It Is Finished — But Not Yet Complete
Redemption vs. Restoration
Key Texts:
John 19:30 · John 17:4 · Hebrews 9:13–16 · Acts 3:21 · Ezekiel 40–48
๐น 1. The Finished Work: Redemption
When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” He declared that the entire work of redemption — every demand of divine justice — was satisfied.
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The blood that once covered sins now removes them completely (Hebrews 9:12).
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The veil was torn; the way into God’s presence was opened (Matthew 27:51).
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No more sacrifices were needed for atonement — the perfect Lamb had died once for all (Hebrews 10:10–14).
The Greek word tetelestai was used on paid receipts — “debt paid in full.”
At that moment, the redemptive debt of humanity was settled forever.
๐น 2. The Unfinished Work: Restoration
Yet, while redemption was finished, history’s story wasn’t.
Prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah still speak of events yet to come:
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Israel restored to her land and faith (Ezekiel 36–37).
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Messiah reigning from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2–4).
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All nations coming up to worship the King (Zechariah 14:16).
That’s why Peter preached in Acts 3:21 that heaven must receive Christ
“until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”
So “It is finished” didn’t mean the plan was over —
it meant the foundation was laid for everything else God had promised.
๐น 3. The Millennial Sacrifices — A Memorial, Not Atonement
Ezekiel’s vision (chapters 40–48) describes renewed sacrifices and temple worship during Messiah’s 1,000-year reign.
Some ask, “If the cross finished it, why more sacrifices?”
Here’s the key:
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Those sacrifices will be memorial, not propitiatory.
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Just as Christians observe the Lord’s Supper to remember the cross, redeemed Israel will offer sacrifices as a visible remembrance of the once-for-all offering of Christ.
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They will look backward to the Cross, just as the Old Testament saints looked forward to it.
Thus, no contradiction exists. The cross remains central; the rituals become commemorations of its power.
๐น 4. The Right Division
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Redemption = Finished at Calvary.
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Restoration = Fulfilled at Christ’s return.
At the Cross, Jesus signed the covenant.
At His Coming, He will deliver the kingdom.
๐️ Reflection Thought
“When Jesus said, ‘It is finished,’ He completed redemption’s work — but He left room for prophecy’s fulfillment. The price was paid; the promise is still unfolding.”
NOTE to the reader I don't claim to be the final authority on the subject it's your responsibility to 2Timothy 2:15 for yourself.
It Is Finished — But Not Yet Complete
Redemption completed at the cross; restoration awaits the return of the King.
1. The Finished Work: Redemption
John 19:30 — “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
The Greek word tetelestai (from teleล) means to complete, accomplish, or bring to the intended goal. In its ancient usage it could mean “paid in full.” On the cross Jesus declared that the work required to redeem humanity was fully accomplished.
- The redemptive debt was satisfied; the price for sin was paid once for all (Hebrews 9–10).
- The way into God’s presence was opened (the veil torn, Matthew 27:51).
- The sacrificial system found its fulfillment in the Lamb’s offering.
2. The Unfinished Work: Restoration
Acts 3:21 — “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets.”
Although redemption is complete, many prophetic promises remain to be fulfilled: Israel’s national restoration, Messiah’s earthly reign, and the full renewal of creation. Jesus’ death secured the foundation for those future fulfillments — but time and history still move toward their consummation.
3. Millennial Sacrifices — Memorials, Not Atonement
Passages such as Ezekiel 40–48 describe temple worship and sacrifices during the millennial reign. These are best understood as memorial or commemorative practices:
- Animal offerings never removed sin (Hebrews 10:4); they pointed forward to Christ.
- In the kingdom those offerings will act like visible reminders — testimonies to the once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb.
- They do not nullify the finished work; they declare it in a renewed, earthly context under the Messiah’s rule.
4. Right Division: Redemption vs. Restoration
Redemption — finished at Calvary.
Restoration — completed at Christ’s return.
5. A Short Summary Thought
When Jesus cried “It is finished,” He completed the work necessary for salvation. That declaration secures everything God promised, yet history still follows God’s plan until its final fulfillment.
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