It Is Finished: Access, Power, and Presence

Jesus’ final word from the cross, “It is finished,” carries decisive theological force: the red tape that barred humanity from God no longer stands. The crucifixion completed God’s plan to expunge sin, and the torn curtain of the temple signals unrestricted access into God’s presence. Believers now host the Holy Spirit; the divine presence moves from a restricted space into individual lives so that bodies become living temples. That residency transforms identity, confers intimacy with God, and reorients daily life around the presence within.

The risen Christ also provides a direct line to divine guidance. When the Spirit comes, he reveals the truth about God, leads into all truth, and communicates the Father’s intentions—not as an abstract force but as a person who listens and relays what he hears. This means disciples receive ongoing, practical direction for decisions, vocation, and mission as they cultivate awareness through Scripture, prayer, worship, and obedient steps. The Spirit clarifies purpose and turns wandering into assignment.

Power for holy living flows from that same indwelling Spirit. The text insists the Spirit does not produce timidity but supplies power, love, and self-discipline. Such power does not replace growth or struggle, but it changes the locus of action: believers no longer rely on moral willpower alone but access supernatural enablement to resist sin, love broadly, and exercise restraint. The difference between potential and realized power depends on connection—cultivation of relationship with the Spirit and steps of faith.

Those who respond—by surrender, by requesting baptism in the Spirit, by being baptized in water—enter into visible marks of that new reality. The finished work has both closed and opened doors: it closed the account of sin and opened a life of access, voice, and power. The call points to a practical spirituality: build a daily friendship with the Spirit, expect specific guidance, test what aligns with Scripture, and act in faith so the Spirit can shape outward fruit. Worship and obedience become the means by which the internal renovation of heart and power displays itself in ordinary choices and into mission among others.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The cross removes every barrier The declaration “It is finished” signals that the legal, sacrificial, and ritual obstacles that separated humanity from God ended at the cross. The torn curtain moves access from a mediated, restricted system into personal relationship—God now admits believers into the holy place by Christ’s blood. This transforms prayer, worship, and conscience: access no longer depends on rank or ritual but on the once-for-all work that clears culpability and opens intimacy. [52:14]
• 2. Believers host the Holy Spirit The same Spirit who raised Jesus takes up residency in believers, making bodies living temples rather than empty shrines. That indwelling changes identity: presence reshapes desire, conviction, and moral imagination because God dwells within. Living as a temple demands attention—care, worship, and alignment—so the inward reality becomes visible in love, holiness, and courage. [56:11]
• 3. The Spirit gives clear direction Jesus promises a Helper who will lead into all truth and communicate the Father’s voice, turning confusion into discernible guidance. Cultivating the Spirit—through Scripture, prayer, worship, and small acts of obedience—sharpens that channel so believers receive specific counsel for daily decisions and mission. Test impressions against Scripture and move in faith; obedience refines hearing and confirms direction. [65:38]
• 4. Power flows through cultivated relationship The Spirit supplies power, love, and self-control; this power does not appear as mere technique but as personal presence that enables transformation. Potential alone does not change conduct—connection does. Intentional habits (worship, Scripture, prayer, obedience) charge that living connection so the Spirit’s power manifests as endurance, holy affection, and disciplined freedom. [83:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [29:39] - Easter Greeting & Church Connection
• [47:02] - "It Is Finished" Declared from the Cross
• [51:58] - Red Tape Cut: Access to God Restored
• [66:31] - Holy Spirit Residency and Direct Line to God
• [83:00] - Power, Baptism, and Invitation to Respond

1. What does Jesus’ declaration “It is finished” signify about the purpose of His death? (See John 19:30 and the sermon’s emphasis on removing barriers to God [52:14])
2. How does the tearing of the temple curtain (referenced in Hebrews 10:19-20) symbolize the new access believers have to God? [52:14]
3. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, what does it mean for believers to be “temples of the Holy Spirit”? How was this illustrated in the sermon? [56:11]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers, according to John 16:13? [01:05:38]

1. Why is the “blood of Jesus” repeatedly emphasized as the basis for confidence to approach God (Hebrews 10:19)? How does this contrast with Old Testament practices? [53:11]
2. The sermon states, “The Holy Spirit doesn’t just give power—He is the power.” How does 2 Timothy 1:7 support this idea? [01:23:17]
3. What does it mean practically that the Holy Spirit “will tell you of things to come” (John 16:13)? How does this differ from worldly methods of seeking guidance? [01:11:01]
4. How does the metaphor of a “direct line” to God (through the Spirit) challenge common misconceptions about prayer or spiritual intimacy? [01:06:31]

1. The sermon says, “Your body is a temple—live like it.” What daily habits or choices might need to change to reflect this truth more intentionally? [56:11]
2. How could you practically “cultivate awareness” of the Holy Spirit’s guidance this week in a decision you’re facing? (Example: pausing to pray before reacting, journaling impressions, etc.) [01:21:27]
3. The Spirit supplies “power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Which of these three do you feel you need most right now, and what step could you take to rely on the Spirit for it? [01:23:17]
4. The sermon encourages “small acts of obedience” to grow in hearing God’s voice. What is one specific, manageable step of obedience you sense God asking of you today? [01:22:22]
5. How might you remind yourself of your “full access” to God (Hebrews 10:19) when feelings of guilt or shame try to distance you from Him? [52:14]
6. The sermon warns against seeking guidance from sources outside the Holy Spirit (e.g., horoscopes, psychics). Are there any habits or influences in your life that compete with your dependence on the Spirit’s direction? [01:12:10]
7. Baptism was highlighted as a response to Christ’s finished work. If you’ve been baptized, how does remembering your baptism renew your identity as a “temple” of the Spirit? If not, what holds you back? [01:23:00]