The concept of "The Completed Work" in Christian theology often refers to the finished work of Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This doctrine emphasizes that Christ's work is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and the ultimate redemption of believers.

Biblical Foundation

1. The Atonement: Central to the idea of the completed work is the atonement achieved through Jesus' death on the cross. In John 19:30 , Jesus declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His mission to atone for the sins of humanity. This statement underscores the belief that nothing further is needed for the forgiveness of sins beyond Christ's sacrifice.

2. Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal aspect of the completed work. Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." The resurrection confirms the sufficiency and effectiveness of Christ's atoning work, providing believers with the assurance of eternal life.

3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The completed work also involves the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. In Luke 24:44 , Jesus explains to His disciples, "These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." This fulfillment validates Jesus' identity as the promised Savior and the completion of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications

1. Sufficiency of Christ: The doctrine of the completed work emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice is entirely sufficient for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the belief that human efforts or additional works are unnecessary for salvation.

2. Sanctification: The completed work also extends to the believer's sanctification. Hebrews 10:14 states, "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This suggests that Christ's work not only initiates salvation but also sustains the believer's growth in holiness.

3. Assurance of Salvation: The completed work provides believers with assurance of their salvation. In 1 John 5:13 , it is written, "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." This assurance is rooted in the belief that Christ's work is complete and effective.

Practical Application

1. Faith and Rest: Believers are called to rest in the completed work of Christ, trusting in His sufficiency for their salvation and daily living. Hebrews 4:10 encourages, "For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His."

2. Gratitude and Worship: The recognition of the completed work should lead to a life of gratitude and worship. Colossians 3:16-17 exhorts believers to let "the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

3. Evangelism and Discipleship: Understanding the completed work motivates believers to share the gospel and make disciples, as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

The completed work of Christ is a foundational doctrine that shapes the believer's understanding of salvation, sanctification, and the Christian life. It calls for a response of faith, rest, gratitude, and active participation in the mission of the church.