Falling Away

By

Shelby G. Floyd

July 29, 2007

Matthew 26:31

Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

NIV

Some religious groups teach that it is impossible to fall away from the grace of God and be eternally lost. But this doctrine is not Biblical. “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (Gal. 5:4).

Fallen Away From Grace

All of God’s people must be watchful lest we fall away and lose our eternal reward. This is illustrated by Peter and the other apostles who said they would all die rather than betray Jesus. Jesus said “You will all fall away” (Mark 14:27). Soon Jesus would be arrested and crucified. They were sheep and Christ was the good shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep (John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4). The reason they would fall away is because it was written that God “would strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered” (Mark 14:27; Zechariah 13:7).

Peter Was “Cocksure” of Himself

Peter did not lack for self-confidence. He was sure that “even if all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29). He even affirmed that if he had to die, he would never disown the Lord (Mk. 14:31). But Jesus brought Peter down to reality: “I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times” (Mark 14:30). Peter did deny and disown the Lord three times. When he realized what he had done, he went out and in penitence wept bitterly. His falling away was not permanent. Christ forgave him and gave him the opportunity to affirm his love for him three times (John 21:15-17). Judas by transgression fell from his ministry and apostleship, that he might go to his own place (Acts 1:25 KJV).

Judas Fell Away and Was Lost Eternally

Christian people, take heed lest we fall from our secure position: “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position” (2 Pet. 3:17NIV). The English Standard Version reads, “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” Why would Peter warn his readers lest they “fall from your secure position,” if one could not fall away? “Secure position” translates the Greek term starigmos and means “firm condition and steadfastness of mind.” No one would know this danger any better than Peter, since he fell away when he denied his Lord three times. Peter came back to the Lord after he fell, but Judas did not. The fact that Judas fell away and was eternally lost shows that it is possible to fall away from the grace of God and be lost forever. Watch! Copyright © 2007 Shelby Floyd All Rights Reserved