Can One Fall from Grace?

Of the five tenets of what has become known as Calvinism (each of which is false to the core, and can easily be refuted as false doctrine), one of those tenets seems to be grasped by a large number professing to be Christian. Most often these folks are unaware that this is part of the Calvinist doctrine. This erroneous doctrine is often referred to as Perseverance of the Saints, or “once saved always saved.” The idea basically is that once one has become saved, that it is impossible for that one to fall from grace, and lose his salvation.

It is only necessary that one scripture be produced which contradicts the doctrine to expose it as false. The following three scriptures expressly reveal that one can fall from grace, and lose his salvation:

Gal. 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Here Paul makes it clear to those Christians in Galatia that if one were to return, or even turn to Judaism wherein one was required to be circumcised, then that one has fallen from Grace, because under the Law of Moses there was no salvation, only judgment. The yoke of bondage to which Paul refers is Judaism. It is only in Christ that one has liberty, is forgiven, and receives God's grace. Notice the specific phrase “ye are fallen from grace. Can one fall from grace? Absolutely! It is very important to remember that it is only in Christ's church that on finds God's grace; if any of us were to leave His church to follow after another, then we, too, would fall from grace.

2 Pet. 1:5-8 . . .8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

In verses 5-7 Peter enumerates a number of qualities that the Christian ought to add to his own life, and concludes the thought that “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” If one could avoid falling by adding these qualities to his own life, then it would follow that if he did not add these qualities to his life that he could very well fall. Fall from where or what? Fall from his position of having his old sins purged. He would fall from that lofty position of receiving God's grace and mercy.

1 Cor. 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. From the book of Acts one can read of the extensive missionary journeys and efforts in which Paul was involved. He established many congregations throughout Asia Minor, and parts of the Roman empire. The Apostle, Paul, who dedicated his life to its very end was himself concerned that he would be a spiritual castaway. If he was so minded, we also should be.

The fact that one can fall away, fall from grace, or be a spiritual castaway in no way reflects upon God's ability to provide one's salvation. Consider these two scriptures.

1 Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God is well able to save men, and faithful to do so; but, He will save those who abide by his doctrine (teaching). When it comes down to it, our salvation is dependent upon ourselves. Do we walk in the light, or are we in danger of falling from grace?

Curtis A. Little

Curtis A. Little
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