As we have earlier indicated the addition of apo in this phrase complicates the

translation. We must suppose the mental addition of some such word as echoristhete, so

that the statement reads `ye are as nothing as regards Christ, ye are entirely separated

from him' as in Rom. 7: 2, 5. (Lightfoot in loco).

To conclude the dreadful list of consequences, the Apostle says:

This is but the doctrinal restatement of the allegory, where the child of the

bondwoman was `cast out'. If, says Paul, you voluntarily take up your stand with Hagar

and Ishmael who were `cast out', you surely will not be surprised if you `fall out' of

The Apostle has more to teach us before the subject is cleared and his further

arguments must be considered in future articles. Meanwhile let none trifle with Grace. It

is easier for a believer to fall out of grace by attempting self justification, than for a sinner

who falls into sin. For the latter there is abundant provision; for the former, the way is

beset with peril.

We have seen how the Apostle viewed the legalizing tendency of the Galatians, and

have considered the solemnity of his warning that any one who seeks justification by any

other way than that of faith must find:

It is not the Apostle's custom to rely only upon warning; he often turns from such

methods to that of personal appeal and personal experience, presenting the positive side

of the truth in its warmest and most attractive form.  This we have seen him do in

Gal. 2: 15-21. He discontinues the use of `you' and `ye' and now uses `we'.