Recently, I read a devotion about grace that talked about those who “fall from grace”. The verse that I found was Galatians 5: 3+4. KJV- 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. The writer of the devotion, Joseph Prince, pointed out that the verse is not referring to when we sin. Verse three is needed for context- For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. The people referenced in the verses are about to leave the grace we received in Jesus, from the Father, and chose to put themselves under the knife edge of the Law. Okay, on a humorous note the “become of no effect” can and has been translated as “cut off” from grace. Circumcised, cut off, I thought it shows the “funny” side of Paul.
Fall, here is ekpipto, Strong’s #1601 G, which means to lose or forfeit. I may have to pay an earthly price for sinning, but God’s grace because of Jesus’ sacrifice is always available. You may decide to walk away from His grace, but that does not change His grace toward you. Repent, the grace is still there for you!
This led to a quick study of the word “fall”. It should not surprise anyone that there is more than one Greek word we translate into fall. My next fall is in Hebrews 12:15, where we are to help people not fall short of God’s grace and have no bitter root grow in us. The word for fall here is hystereo, Strong’s 5302 G, yes it does sound like hysterical. It means to be in lack or need or to fall short. It sounds like they need teaching about the grace you want when you mess up.
Matthew 13:21 is the next “fall away” I want to look at. These are the people who have no roots and fall away because of trouble. Yes, they took the Word with joy, but they decided to walk away. The Greek word is skandalizo, Strong’s 4624 G. Yes, the word scandal has its root here. The meaning is focused on “an offense”. This parable of the sower came to my mind when I read “fall from grace”. I think it is more of a trip when they leave the Seed and look for the path.
God bless translators. But be a Berean and study. That way you will not get offended because of a hard spot and fall, then walk away.
Mark's Bible Study 