p. 2 | CAN WE FALL FROM GRACE? by Grant Priddy

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 19, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 20.

CAN WE FALL FROM GRACE?

By Grant Priddy

CERTAIN it is that one’s care for a thing depends much upon whether or not he thinks there is a possibility of losing it. If one possesses something valuable and he is persuaded that it is impossible to lose it, while still the possibility exists, the probability of his losing it is increased many times.

Grace means favor. To be in the grace of God is to be in the favor of God. Is it possible after one is converted, or in the favor of God, to lose that favor?—Certainly. Only a few proofs need be given.

Satan was an angel in heaven before his fall. He was in the favor of God, or he would not have been there. He and his angels were cast out (2 Peter 2:4), and they will finally be destroyed (Heb. 2:14). This is a clear example of falling from grace, or from the favor of God.

King Saul is another example. In 1 Sam. 10:9 it says God “gave him another heart.” 1 Sam. 31:4 records the fact that he committed suicide. Is not this an example of falling from grace?

In Eze. 18:26 we read that “when a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” This shows that a man can turn from his righteousness. We do not say “when” a man does so and so that it is at the same time impossible for him to do it. In Heb. 6:6 it says, “If they shall fall away.” This word “if” implies a possibility. Also please read Heb. 10:26.

All this shows that we can fall from the favor of God. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Heb. 2:1. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12.

GRANT PRIDDY.

Bastrop, La.