Fall from Grace

Salvation is a difficult “narrow path”. (*F1) Matt 7:13-14, 22:14, Luke 13:23-24, 1 Pet 4:18

It is possible for a believer to leave the narrow path and “fall from grace” or "receive God's grace in vain". (*F2) Gal 5:4 Heb 12:14-15 2 Cor 6:1 1 Cor 15:1-2

Yes, once we accept God’s free gift of salvation, and enter into a relationship with Him, then we have a responsibility to choose what we will do with that precious relationship. Will we nurture this new life of salvation that He plants in us at baptism by continuing to stay close to Him and producing good fruit, or will we carelessly neglect to maintain this precious relationship and allow our salvation to die and be destroyed?

The Bible shows that throughout history God did not spare dealing with those who sin, (*F3)

2Pet 2:4-6 Rom 11:21 Heb 10:28 Heb 12:25

and He continually warns that evil doers and unbelievers will be punished. (*F4)

Matt 13:49-50 Rom 1:18 2Thes 1:8-9 2 Thes 2:12 Rom 2:8-9 2 Pet 3:7

God also warns believers who return to a life of sin that they too can fall away. (*F5) 2 Pet 3:17

Gal 5:4; 6:7-9 Rom 11:22 Heb 3:12-14; 10:39; 12:14-15 1 Tim 4:1

1Cor 10:1,12; 3:16-17, 9:27 1 John 5:16 2John 1:8-9 James 1:14-16; 1:263:6

Believers can even be thrown out of the kingdom and suffer the same horrible fate as unbelievers! (*F6)

Luke 12:46 Matt 13:41-42 John 15:1-2, 6 Matt 7:21-23

For those who neglect or turn their backs on their salvation (*F7)

Heb 2:3 Heb 6:4-6 Heb 10:26-27 2 Pet 2:20-21

the consequences are serious indeed! (*F8) Heb 10:28-31 Matt 25:15-30

Matt 24:48-51 Gal 6:7-8 Gal 1:8-9 Rev 22:18-19

(Beware of those who teach otherwise!) (*F9) Acts 20:29-31, Col 2:4; 2:18, Matt 24:24

2 Pet 2:1-3; 3:17 Rom 16:17 -18 Jude 1:4 2 Cor 11:13-15 Gal 1:6-7

Eph 4:14, 2 Tim 4:3-4, Titus 1:10-14; 3:9-10, 1 John 4:1, 2 John 1:7-11 Rev 2:2; 3:11

Believers are warned to “be careful” and “make every effort” to make our calling sure. (*F10)

2Peter 1:4-10 Heb 4:1,11 Eph 5:14-16 Titus 3:8 Phil 2:12 Heb 6:11-12

Luke 13:24 Rom 2:6-7 1 Peter 5:8-9 1 Cor 9:24-27

Many times in His Word, God uses the word “if”. Since “if” means there is an option, then another

alternative has to be possible. There IS an “IF” involved in our salvation. (*F11) John 15:5-6

Col 1:22-23 1 Cor 15:2 Matt 6:14-15 Matt 16:24-25 1 John 4:20-21 Gal 6:9

Rom 11:22 2 Pet 1:5-11 Heb 2:3, 3:14 1 John 1:6-8

We’re told to continue to examine and test our motives and actions to see IF we are living properly in the

faith. (*F12) 2 Cor 13:5 Gal 6:4 1 Cor 11:28, 31

HOW do we tell if we are in Christ, being led by His Spirit? – by how we think, live, and treat others.

(*F13) Rom 8:9 Gal 5:19-25 John 13:35 I John 3:10; 3:24; 4:20-21; 2:5-6

Seriously consider Jesus’ warning about remaining firmly attached as a branch to Him, the Vine. (*F14)

John 15:5-6

As long as we remain firmly attached to Jesus,having the life-giving nourishment of His Spirit flowing

into and out of us producing good fruit, then we can remain confidently secure in our salvation. (*F15)

Heb 7:25 1 Cor 1:8 Phil 1:6 Heb 10:23 Heb 6:19 Heb 12:28

2 Peter 1:2 -4 1 Peter 1:4 John 10:28 Jude 1:24