I Have Finished The Work

Jesus said, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

What work was Christ sent to do? Among other things he was sent to bring many sons to glory (Heb 2:10). Was it just to forgive our sins and point us to an eternal abode? Or was there more? There were several things Jesus was sent to do, but one was essential to our spiritual growth as Christians.

Let us remind ourselves of the biblical definition of perfection: “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master” (Luke 6:40).

How was Jesus made perfect? “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb 2:10).

The fact that the OT did not perfect mankind was what made that law inadequate. “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God” (Heb 7:11, 19).

Jesus authored our Faith and completed it. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb 12:2-3).

Jesus became the author of our faith by being perfected. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb 5:8-9).

Jesus was the forerunner. “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 6:20).

We are perfected (not the same as forgiven) by Christ’s offering. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb 10:14-22).

Out of the heart the mouth speaks. Out of it are the issues of life (Matt 15:18-20; Mark 7:21-23; Matt 12:34-35; Luke 6:45).

What does the New Law do to that heart? It purifies it. Jesus died to initiate that law (Heb 9:14-18); it was implemented by His example.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Heb 13:20-21).

Beth Johnson

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The King James Version.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)