Topical Encyclopedia Backsliding refers to the act of turning away or falling back from one's faith or spiritual commitments. It is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the people of God often stray from their covenant relationship with Him. Despite this tendency, the Scriptures consistently affirm God's willingness to pardon and restore those who repent and return to Him.Old Testament Promises The Old Testament is replete with instances where God promises pardon to His backsliding people. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet conveys God's message to Israel, urging them to return: "Return, O faithless 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" (Jeremiah 3:14). This passage highlights God's readiness to forgive and restore His people despite their unfaithfulness. Similarly, in Hosea, God expresses His desire to heal and love His wayward people: "I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them" (Hosea 14:4). Here, the promise of healing and love underscores God's grace and mercy towards those who have strayed. New Testament Assurance The New Testament continues this theme of divine pardon for backsliders. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus illustrates the Father's willingness to forgive and celebrate the return of a wayward child (Luke 15:11-32). This parable serves as a powerful reminder of God's open arms to those who repent and seek reconciliation. The Apostle John also reassures believers of God's forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This promise emphasizes the certainty of pardon for those who acknowledge their sins and turn back to God. The Nature of God's Pardon God's pardon is not merely a passive act of overlooking sin but an active engagement in restoring the sinner. In Isaiah, God invites His people to reason with Him, promising cleansing: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall become like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). This imagery of transformation signifies the depth of God's forgiveness and the new beginning offered to the repentant. Conditions for Pardon While God's pardon is freely offered, it is contingent upon genuine repentance and a return to Him. The prophet Joel calls for heartfelt repentance: "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Joel 2:13). This call to return is a recurring exhortation throughout Scripture, emphasizing the necessity of turning away from sin and towards God. Conclusion The Bible consistently affirms God's promise to pardon backsliders who repent and return to Him. Through both the Old and New Testaments, the message is clear: God's grace and mercy are available to all who seek His forgiveness, offering hope and restoration to those who have strayed from their faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 3:12 Jeremiah 31:20 Jeremiah 36:3 Library Backsliding. An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ... Who Shall Deliver? "But it is Good for Me to Draw Near to God: I have Put My Trust in ... Conclusion. Perseverance of Saints. The Attack on the Scriptures The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Entire Sanctification as Taught by Jesus Christ. The Destruction of Jerusalem. Resources What does the Bible say about being stubborn / stubbornness? | GotQuestions.orgIs there such a thing as an ex-Christian? | GotQuestions.org Why are there so many fake Christians? | 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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