THE FINISHED WORK



When Moses had set up all the furnishings within the tabernacle and hung the curtain at the court gate, Exodus 40:33-35 says, "So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Moses, a mediator appointed by God for Himself and the people, pictured Christ and the work of redemption that He accomplished on the cross. There, as the real Lamb of God, He poured out His life's blood on the heavenly mercy seat and cried out for all to hear, "It is finished." When the tabernacle was finished, "the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." Moses and all the people were not able to enter the tent because the glory of God filled it. This teaches us an unchanging truth. The glory of Christ in all things, especially in salvation, excludes everyone else!

The scriptures teach that it is not of our works "lest any man should boast." It is "not of him that wills nor of him that runs but of God that shows mercy." Nothing can be added to that which Christ has finished. Christ's glory in salvation leaves no room for human glory. Paul says in Romans 3:27 "Where is boasting then? It is excluded"! "That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor.1:29-31). The expulsion of Moses shows that while the things of the law pictured the saving work of Christ, no one is saved by their obedience to the law. Salvation is a finished work. It is finished in every regard toward God's requirements and man's condition.

Christ said in John 17, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me...." Now the Church, every believer, is said to be a temple and tabernacle. When Christ takes up His abode in His people, His glorious presence excludes all that would rival His honor and glory. Everyone saved by His grace is filled with this glorious knowledge and assurance, that, "Salvation is of the LORD"! This truth chases all of self, all of experience, all of religious ceremony and ritual, all human confidence out of our hearts and we are left with Christ alone to glory in. "But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24). The Finisher is the One to Whom the glory is due!


-Gospel report by preacher Gary Shepard


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