What is Grace? (Part 5)

Another false doctrine about grace that is widely believed today is that one cannot fall from it. This is also known as the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. Does the Bible teach that one cannot fall from grace? In the book of Galatians, Paul wrote to Christians who were being led astray by the false doctrine that gentiles were required to keep the Law of Moses. This doctrine came from Pharisees who had become Christians (Acts 15:5). Paul wrote a letter to the churches of Galatia and told them not to believe this. He said regarding those who did, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4). What does this mean? The Christian’s salvation is not unconditionally guaranteed by God. Rather, God promises salvation so long as the Christian remains faithful. Those who choose to leave Christianity will not retain their salvation. This was the whole point of the book of Hebrews, which was written to Christians being tempted to return to Judaism. Some already had, and in Hebrews 6:4-6 (ASV), the Bible says, “For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Jesus said to the saints at Smyrna, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). One cannot abandon Christianity and expect to be saved. Jesus will only save those who hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27).

God bless you, and I love you.

Kevin Cauley