Can a Christian so sin as to fall from God’s grace? Some believe and teach that it is impossible for a Christian to be lost. Others warn of the danger of falling away. Since both cannot be right, what does the Bible have to say about the question?
Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written to Christians who were being misled by false teachers who preached a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6-10). Their gospel was a mixing together of the gospel of Christ and the teachings of Judaism. Some were insisting that those who became Christians must also submit to the rite of circumcision in order to be saved. In this regard, Paul said, “I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:2-3). Can a Christian fall from grace? Paul answered in the affirmative.
Is it possible for a Christian to fall away from Christ and be eternally lost? Writing about Christians who had fallen away, the Hebrew writer said that they had again crucified to themselves “the Son of God, and put Him to open shame” (Heb. 6:6). Later, in chapter ten, he spoke of those who no longer had a sacrifice for sins because they were sinning willfully after having received the knowledge of the truth (vs. 26). Peter spoke of some who had escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He said that they had again become entangled in sin and the last state for them was worse than the first (2 Pet. 2:20). Need more evidence? Consider 1 Corinthians 10:12, where Paul said, “let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
Unquestionably, it is possible for Christians to fall away from the Lord and be eternally condemned. But, that does not have to be the case. We have abundant access to the spiritual resources we need to remain faithful to the Lord. However, taking the position that we cannot fall from grace is both unscriptural and counterproductive to godly living. Much of the New Testament was written to correct moral and doctrinal problems within the church. But, if it is impossible to fall away from the Lord, why have we been given so much unnecessary information? The fact is that we must study and obey the teachings of Christ so that we might be saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8).
— Glen Elliott —