Topical Bible: Backsliding: Hateful to Saints

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Backsliding, a term often used to describe a regression in spiritual commitment or a return to sinful behaviors after a period of faithfulness, is a concept that evokes strong emotions among the faithful. Within the Christian tradition, particularly among those who hold to a conservative interpretation of Scripture, backsliding is viewed with deep concern and is considered hateful to the saints, who strive to live in accordance with God's will.

Biblical Understanding of Backsliding

The Bible frequently addresses the issue of backsliding, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The prophets often lamented Israel's tendency to turn away from God despite His continuous faithfulness. In Jeremiah 3:22 , the Lord calls out to His people, saying, "Return, O backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." This plea highlights God's desire for His people to repent and return to Him, emphasizing the seriousness of backsliding.

The Saints' Perspective

For the saints, those who are committed to living a life of holiness and obedience to God, backsliding is seen as a betrayal of the covenant relationship with the Lord. It is considered hateful because it represents a turning away from the truth and a rejection of the grace that has been received. In Hebrews 10:38-39 , the writer warns, "But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."

The Call to Perseverance

The saints are called to persevere in their faith and to encourage one another to remain steadfast. In 1 Corinthians 10:12 , Paul admonishes believers, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall." This caution serves as a reminder of the ever-present danger of backsliding and the need for vigilance in one's spiritual walk.

The Role of the Church

The church plays a crucial role in addressing backsliding among its members. Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness." This directive underscores the responsibility of the community of believers to support and restore those who have fallen away, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.

Consequences of Backsliding

The consequences of backsliding are severe, both spiritually and relationally. In 2 Peter 2:20-21 , the apostle Peter warns, "If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them."

Encouragement to Remain Faithful

Despite the gravity of backsliding, the Bible offers hope and encouragement for those who seek to remain faithful. In Jude 1:24-25 , believers are assured of God's sustaining power: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen."

Through these passages, the saints are reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant in their faith, supporting one another, and relying on God's grace to persevere in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not stick to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... will as to break loose in hateful words, it ... because He maketh intercession for the
saints according to ... that the most common occasion of backsliding in heart is ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... What backsliding in heart is ... the control of the will as to break loose in hateful
words, it ... sinner that repenteth, and is there not joy among the saints on earth ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... back upon it, and exclaims, "How hateful, how detestable ... The saints are full of
happiness, and yet full ... it; getting cold in religion, and backsliding, and the ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Self-Humbling and Self-Searching
... to him sin is so exceedingly hateful, that what ... the faith once delivered to the saints,
but something ... soul seeking Christ; here is another backsliding; here is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/self-humbling and self-searching.htm

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... This made the Jews' solemn days hateful, their hands were ... Backsliding cometh on as
gray hairs, here and there and ... and are not.(271) O poor saints, esteem your ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... Besides, partial backsliding hath a natural tendency to total ... angels to the inheritance
of the saints in light ... following: Brethren, sin is so hateful an evil in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... first motions of this vile and hateful temper; for ... Christian profession, or which
tends to backsliding and apostasy ... less than the least of all saints;" and where ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Motives to this Oversight
... seeking, hypocrisy, and all the most hateful, deadly sins. ... prefer it before the glory
of the saints! ... while they are scandalous and backsliding, in proportion ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 the motives to.htm

Saved by Grace;
... in his prayers, even that he would make them see "what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... they bibbed till they were drunken; and then, in requital, they also gave her of
such liquors as they could, to wit, to drink of the blood of saints, and of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm