Why Do We Say, "Fall From Grace"?

Is that really what happens when Christians sin?

Photo by Cesar La Rosa on Unsplash

I get it. I think. When Christians say someone “fell from grace,” they usually mean someone fell off their status ladder. Their “high horse.” Or they fell from their position of power, authority, and influence. Usually, when the phrase “fall from grace” is used it refers to a famous/popular religious leader who committed some big, horrible, evil sin.

I get it.

But is “fall from grace” the best phrase to use when fellow brothers and sisters sin? Is grace only available if we don’t “fall”? If so, why would we need grace in the first place? Isn’t the entire point of grace to be loved and forgiven and shown mercy when we don’t deserve it? Especially when we don’t deserve it?

What if a non-Christian hears a Christian describe a fellow believer as one who “fell from grace”? What do we think this non-Christian will think? Especially if this unbeliever has a general idea of what grace is? If someone who is not currently walking with Jesus overhears a Christian say that a fellow believer “fell from grace,” it gives the impression that grace is something one can work their way out of. It feels and sounds so conditional. It communicates a message that declares, “Grace is only for the non-sinners.”

This is insane. It’s the OPPOSITE of what grace is and does.

Would not a better phrase be “fall into grace”? If a Christian we know commits and confesses a sin - should we not tell them they are now “falling into grace”? Isn’t that when grace works? Doesn’t forgiveness and unconditional love show up when we have fallen? Isn’t that the point? Isn’t that what you long to hear and experience?

Jesus didn’t tell the woman at the well that she “fell from grace.” No. He extended grace.

Jesus didn’t tell the woman caught in adultery, nor the man she committed adultery with that they “fell from grace.” No. He informed her that she fell into grace.

Jesus didn’t tell the post-thrice-denying Peter that he “fell from grace.” Oh no. He overwhelmed the sinful Peter with restorative grace.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He didn’t say to those cursing and killing Him that they “fell from grace.” Quite the opposite: “Father, forgive them.”

I’m not sure where and when we started using the phrase, “fall from grace.” But I vote we remove it. If an influential Christian commits a heinous sin and needs to be humbled, so be it. But he or she (or we!) don’t fall from grace. No, no. Quite the opposite. It’s at the moment of our “falling” that we drop right into the arms of grace.

Hallelujah.

(FYI: I began thinking about this after listening to this conversation.)