a person before God.
It is only through faith in the finished work of the Cross, by Christ, that justification is possible.
The resurrection of Christ is an essential component of the finished work of the Cross. As 1 Corinthians 15:17 states: “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” The resurrection is the confirmation that Christ’s sacrifice was accepted by God and that sin and death have been conquered. Through faith in His death and resurrection, believers are granted eternal life, as promised in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Eternal life is not something that can be earned through human striving. See Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin brings death, but God’s grace, accessed through faith in Christ’s finished work, brings eternal life.
The finished work of the Cross demonstrates that salvation is by grace through faith; that one can be saved through trusting in what Jesus accomplished at the cross. His death paid the penalty for sin, His resurrection secured victory over death, and His grace offers salvation to all who believe. As Titus 3:5 says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
This is the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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