It is Finished

Petra's song 'It is Finished' is a powerful retelling of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, capturing the emotional and spiritual gravity of the event. The lyrics vividly describe the scene on Golgotha, also known as the Skull, where Jesus was crucified. The early morning heat, the angry mob, and the hammering of nails into Jesus' hands and feet set a somber and intense atmosphere. The imagery of the bloody thorns and the wooden cross being dropped into the ground further emphasizes the brutality of the crucifixion. The soldiers gambling for Jesus' clothes and the sign above His head reading 'King of the Jews' highlight the mockery and humiliation He endured.

The chorus, 'It is finished,' signifies the completion of Jesus' mission on Earth. The sky turning black and the people scattering in fright symbolize the cosmic significance of His death. The phrase 'The work had been done, redemption had been won' encapsulates the Christian belief that Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate act of redemption for humanity. The war being over 'without a fight' suggests that Jesus' death was a divine plan, executed without resistance, to bring salvation to mankind.

The song also delves into the emotional aspect of Jesus' crucifixion. Instead of anger or vengeance, Jesus' eyes were filled with love, and He prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. This act of love and forgiveness is central to Christian teachings. The final lines, 'He paid the ransom due and tore the temple veil in two,' refer to the belief that Jesus' death removed the barrier between God and humanity, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil. This opened up a new way for people to connect with God, making the song not just a recounting of a historical event but a profound theological statement.