One of the teachings of Calvinism is that after one becomes  a child of God one can never fall from grace. In our article  I want to examine this doctrine in light of the scriptures.  When those who believe and teach this doctrine are confronted with someone who has in the past been faithful in their religion who has gone back into the world and make no pretense of living a godly life, their response is that “they were never really saved.”

      In our study then let us begin by undeniably  establishing the fact that those in our study were once saved, children of God.  Galatians 1:2  And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:  Galatians 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

      I do not believe anyone can successfully refute the fact that those spoken of in Galatia were saved.  They were in the church in Galatia, They had been called into the grace of Christ, Jesus Christ had been effectively set forth before them, they had been baptized into Christ, they were sons and heirs of God.

      In view of all these facts from the scriptures about these, Paul makes a disturbing statement about them. Galatians 5:4   Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

     What had happened to these who were in the grace of God to cause Paul to proclaim that they had fallen from grace? I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Gal. 3:10) False teachers had enter the church in Galatia and taught those in the congregations there that they had to be circumcised and keep the law to be saved. Paul’s letter proves that at least some of the Christians in Galatia had accepted this false teaching.  Paul told them they would have to keep the whole law.  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.  Paul said they had been “bewitched.” (3:1)   He said they had “run well” but they had “been hindered from obeying the truth.” What was Paul understanding of their present condition  Galatians 5:4  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

     Question: Why would Paul say, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” (Gal. 4:11), if they could not fall from grace and be lost? The apostle Paul’s statement to the church at Corinth has no meaning if one cannot be lost. 1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  This statement is made following a warning to the Corinthian church not to fall into the same sins as the nation of Israel when they came out of Egypt and he said they were written for our admonition.

      Why would Jesus through John admonish those in the church at Smyrna to be faithful “unto death” to receive the crown of life and that those who “overcometh” will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:9-10) if one cannot become unfaithful, fall from grace and be lost eternally?