Day 262: Fall from Grace

19 Sep, 2015

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Saturday, September 19th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 30:12-33:9
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22
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Commentary from Pastor Mike White:

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” – Gal 5:4

Did you ever wonder where the expression “fall from grace” comes from? Paul uses it for the first time in his letter to the churches in Galatia. We think of a fall from grace as a personal error: a slip-up so severe that recovery is impossible. But a Biblical fall from grace is actually quite the opposite.

Instead of succumbing to our imperfection, a fall from grace occurs when we rely on our own failed attempts at perfection instead of relying on the perfect work of the Cross. It involves forsaking – falling from – grace, and gravitating back to the law. It entails thinking that our salvation and righteousness have something to do with us!

Salvation is a free gift from God, and grace is unmerited favor. When we try to earn our salvation and prove how righteous we are to God, that is a fall from grace! Embrace God’s grace. Unmerited favor is something that can never be earned, so stop trying and simply rest in His finished work!

Prayer:

Father, thank You that grace is a free gift. Help me never to turn from or run from your unmerited favor. I am righteous by faith; not by works!

© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.