Anchor Devotional

See this and other editions of the Anchor Devotional online.

If someone forwarded this email to you, subscribe for yourself by signing up here.

Is Good Friday “Good”?

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

Have you ever wondered why we call this day “Good Friday”? Why do we say that a day which commemorates extreme suffering, intense sorrow, and tortuous death is “good”? It’s good because as terrible as the suffering and death of Jesus were, this was the crucial point in the history of the world. God’s plan of salvation was now complete. Our debt was paid in full. While we solemnly observe the crucifixion, we also eagerly celebrate Jesus’ words, “It is finished.”

But what exactly was finished? Much! The forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), salvation from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9), the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 10:4), the fulfillment of prophecies (Matthew 5:17), and the destruction of the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14). The debt of the sin of all humanity was paid in full (Colossians 2:13-14).

So you can see that through the horror of the events at the cross, it truly is Good Friday! God’s plan of salvation has been completed, is effective today, and will remain effective forever. It is Good Friday because Sunday is coming!

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
John 19:16-37

INSIGHT
Praise to our gracious Lord for finishing the work of salvation! Praise to the Lamb of God for leaving no unfinished business behind!

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Deuteronomy 28-29
Psalm 93
Acts 17

Sign up to get the Know the Bible free email lesson series from Bible Gateway.