This theme has a very familiar ring. Most everyone has heard this beginning to a story, but taken from a spiritual point of view, it is very meaningful. For instance, the Bible tells us that
Christ Died Once
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
It is wonderful to know and believe that the Lord’s death on the cross was entirely sufficient for the forgiveness of sin. In order to accomplish this tremendous work that God had ordained, Jesus died for all men and all sin in one sacrificial, substitutionary offering on the cross of Calvary! Romans 6:10 tells us:
“For in that he died, he died unto sin once, but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.”
In view of the above tremendous truth, it is proper to see and believe that we
Have Been Saved Once
The book of Colossians states in chapter 1, verse 13:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
This verse, among others, teaches us of our position in Christ. In connection with this we are told:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Not only does this “once for all” salvation transfer our position, it also transfers or changes our occupation. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9, we read,
“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
A thorough study of Romans 6:14-23 shows us that though we once served Satan. Now being set free, we should serve the Lord with gladness.
To top it all off, how amazing, but true, that one day we will be transformed into the Lord’s presence. Philippians 3:20 says:
“For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
This speaks of our perfection. Oh, how imperfect these old bodies of clay are today. However, by God’s dynamic power, we will one day have bodies of glory! In order for God to save and place us in the church, the body of Christ,
He Needed to Baptize Us Once
In Ephesians 4:4-6, we are shown seven wonderful “ones.” One of these “ones” is, “one baptism.” These is no room for two or more baptisms in God’s plan and purpose for this dispensation. In 1 Corinthians 12:13 we are instructed:
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
This baptism which places us in the body of Christ is a complete, final act of God. Paul describes it as, “the operation of God” (Colossians 2:12).
He Places Us in the Church Once for All
A careful study, especially of the books of Ephesians and Colossians, will teach us that the church that God is building is the body of Christ.
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the Head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)
We are told in Ephesians 4:4 that there is “one body” and in 1 Corinthians 12:13, we are instructed that:
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body …”
These and other Scriptures let us know that we have been placed once for all in God’s church. No man can put us out, excommunicate us, or vote us out. We are there to stay!
These wonderful “once for all” acts of God in saving, transferring, changing, baptizing, and placing us in the church, will never be experienced again, but the results in our lives will continue on forever and forever.
When Christ fills the home,
Heaven floods the heart!
