It is essential to mark the difference between salvation and service. To note the blessings that are the gifts of God's grace and those which are the reward and outcome of service.
1. We do not run to be saved. "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" (Rom 9:16).
We are saved to run in the way of God's commands. "Run with patience the race" (Hbr 12:1).
2. Salvation is not a prize to be gained, but a gift received. "It is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8).
We endeavour to gain the prize of the high calling of God. "For the prize of the high calling" (Phl 3:14).
3. To be accepted in the Beloved is an act of God's favour. "Wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6).
To be acceptable (well-pleasing) to the Lord is the outcome of devotion to the Lord. "Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom 12:1).
4. To be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, depends on God's action. "Meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col 1:12).
But to be made meet for His service is the result of allowing Him to work in us and through us. "God which worketh in you both to will and to do" (Phl 2:13).
5. We do not strive for eternal life, for it is the gift of God. "Given to us eternal life" (1Jo 5:11).
But we do strive for the victory to receive the overcomer's crown. "Receive the crown of life" (Jam 1:12).
6. We do not follow Christ to apprehend Him, that He may apprehend us. "I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Phl 3:12).
But we follow after, that we may apprehend that for which we have been apprehended of Christ Jesus. "I follow after" (Phl 3:12).
7. There is a difference between sonship and service. As children of God, and as members of the body of Christ, we can never be castaways. "I am persuaded" none can "separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:38-39).
But as servants we may. "Lest…I myself should be a castaway" (1Cr 9:27).