It is done!

“And He said to me, “It is done”. Revelation 21:6

We have come to the last week of the Year 2015, and today is the last Sunday. Within a matter of four days we are entering into a New Year! Yes, I know most of us are saying, “how soon we have reached to the end of another year?”; “time flies”; “it’s like yesterday we celebrated the New Years’ Day “and similar comments.

1. God Began, And He Concludes! The Bible begins by the statement and declaration, “In the beginning God….” (Genesis 1:1), and it ends by the same God with His concluding statements. The first book of the Bible tells us about the fallen history of man; but the last book deals with the completion of man’s restoration. Between Genesis and Revelation the Bible is filled with messages of man’s restoration from sin and curses. What God has started in the beginning of time, He concludes. God’s plan may be distorted temporarily by satanic interference, but His ultimately His purpose will be accomplished. The Apostle Paul wrote, “.. that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

2. It is done! The meaning of the phrase as in Greek perfect tense (‘Gegone’) is “IT HAS BECOME”. It emphasizes the completion of the task of creating the new order and the ongoing effects of that creative act which continue into the present as seen by John. The words of the Father are reminiscent of the words of the Son which resulted in redeemed saints being present to enjoy the new creation: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). It is finished is ‘tetelestai’ (Greek), perfect tense, it has come to an end, been completed, accomplished. Jesus’ words emphasize the closure which His death on the cross brought to the old order of things. The Father’s words emphasize the new beginning of blessing which flow from the work of the Son.

3. Anything Undone? As we face the Year End and are about to welcome and enter into the New Year 2016, can you think of any unfinished businesses, any unfulfilled promises, and neglected duties and responsibilities? Have you taken time for an inventory of your own self, your physical /spiritual health check and identified any areas that need urgent attention and immediate action and resolution?

* Repentance – Have you repented of your sins (wrong doings) and turned towards God and received the forgiveness of your sins, and walked away from your sinful ways?

* Salvation – Are you saved by grace of God and putting your trust upon Jesus Christ, Who is the Saviour and Lord?

* Baptism – Have you been baptized in water upon the confession of your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?

* Sanctification – Are you leading a daily life that is set apart for Christ? Are you yielding your body, soul and spirit to be sanctified by the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and he Word of God?

* Holy Spirit Baptism – Have you been baptised in the Holy Spirit for empowerment in your Christian life and witness, and are you leading a spirit-filled life?

* Fellowship – Are you neglecting the church and fellowship gatherings which helps to build up your spiritual life and engage in serving the body of Christ and the community?

* Teaching – Do you receive regular teaching and instruction from the Word of God for your spiritual nourishment and advancement by your Pastor/Leader?

* Ministry – Do you make yourself available to serve God and the people with the gifts and abilities invested in you? Do you have a servant-heart?

Dear Brothers and Sisters and friends in Christ, the time is short. Let us not leave anything undone. When God said, “It is done”, he has accomplished all His plans and purposes. But what about You? Let us complete the task entrusted to us by the grace of God. Amen.

Pastor Joe Kurian