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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Celebrating Easter troubles me. What is the meaning of Jesus saying when He was on the cross, “It is finished,” and then He died? – W.C.

A: At Eastertime, we remember the significance of Jesus’ death upon the cross. Choirs across the world sing, “When I survey the wondrous cross,” and it reminds us of what Christ did to provide salvation to mankind.

When Jesus lifted up His voice from the cross and cried, “It is finished,” He did not mean that His life was ebbing away or that God’s plan had been foiled. What was finished? Certainly not Jesus’ life, for He had told the disciples that He would die and be raised on the third day. It was the payment of sin that was finished – paid in full by the willing sacrifice of Jesus’ own blood to redeem man’s soul.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ blasts apart the finality of death, providing an alternative to the stifling dust of death – opening the way to new life. He cried, “It is finished,” in victory! Jesus’ work on the cross was complete. He had satisfied the penalty for sin through His own death. “It is finished” is a proclamation of salvation’s completed plan. Never again will blood be shed for sin. Jesus Christ has paid the ransom. By His death on the cross, Jesus removed the last barrier between God and man. And on Easter, choirs also sing, “Hallelujah! Christ arose.”

Christ’s death on the cross speaks to the utter helplessness of man to save himself. There is an element of mystery that cannot be understood with our natural minds. All, who by faith receive the power of salvation in Christ, discover that it can wonderfully change their lives and lift them to a higher plane of living.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.