Topical Encyclopedia Backsliding refers to the act of turning away from God and His commandments after having once embraced them. It is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the people of God are often depicted as straying from their covenant relationship with Him. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations for those who have backslidden to return to the Lord, emphasizing His readiness to forgive and restore.Old Testament Exhortations The Old Testament is replete with calls for the Israelites to return to God after periods of apostasy. The prophet Jeremiah is particularly vocal in his appeals. In Jeremiah 3:12-14 , God implores His people: "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." Here, the emphasis is on acknowledging one's sin and the assurance of God's mercy. Similarly, the prophet Hosea calls for repentance in Hosea 14:1-2 : "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by 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 repay with the fruit of our lips.'" This passage highlights the necessity of confession and the promise of divine acceptance. New Testament Exhortations In the New Testament, the theme of returning to God is continued, with an emphasis on the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The book of Hebrews warns against the dangers of falling away and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith. Hebrews 3:12-13 states: "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." The apostle John also addresses the issue of backsliding in Revelation 2:4-5 , where the church in Ephesus is admonished: "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." This passage underscores the importance of returning to one's initial devotion and zeal for God. The Role of Repentance and Restoration Repentance is a central theme in the exhortations to return from backsliding. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and a renewed commitment to follow God's ways. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , the Lord promises healing and restoration: "And 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, forgive their sin, and heal their land." The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates the process of repentance and the joy of restoration. The father's open arms symbolize God's readiness to welcome back those who have strayed, emphasizing His love and forgiveness. Encouragement for the Backslider The Bible offers hope and encouragement for those who have backslidden. In Isaiah 55:7 , the prophet declares: "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This assurance of pardon is a powerful motivator for returning to God. James 5:19-20 further encourages believers to help restore those who have wandered: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This passage highlights the communal responsibility of believers to support and restore one another in faith. In summary, the Bible consistently calls for those who have backslidden to return to God, offering promises of forgiveness, restoration, and renewed fellowship with the Lord. Through repentance and faith, the backslider can once again experience the fullness of God's grace and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 30:6So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, You children of Israel, turn again to the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 31:6 Jeremiah 3:12,14,22 Hosea 6:1 Library Communion Broken --Restoration Hosea and Joel. How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Perseverance of Saints. Job's Regret and Our Own Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Paul's Departure and Crown; Resources Is a backsliding Christian still saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to backslide? | GotQuestions.org Salvation Clarified ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Backsliding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Backsliding is Departing from the Simplicity of the Gospel Backsliding is Leaving the First Love Backsliding is Turning from God Backsliding: A Haughty Spirit Leads To Backsliding: Afflictions Sent to Heal Backsliding: Blessedness of Those Who Keep From Backsliding: Brings Its own Punishment Backsliding: Endeavour to Bring Back Those Guilty of Backsliding: Exhortations to Return From Backsliding: God is Displeased At Backsliding: Guilt and Consequences of Backsliding: Hateful to Saints Backsliding: Healing of, Promised Backsliding: Liable to Continue and Increase Backsliding: Pardon of, Promised Backsliding: Pray to be Restored From Backsliding: Punishment of Tempting Others to the Sin of Backsliding: Sin of, to be Confessed Related Terms |
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