by BJ Plummer

“It Is Done” is a LIFE Worship original song first performed on Easter Sunday 2020 at LIFE Fellowship for our congregation. We pray it encourages you!

So, I actually sat down to write this song about three and a half years ago.  The worship team I was a part of at the time was in the process of putting together an album and wanted to put a few original songs on it.  I wrote two songs: one of which made it on the album and the other stayed in my iPhone under my voice memos until I sat down at out LIFE Worship songwriting session a few months back.

Originally when I wrote this song, I wanted to write something that was easy to sing as a congregation, and a simple declaration of what Christ has done for each and every one of us. The words “It is done, it is finished” came to mind from the Gospel of John.  I picked up the guitar, and started to sing those words. The original chorus featured in this song is still on my phone to this day dated Nov 16, 2016. 

John 19:30 tells us that as Jesus breathed his last, he uttered the simple words “It is finished”, such a simple statement with such profound eternal meaning. It is, simply put, one of the foundations of what we believe as Christians.  Christ sacrificed Himself and took the weight of our sin upon Himself so that not only are we forgiven and set free, but we can live in communion with Him through the Holy Spirit.  The contractual debt that owed was paid in full. Those are three of the most beautiful words in Scripture.  They are repeated in the chorus of this song as a declaration and reminder of what Christ did for all of us that day.  

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished,’ and He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.”

John 19:30 (ESV)

I sat down with Alex Nicholson, the LIFE Worship music director, and the songwriting team bringing the structure of the song to them.  I am so thankful for each member of the team at LIFE and the talent they all bring with a servant heart.  The chords and instrumentals came together quickly but the structure and lyrics needed more work. So, Alex and I sat down one-on-one and really talked about what we wanted this song to say and dove into Scripture.  I think it is of utmost importance for us as a church and believers to reflect on the lyrics and how they relate to you and your relationship with Jesus on an individual level. I am happy to share a few verses used for the song: 

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

John 19:28-30 (ESV)

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV)

“And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Psalm 9:10 (ESV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

I am truly so excited to bring this song to LIFE Fellowship this Easter Sunday.  This is only one of many songs to come.  I am honored to be a part of the LIFE songwriting team, and cannot wait to continue to sing new songs as a church.  The book of Psalms tells us over and over to sing a NEW song to the Lord and that is our mission: to bring a new joyful noise to the Lord and worship our God in spirit and in truth. Happy Easter, LIFE Fellowship! 

BJ currently serves at LIFE Fellowship in Cornelius, NC on the LIFE Worship team as a guitarist and vocalist. We are blessed and so thankful to have him on the team!