The Power of Eternal Security: First Century “Drawbacks”

Speaking of grace, it is important to emphasize that we are not only saved by grace but sanctified by grace. Works cannot save the sinner (2:16), nor sanctify the saint (3:1-5). The law stands absolutely powerless to sanctify us as it did to save us; it was given to show us our need of a Savior. That sanctification, not salvation, is the main subject of our text is apparent from 5:7 ('You were running the race beautifully. Who cut in on you and stopped you from obeying the truth?' ISV). These believers had not fallen from salvation, yet Paul does write that they had 'fallen from grace.' What does he mean? Perhaps the best way to seek an answer to this question is to ask another one.