Silently the people watched for the end of this terrible sight. Again the sun shone brightly, but the cross still was in darkness. Suddenly the darkness covering the cross was removed. In a clear voice that seemed to sound throughout creation, Jesus cried, "It is finished." "Father, in Your hands I place My spirit!" (John 19:30; Mark 15:34, TEV). A light circled the cross. The face of the Saviour shone with a glory as bright as the sun. Then Jesus bowed His head and died. SRme 1.1002
At the moment Jesus died, some of the priests were doing their work in the temple. The priests were standing before the curtain that separated the holy place [room] from the most holy place [room]. Suddenly the priests felt the earth shake under them. The strong, beautiful curtain that was made new each year, was torn from top to bottom. A hand without blood tore the temple curtain. The same hand had written on the walls of King Belshazzar's palace. SRme 1.1003
Jesus did not die until He finished the work He came to do. With His last breath Jesus cried, "It is finished!" Angels rejoiced to hear these words. They knew that the great plan of salvation had succeeded. SRme 1.1004
There was joy in heaven because now the sons of Adam could be saved. If people chose to live a life of obedience to God, they could be brought finally into God's presence. Satan was defeated and knew that his kingdom was lost. SRme 1.1005