It Is Finished Review: 40-Day Cross Journey by Charles Martin
Introduction: The Cross—A Story That Never Gets Old
Imagine standing at the foot of a cross, watching history’s most pivotal moment unfold. Two thousand years later, the words “It is finished” still echo through time, challenging us to ask: What exactly was finished? Why does it matter to me today? In his transformative book It Is Finished: A 40-Day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross, Charles Martin invites readers on a spiritual journey to rediscover the profound significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. This isn’t just a retelling of the Easter story—it’s a call to confront our deepest questions about grace, purpose, and redemption.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack the book’s four-part structure, explore its 40-day devotional framework, and answer the urgent questions Martin raises about faith, identity, and the cross. Whether you’re a lifelong Christian or a skeptic curious about the claims of Jesus, this review will guide you through the heart of one of the most important messages ever shared.
Part 1: The Journey Begins—Setting the Stage for Redemption
Martin opens It Is Finished with a raw, personal anecdote about his own struggles with doubt and disillusionment. He admits that even after decades of faith, the cross had become a “religious symbol” rather than a “revolutionary event.” This honesty sets the tone for a book that refuses to settle for superficial spirituality.
Key Themes in Part 1
- The Problem of Spiritual Complacency
Martin argues that familiarity with the cross can lead to apathy. We’ve heard sermons about Good Friday, sung hymns about grace, and yet the weight of what Jesus accomplished often slips from our grasp.
2. The 40-Day Pilgrimage
The 40-day structure mirrors Jesus’ time in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33-34). Martin uses this framework to challenge readers to slow down, reflect, and re-engage with Scripture.
3. The Centrality of the Cross
“The cross isn’t an accessory to the Christian faith—it’s the foundation,” Martin writes. He emphasizes that Jesus’ death wasn’t a tragic accident but a deliberate act of love.
What This Means for You:
If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your spiritual walk, Part 1 reminds you that the cross is the starting point for renewal. Martin’s goal isn’t to overwhelm you with theology but to reignite wonder at the gospel.
Part 2: Unpacking the Cross—What Did Jesus Finish?
Here, Martin dives into the biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:30) and the phrase “It is finished” (Tetelestai in Greek). He explains that this single sentence holds three completed works of Christ:
- The Defeat of Sin
Jesus’ death paid the penalty for humanity’s rebellion. Martin contrasts Adam’s failure in Eden (Genesis 3) with Jesus’ victory on the cross. Where Adam brought separation from God, Jesus restored access to the Father (John 14:6).
- The Destruction of Death
The cross dismantled death’s power. Martin references Hebrews 2:14-15, which says Jesus destroyed “the one who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.” The resurrection, he argues, is the proof that Jesus’ work was accepted by God.
- The Fulfillment of Prophecy
From Genesis 3:15’s “crush the serpent’s head” to Isaiah 53’s suffering servant, Martin traces how Jesus’ death fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies. This wasn’t a Plan B—it was God’s eternal plan.
What This Means for You:
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He declared victory—not just for His generation but for all time. Martin challenges readers to stop viewing sin as a “mistake” and recognize it as the lethal force Jesus conquered.
Part 3: The Timeline of Redemption—When Did the Cross Begin?
One of the book’s most provocative questions is: When did what Jesus finish at the cross even begin? Martin’s answer spans eternity:
- The Cross in Eternity Past
Revelation 13:8 calls Jesus “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” Martin argues that the cross was God’s plan before sin entered Eden. The crucifixion wasn’t a reaction to human failure but a prewritten chapter in God’s story.
- The Cross in the Old Testament
From Abraham offering Isaac (Genesis 22) to the Passover lamb (Exodus 12), Martin shows how the Hebrew Scriptures foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrifice. These stories weren’t just moral lessons—they were rehearsals for the cross.
- The Cross in Jesus’ Ministry
Jesus repeatedly predicted His death (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31). Martin highlights how Jesus’ miracles and teachings were not ends in themselves but signs pointing to the ultimate miracle: His resurrection.
What This Means for You:
The cross isn’t confined to a Friday in Jerusalem. It’s the climax of a story that began in eternity and continues shaping your life today.
Part 4: The Cross Today—Why Should You Care?
Martin dedicates the final section to answering the skeptic’s question: What does this man’s death 2,000 years ago have to do with me today? His response is unflinching:
- The Cross Reveals Your True Condition
Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned.” Martin insists that until we acknowledge our spiritual bankruptcy, we’ll never grasp the cross’s significance. “The cross doesn’t fix bad people—it resurrects dead people,” he writes.
- The Cross Offers Unconditional Acceptance
While culture demands performance, the cross offers grace. Martin shares stories of addicts, outcasts, and skeptics transformed by the truth that God’s love isn’t based on their worthiness.
- The Cross Empowers Purpose
Ephesians 2:10 calls believers “God’s handiwork.” Martin argues that the same power that raised Jesus can give you courage to forgive, serve, and live boldly.
What This Means for You:
The cross isn’t a relic—it’s a lifeline. Martin urges readers to stop treating Jesus as a Sunday Savior and embrace Him as Lord of every Monday morning, Tuesday struggle, and Wednesday grind.
FAQs
Q1: What Exactly Did Jesus Finish at the Cross?
Jesus completed three tasks:
- Sin’s Penalty: Romans 6:23 says sin earns death; Jesus paid that debt.
- Sin’s Power: Through the Holy Spirit, believers are freed from sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14).
- Sin’s Presence: One day, sin will be eradicated entirely (Revelation 21:4).
Martin stresses that “finished” doesn’t mean “irrelevant.” Jesus’ work is complete, but its benefits require personal faith to activate (John 3:16).
Q2: When Did the Work of the Cross Begin?
The cross began in eternity, where God predestined Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (1 Peter 1:20). It unfolded through history via covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, reaching its zenith at Calvary.
Q3: Why Does the Cross Matter Today?
Without the cross:
- There’s no forgiveness for guilt.
- There’s no hope beyond death.
- There’s no power to change.
Martin argues that modern fixes—therapy, wealth, relationships—crumble without the cross’s foundation.
Q4: What Is God Offering at the Cross That We Forget?
God offers:
- Identity: You’re not defined by your past (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Restoration: No relationship is beyond repair (Joel 2:25).
- Purpose: Your pain can produce purpose (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Martin laments that many Christians live “beneath their inheritance,” unaware of these gifts.
Q5: What Do We Not Realize About Ourselves That God Never Forgets?
We forget:
- Our inherent worth as image-bearers (Genesis 1:27).
- Our desperate need for grace.
- Our capacity to reflect Christ’s love.
God, however, sees you as His beloved child (Romans 8:15)—a truth the enemy wants you to doubt.
Q6: What Will You Do With Jesus?
Martin closes with Pilate’s question to the crowd: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22). He argues that neutrality is impossible. Your response will shape eternity.
Conclusion: The Cross Is Not the End—It’s the Beginning
It Is Finished isn’t a book you read—it’s a journey you experience. By the final page, you’ll understand why Martin calls the cross “the loudest silence the world has ever known.” Jesus’ death was the last word spoken in darkness so that we could hear God’s eternal yes to humanity (2 Corinthians 1:20).
If you’ve grown numb to the gospel, let this book shock you awake. If you’ve never understood it, let it clarify your path. And if you’ve always believed, let it deepen your worship. The cross isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about freedom, purpose, and a love that refuses to let go.
Your Pilgrimage Starts Today
Whether you’re 40 days away from a breakthrough or just one prayer from surrender, the cross awaits. Open the book. Turn the page. And discover what it means to say, “It is finished—and it’s only beginning.”
Call to Action
Ready to rediscover the cross? Grab your copy of It Is Finished and join our 40-day online reading group. Share your reflections using #FinishedDevotional and connect with others seeking revival. Need prayer? Reply to this post—we’d love to walk with you.
