Falling from Grace?

The doctrine of Falling from Grace is a curious thing for me, and I admit that what is said here is prejudiced by what I know to be true in Scripture. From what I have read and understand, at least in part, this statement of faith tells us that one can be saved, lost and saved again….repeatedly. And at the same time I have sat on numerous occasions listening to those that profess this and have heard them say that “God saves perfectly and completely, and that salvation does not depend upon the good works of the believer.” And, in almost the same breath, say that if one sins that salvation is lost.

The following studies will continue the previous statement concerning “Falling form Grace”. But once again, everyone is responsible to the Lord Jesus to be faithful in Bible reading and study. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.

Read this text in its entirety, 2 Timothy 2.

“For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed”
1 Corinthians 15:9-11.

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:5-7

There are all varieties of ‘gospels’ out there….sort of a buffet kind of experience. Anything from those that want to get rich to those that want to have miracles in order to know God. We once would say, “turn your dial” but today we say, “push the button” change the channel and you will find the gospel that will fit your situation. And the truly astounding thing is that each of those that ‘market’ their gospel will certainly say that they have been given ‘knowledge’ of the truth. “?”

By the way, the word ‘gospel’ is defined as being, ‘something regarded as true and implicitly believed.”

“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Galatians 5:2-6.

Paul is speaking directly to those who were known as Judaizers. These were Jews who wanted to hang on to their Jewish traditions and follow Christ at the same time, and as Paul is indicating this cannot be done. From what can be seen within the context of this Scripture, these people were not followers of Christ and were never ‘born again’. Again, read the context….

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-30.

Receiving ‘knowledge of the truth’ is different from receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. No need for explanation here.

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-5

Reading the entire first chapter of Jude and following really gives understanding to all that the Bible tells us about relationship with God…..

For all that we can know about God, no one has the complete answer that will satisfy their own prejudices and doctrines that are designed by man. However, we must begin with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And for those of us who, indeed, know Him…..see you in Heaven.