The term "slidden" is often used in Christian theology to describe a state of spiritual decline or backsliding. It refers to a believer who has regressed in their faith, turning away from their previous commitment to God and His commandments. This concept is rooted in the biblical narrative and is frequently addressed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 3:12-14 : "Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the LORD. ‘Return, O backsliding children,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I am your master, and I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and bring you to Zion.’"

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah calls the people of Israel to return to the Lord after they have turned away. The term "backsliding" is used to describe their spiritual decline and infidelity to God. The Lord's call to return highlights His mercy and willingness to restore those who have slidden away.

2. Hosea 14:1-2 : "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him, ‘Forgive all our iniquity and accept what is good, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’"

Hosea's message to Israel emphasizes the need for repentance and confession. The imagery of stumbling due to iniquity is akin to the concept of sliding away from a righteous path. The call to return is a recurring theme, underscoring God's desire for reconciliation with His people.

3. Revelation 2:4-5 : "But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."

In the New Testament, the church in Ephesus is admonished for abandoning their initial devotion to Christ. The warning to remember and repent serves as a reminder of the consequences of spiritual decline and the importance of returning to one's first love.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being "slidden" carries significant theological implications. It highlights the human tendency to drift away from God due to sin, distractions, or complacency. The Bible consistently calls believers to vigilance in their faith, urging them to remain steadfast and to seek restoration when they have fallen away.

The process of returning from a state of being slidden involves repentance, confession, and a renewed commitment to God's commandments. It is a journey back to spiritual health and alignment with God's will. The biblical narrative assures believers of God's readiness to forgive and restore those who earnestly seek Him.

Practical Application:

For believers, recognizing a state of being slidden is crucial for spiritual growth. It requires honest self-examination and a willingness to address areas of spiritual neglect. Engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers can help prevent spiritual decline and foster a vibrant relationship with God.

The encouragement to return to God is a message of hope and redemption, reminding believers that no matter how far they have strayed, God's grace is sufficient to restore them to a right relationship with Him.1. (p. p) of Slide.

2. (p. p.) of Slide.

Down the Islands
... Like causes have produced like effects; and each island is little but the peak of
a volcano, down whose shoulders lava and ash have slidden toward the sea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Es Spricht Der Unweisen Mund Wohl. The Mouth of Fools Doth God ...
... 3. But none there was who walked with God, For all aside had slidden, Delusive paths
of folly trod, And followed lusts forbidden; Not one there was who ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/iii es spricht der unweisen.htm

The Hurt of the Daughter of My People
... again? shall one turn away, and not return? Why then is this people of
Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/the hurt of the daughter.htm

Backsliding.
... of His Work. In Jeremiah 8:5, we read: "Why then is this people of Jerusalem
slidden by a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ix backsliding.htm

Jeremiah
... "Why," the Lord inquired, "is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual
backsliding?" Jeremiah 8:5. In the language of the prophet it was because ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 34 jeremiah.htm

Memory, Hope, and Effort
... Well for us if, when its hours have slidden away into the grey past, they continue
to witness to us of His love, even as, while they were wrapped in the mists ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/memory hope and effort.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... them but they have refused to receive correction; [3140] and again, The people turned
not to Him that smiteth them; [3141] and Why is my people slidden back by ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

The Christian Described
... 1. Then remember that thou must die; and remember also, that when the terrors of
God, of death, and a back-slidden heart meet together, there will be sad work ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Slidden (5 Occurrences)
...Slidden (5 Occurrences). John 5:13 But he that had been healed knew not who it was,
for Jesus had slidden away, there being a crowd in the place. (DBY). ...
/s/slidden.htm - 7k

Enlargest (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enlargest (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 22:37 Thou enlargest
my step under me, And mine ankles have not slidden. (YLT). ...
/e/enlargest.htm - 7k

Slide (3 Occurrences)

/s/slide.htm - 9k

Backsliding (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV). Jeremiah 8:5 Why then is this people
of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they ...
/b/backsliding.htm - 12k

Sliced (1 Occurrence)

/s/sliced.htm - 6k

Perpetual (57 Occurrences)
... it. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). Jeremiah 8:5 Why then is this people of
Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold ...
/p/perpetual.htm - 28k

Refuse (103 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 8:5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a
perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. ...
/r/refuse.htm - 36k

Slidden: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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