“You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Gal. 5:4)

Once saved always saved has been a popular doctrine and a reassuring one but unfortunately not true. That which saved a person originally will keep that person saved as long as that person counts on it for salvation. In this verse, there is a warning about not continuing in that grace.

God sent grace in form of Jesus to every man. Not every man accepted Jesus and grace. To those who deny Christ, there is no other offer of eternal life. To be saved eternally one must accept the grace of God and obey his commandments. As long as a person walks in that grace the blood of Jesus will be there to cleanse him of sins.

Grace is free but it is conditional. If it were not then all would be saved and this discussion would be in vain. But, not all are saved because not all meet the conditions of grace. One of those conditions is trusting or saving faith. Faith is the attribute of Noah and Abraham and all the other saints of God. Trusting faith accepts grace and forgiveness follows. That grace is still there for the Christian as he walks in the world of sin. As long as he keeps the faith he keeps the grace.

The Galatians were in danger of falling from grace because they were leaving their faith in Christ and putting their faith in the law. The word severed is a harsh word. It carries with it the idea of being cut off, dismembered. Whichever way you express it the result is the same, you lose your promise of salvation. Severed from Christ or fallen from grace the end is the same. Without God and with hope in this world and the one to come.

Task for Today: Make your calling sure. Put your faith in Jesus and Him only. Do not rely on anyone or anything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If you continue in Christ, walking in the light, you will not fall from grace but never allow yourself to think that you can cast Him aside and remain in His grace.