Fallen from Grace – EGP Blog post from November 29, 2012

Many people like to use the term “fallen from grace” to refer to those who have “fallen away from God” by becoming “willfully disobedient” or “committing the unforgivable sin.” So what does “fallen from grace” really mean?

Galatians 5:4–5 ()

[4] You have been severed from Christ, you who are§ seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. [5] For we through§ the Spirit, by§ faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

Galatians 5:4 Or would be
Galatians 5:5a Lit by
Galatians 5:5b Lit out of

Looking at this statement in context, we find that we “fall from grace” when we try to find our salvation in keeping the Law of the old covenant (i.e., the Ten Commandments).

So, we see in verse five that, “we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.” While some have interpreted this as saying, “when it’s all over, I hope I’m still worthy to be saved,” it is saying something else.

“Through the Spirit” is a reference to the Holy Spirit being the “pledge” of our salvation and our salvation being “sealed” with the Holy Spirit “for the day of redemption.”

So then comes the last part, “waiting for the hope of righteousness.” Look at , “having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” So, the “hope” is that God will perform what He promised.

But you might have noticed that I skipped “by faith.” While it is a reference to our faith in Christ for salvation, we must understand what faith is.

Hebrews 11:1 ()

[1] Now faith is the assurance§ of things hoped§ for, the conviction§ of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1a Or substance
Hebrews 11:1b Or expected
Hebrews 11:1c Or evidence

Key verses

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