Galatians 1: St. Paul Is Astonished At How Quickly They Have Fallen

Jan 06, 2026

Galatians 1 contains more proof against Protestant salvation doctrine. In Galatians 1:6, St. Paul says that he’s astonished at how quickly certain people have been removed from the one who called them into a different gospel. He uses the word μετατίθεσθε, the present passive/middle indicative, 2nd person plural of μετατίθημι (metatithemi). μετατίθημι (metatithemi) means to transfer or remove something or someone from one place, position or situation to another. It involves a change of place, position or status.

Galatians 1:6- “I am astonished that you are so quickly removed (μετατίθεσθε) from the one who called (καλέσαντος) you in the grace (ἐν χάριτι) of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.”

Thus, certain people who belonged to God in His grace (ἐν χάριτι) have transferred themselves to a different state and to a different gospel. That indicates that justified Christians can fall away. St. Paul also describes these individuals as having been called. Many Protestants consider “calling” be simultaneous with justification. That’s how many of them would understand St. Paul’s reference to his own calling in Galatians 1:15 in the very same chapter.

Galatians 1:15- “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called (καλέσας) me through his grace (διὰ τῆς χάριτος), was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.”

Galatians chapter 1 is simply more evidence that true believers who at one time were justified by God’s grace can fall away, and therefore that Protestant salvation doctrine is false.