Falling from Grace

W hat do you think of when you hear the phrase, fall from grace? Many people instinctively assume that to fall from grace is to lose your salvation. But the Bible reminds us that once received, salvation can never be lost (John 5:24, 6:39-40, 47, 10:28-29, Romans 11:29, Ephesians 1:12-14)

Paul uses the phrase, fall from grace in Galatians 5:4. There we’re told not to add works of the law to faith in an attempt to be justified before God. Mustering up our own good works to try and get salvation and right standing with God is actually a lack of faith. Whenever we insist on self-effort to get right with God, we fall from grace.

Falling from grace happens all the time, even to well-intentioned Christians.

• Whenever we look to our works to earn, keep, or prove our salvation we fall from grace. 
• Whenever we attempt to obey the rules instead of connecting relationally with Jesus, we fall from grace. 
• Whenever we judge the behavior of others as proof that they’re not saved, we fall from grace. 
• Whenever we suggest that by trying to keep the Ten Commandments we can be transformed, we fall from grace. 
• Whenever we find identity in good deeds apart from the Spirit’s help, we fall from grace.
• Whenever we claim continued good works are a requirement for heaven, we fall from grace.