Originally Posted by Lee Parish

The Bible is FULL of examples of Godly people rejecting God for many reasons. Take one as an example 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul said, "...Demas forsook me having loved the present world." You would have a hard time convincing me that Paul an apostle would allow a man who did not love God and had evil intentions to accompany him and help him in his trials (see Philemon 1:24) . Demas at one time was saved he at one time was in contact with that saving grace that only God can supply. But something happened to Demas, perhaps the intense trials that Paul experienced were too much for him. Or perhaps he decided that more fun was to be had, he "loved the present world", rather than having a love for that which is to come. Demas fell.

Simon the sorcerer is also an excellent study. Acts 8. Simon was a deceiver who converted after having seen the true power of God, demonstrated through Philip. The text says "Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed" Acts 8:13. Once Simon realized how the power was transferred (by the laying on of the apostles' hands) he desired to buy them. He was rebuked by Peter. Acts 8:22 "Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you." Please notice that Peter did not tell Simon that he must be baptized again because he wasn't really saved in the first place. He told him to repent, and pray that the Lord would forgive him why? Because the intentions of his heart would lead him to hell.

Simon was saved he continued with Philip who by the way had gifts (surely Philip would have known if the man traveling with him was saved or not), Simon sinned (at which time he had separated himself from God, and from His saving power), Peter rebuked him and Simon repented, at which point he reunited himself with God.

Many more examples can be given but time prevents a proper treatment. I will leave with one more scripture Galatians 5:1-4. Specifically verse 4 "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace." KJV says "fallen from grace."

If it were possible for Christians of a Jewish heritage to fall away from grace in the first century, it is possible for ANY person, to fall from Grace in any century.