“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14).
The salvation which we have in Christ not only frees us from the unbearable burden of the law, but supplies us with “an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace” (II Timothy 1:9). Furthermore, to “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). Thus begins the final verse of our study hymn, “Free From the Law.”
Children of God, O glorious calling, Surely His grace will keep us from falling; Passing from death to life at His call, Blessed salvation once for all.
The Book of Galatians was written to a church tempted to step back under the law, not appropriating their full freedom. Paul’s salutation in his letter reminded them of God’s grace, and the blessed deliverance that they had experienced through it. “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:3,4). This deliverance emanates from the Father. It is His will that we be saved. Jesus promised that “no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29).
There are two aspects to passing from “death to life.” One, as we have discussed, occurs at salvation, passing from spiritual death to a new life in Christ. The second, as we leave this physical body and pass into our eternal home. “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live” (John 5:25). Blessed salvation, once for all. JDM
