Topical Bible: Backsliding: Afflictions Sent to Heal

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Backsliding refers to the act of relapsing into previous sinful behaviors or turning away from one's faith and commitment to God. It is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the people of God often stray from His commandments, only to be brought back through divine intervention and discipline. Afflictions, in this context, are seen as corrective measures sent by God to restore His people to righteousness and faithfulness.

Biblical Instances of Backsliding and Afflictions

1. Israel's Repeated Backsliding: The nation of Israel is a primary example of backsliding in the Old Testament. Despite being chosen by God and witnessing His mighty works, the Israelites frequently turned to idolatry and disobedience. In Jeremiah 3:22, God calls out to His people, saying, "Return, O backsliding children; I will heal your backslidings." This plea highlights God's desire to restore His people despite their repeated failures.

2. Afflictions as a Means of Correction: The Bible often portrays afflictions as a tool used by God to bring His people back to Him. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist acknowledges, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." This verse illustrates the transformative power of afflictions, leading the believer back to obedience and devotion.

3. The Prodigal Son: In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) serves as a poignant illustration of backsliding and restoration. The younger son squanders his inheritance in reckless living, only to find himself in dire circumstances. His afflictions lead him to repentance and a return to his father, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him.

4. Hosea and Gomer: The prophet Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel. Despite Gomer's unfaithfulness, Hosea's persistent love mirrors God's unwavering commitment to His people. Hosea 6:1-2 captures the call to repentance: "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up."

The Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions are not merely punitive but serve a redemptive purpose. Hebrews 12:6-7 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons." This passage underscores the concept that divine discipline is an expression of God's love and a means to bring His children back into a right relationship with Him.

The Call to Repentance and Restoration

The Bible consistently calls for repentance as the pathway to healing from backsliding. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." This assurance of forgiveness and healing is a testament to God's mercy and His desire for His people to return to Him.

Conclusion

Backsliding is a common human experience, but the Bible offers hope through the promise of restoration. Afflictions, while painful, are often the catalyst for spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with God. Through repentance and faith, believers can find healing and restoration, reaffirming their commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 5:15
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offense, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Captivity
... "I will heal their backsliding, I will ... in harmony with the plain warnings He had
sent them "by ... race must yet be fulfilled; and in the afflictions brought upon ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after ...
... And if afflictions be sent, as they ... to die, to die for ever, thou art sending me
the words of everlasting life, and calling me, as a backsliding child, to ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiii the sad case.htm

Putting God to Work
... all of its sorrows, burdens and afflictions, without any ... been the baneful, inevitable
cause of backsliding and estrangement ... vessel, and the God who sent him to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Great Change
... There is the gospel which we are sent to preach ... the Lord saying, "I will heal their
backsliding, I will ... Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

The Doctrine
... A Few Sighs from Hell"; and, in 1659, as a further declaration of the most important
truths of revelation, this work on the two covenants was sent forth to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Mark 7. Jerusalem was therefore now greatly backsliding, and become ... Therefore, in
reason, when mercy is sent down from ... his Spirit in the gospel to heal many of ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... Therefore, in reason, when mercy is sent down from heaven ... by his Spirit in the gospel,
to heal many of ... Even idolatrous Ephraim, and backsliding Judah (verse 13 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... sin are invited to this spiritual Physician, and he only can and will heal them. ...
the Lord Jesus walked on the sea to go to Capernaum, having sent his disciples ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... by the lions, because they had set up idolatry in the land of Israel, they sent
for a ... method of God is to kill and make alive, to smite and then heal; when the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... The cause from whence these afflictions arise is known to be ... when thou hast found
him, that thou go to him by his Son, whom he has sanctified and sent into the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm