Christian
Living and Doctrine
Fallen from Grace
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace
The above verse should be enough to motivate us all unto abiding in Christ and maintaining a living faith in Him. Because of all the controversy surrounding the unconditional eternal security doctrine, it is important that we rightly divide the word of truth and bring to light such biblical concepts. From scripture, we can clearly see that the possibility exists of falling from grace. This is a frightening concept, but we have a responsibility, not only to teach what we consider to be "uplifting" truths from the bible, but also those things that are sobering and cause us to remain fresh in our relationship with the Lord.
The above situation in Galatia was indeed grave. Without doing a whole commentary on the book of Galatians which is beyond the scope of this article, I'll give you a brief synopsis (and I encourage you to read this on your own as well). In a nutshell, there was a group (or possibly several groups) in Galatia that was insistent that those who had come to faith in Christ must also keep the law of Moses. No doubt there would have been some confusion for those who had come from a Hebraic perspective. This newfound freedom in Christ might have seemed dangerous to those who had held to the Mosaic law as a means of salvation. At a time when the nation was under tremendous pressure, and patriotism was at an all time high, it is equally obvious that they would want to identify with their Jewish culture and not seem as if they were jumping ship.
It appears that one of the primary points of contention was that of circumcision. Paul made it very clear to them however that circumcision was not the only tenet of the law that had to be obeyed. If one were to seek to be justified by the law (which is impossible anyway but I'm speaking hypothetically), they would not only have to be circumcised, but keep all 600 + laws.
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
We know the scriptures declare that if "we offend in one point...we are guilty of all." The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ. It definitely served (and serves) it's purpose to show us our exceeding sinful condition and need for a Saviour.
Now that we have some of the historical background in focus, let's get back to the grave situation that Paul speaks of. I'll cite the verse again.
Galatians Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace
In order to show the gravity of the situation, I think it's important to define the term "fallen from grace." The usage of this greek word "katargeo" was used to define the termination of a relationship with someone. This is the same word used in Romans chapter 7 where Paul describes the ending of a marriage covenant relationship. I'll give you the reference for your personal study and highlight the word "katargeo" translated "loosed" in Romans 7.
Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
The ironic thing is that in Romans, Paul was using a metaphor showing how we (as the body of Christ) were now dead to the law that we should be married to Christ. The situaton in Galatia was exactly the opposite....they were putting to death their relationship with Christ so that they might join (or marry) the law once more. In no uncertain terms, Paul (by the Holy Spirit) is saying that if these Galatian believers leave Christ and attempt to come under the law, the grace of Christ will be of no effect to them whatsoever-regardless of past profession or possesion. Remember in II Corinthians, we are warned not to receive the grace of God in vain. (thus showing it is possible to start well, but not finish the race at all.)
II Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Earlier in the letter, Paul had alluded to the possiblity that they may be in need of a new beginning. It is impossible to forget the imagery of Jesus word's in John chapter 3.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Now contrast that with the language Paul used in Galatians.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you
Many are tempted to say this group in Galatians had never truly been saved, but were false converts. I think that this verse shows indeed that they had received the Spirit of God. In Romans it declares that "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.."
Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
This is proof-positive-that not only had they received the Spirit of God, but they had indeed begun new life in the Spirit!
The book of Galatians clearly refutes the false teaching of unconditional eternal security. The temptation is to think this only applies to the churches of Galatia. While it's true that most (though not all) of Christianity doesn't struggle with trying to keep the Mosaic law, the issue of falling from grace is still at the forefront. Whenever we cease to abide in Christ, we are in danger of falling from grace. Modern theologians preach a grace that takes the place of holy living. This is not the grace of the bible. In Titus we are told that the grace of God teaches us that denying ungodly and worldy lusts, we should live soberly, and righteously in thie present world. Jude warns against those who "turn the grace of God into lasciviousness." It is my sincere desire and prayer that everyone who reads this article will indeed continue to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Peter 3:18)
God bless you as you study His Word!________________________________________________