“But now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:26,28).

How often we know something intellectually and yet refuse to act rightly on this knowledge. “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). It is likewise true in the realm of saving faith. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31), for “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The chorus of the powerful hymn, “Free From the Law,” begs us to act in faith on this life-saving truth.

Once for all—O sinner, receive it; Once for all—O brother, believe it; Cling to the cross, the burden will fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

To the sinner, we remind him that God the Son came to Earth “made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4,5), for “whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). He should not delay.

To the Christian, we remind him that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4). There is no reason to continue in an attempt to live up to the law. We must live an obedient life pleasing to Him, yes, but there is no saving power in the law.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” for, if we put ourselves back under the law, “Christ shall profit (us) nothing” (Galatians 5:1,2).

Yet as we “cling to the cross” we will know “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power us-ward who believe” (Ephesians 1:18,19). JDM