HYMN OF THE MONTH
Once for All
Philip P. Bliss (c. 1838-1876)
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Free from the law—oh, happy condition!
Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Christ hath redeemed us once for all.
Refrain:
Once for all—oh, sinner, receive it;
Once for all—oh, doubter, believe it;
Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,
Christ hath redeemed us once for all.
There on the cross your burden upbearing,
Thorns on His brow your Savior is wearing;
Never again your sin need appall,
You have been pardoned once for all.
Now we are free—there’s no condemnation;
Jesus provides a perfect salvation:
“Come unto Me,” oh, hear His sweet call,
Come, and He saves us once for all.
Children of God—oh, glorious calling,
Surely His grace will keep us from falling;
Passing from death to life at His call,
Blessed salvation once for all.
MUSIC
Experience this month's hymn even more fully by playing or singing along. Download the sheet music from Hymnary.org.
HOW ARE WE FREE FROM THE LAW?
Romans 10:4 tells us that Christ is the end of the law for Christians. But what does it mean?
Oh, Happy Condition
Philip P. Bliss was converted to Christianity when he was twelve years old and grew up to be a well-known hymn writer, writing such favorites as "It Is Well With My Soul" and "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" and "Jesus Loves Even Me."
The inspiration for writing "Once For All" came to Philip after reading an article in a book his wife Lucy had given him for his birthday. The book was entitled Things New and Old, edited by "C.H.M." and the article was specifically about the believer's deliverance from the curse of the law through the death of Christ. Philip was overcome with the truth of his position in relation and sat down to write, "Free from the law, oh happy condition!"
Philip would soon find himself free from not only the law but also from the world and truly present with His Savior.
He was traveling with his wife to Chicago one cold day in December, 1876, to help lead music in a D. L. Moody Tabernacle service when a bridge in Ohio collapsed, sending their train into an icy river bed killing 92 of the 159 passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Bliss included.
Philip Bliss' life and death serve as a hopeful reminder to us of the freedom we have in Christ now and the freedom we have waiting for us. Our condition truly is a happy one.
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