"Falling from grace" originally described something very different than how we use the phrase today. Read Galatians 5:4-6. When we use the term “falling from grace” today, we usually describe a person who is respected and falls from grace because the person did a terrible thing. A county sheriff, who steals millions of dollars to pay for an extravagant lifestyle, falls from grace after he is arrested for theft. A dentist falls from grace after poisoning his wife causing her death. A senator resigns after being convicted of burglary. Each person was once respected. When their crimes are revealed, respect disappears. The Apostle Paul used the phrase “fallen from grace” differently. Remember Paul was traveling the Roman Empire, sharing the Good News of God’s grace. God freely gave Jesus. Jesus freely gave his life on the cross to save us from our sins. When we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and commit ourselves to following Jesus as Lord, we are saved from our sins and given the free gift of eternal life. Paul accused the Galatians of falling from grace, not because they have sinned, but because they have abandoned the message of grace. The Galatians have returned to focusing on a relationship with God through keeping the law. When following the Law becomes more important than following Jesus, we have fallen from the message of grace. The law shows us our sin. Jesus shows us that the way to God is through him, not by keeping the law. The law condemns. Jesus saves. We are still mandated with following the teachings of Jesus, but we never put our faith in law to save us. 

Most Holy God, we give you thanks for grace. Help us to follow the teachings but not to be so focused on following the law that we leave grace behind. Help us to be filled with your grace and to exercise grace in every part of our lives. Amen.