Topical Bible: Backsliding: Punishment of Tempting Others to the Sin of

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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 significant concern in the Christian faith. The Bible addresses not only the personal consequences of backsliding but also the severe repercussions for those who lead others into sin. The act of tempting others to backslide is seen as a grave offense, warranting divine punishment.

Biblical Warnings and Consequences

The Scriptures provide stern warnings against leading others into sin. Jesus Himself emphasized the seriousness of causing others to stumble in their faith. In the Gospel of Matthew, He declares, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This vivid imagery underscores the gravity of leading others astray and the severe consequences that follow.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. In Romans 14:13, he admonishes believers, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way" . Paul’s exhortation highlights the responsibility of Christians to live in a manner that supports and edifies others in their faith journey, rather than causing them to falter.

Old Testament Precedents

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of the consequences of leading others into sin. The account of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, serves as a cautionary tale. Jeroboam led Israel into idolatry, setting up golden calves for worship. As a result, he faced divine judgment, and his dynasty was ultimately destroyed (1 Kings 14:9-10).

Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel warns of the responsibility of leaders and the dire consequences of failing to guide others rightly. In Ezekiel 3:18, God tells the prophet, "If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood" . This passage illustrates the accountability of those in positions of influence and the severe repercussions of neglecting their duty to guide others away from sin.

The Role of the Church and Believers

The New Testament church is called to uphold the truth and encourage one another in righteousness. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" . This communal responsibility emphasizes the importance of mutual support and accountability in preventing backsliding and discouraging the temptation of others.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message regarding the punishment of those who tempt others to sin. The consequences are severe, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the leading of others into spiritual downfall. Believers are called to live lives that reflect Christ’s teachings, serving as examples and encouragers to those around them, thereby safeguarding against the sin of backsliding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:10
Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:6
But whoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Parasitism.
... The punishment of degeneration is simply degeneration"the ... to discuss at present the
physiology of backsliding. ... What more tempting than to give up private ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/parasitism.htm

Semi-Parasitism.
... Let us see what form this punishment takes. ... we are dealing with a case of physiological
backsliding. ... at the smallest possible cost forms the tempting bait held ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/semi-parasitism.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... of life; and, as now, past all recovery, and bound over to eternal punishment. ... loth
and unwilling to perish, I began to compare my sin with others to see ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... me, the devil did not play in tempting of me ... upon my heart again, by bringing the
punishment for sin ... could mourn and lament their sin; and others, again, could ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... All that enter actions against others, pretend that wrong ... Thus, "If any man sin,
we have an Advocate ... bad-minded neighbour, by tampering with, tempting of, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Christian Behavior
... also in itself, distinct from the punishment belonging to ... but they feel nothing of
that sin-killing operation ... Wherefore to show them in others, what they find ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Footnotes
... ministerial testimony" against what he conceived to be sin. ... so hath rendered himself
guilty of the punishment contained in ... M'Kail, in answer to others which he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... trial of the faithful, and for the punishment of the ... by experience here in England,
as others also have ... Hence her tempting things rot, and moulder away; for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... which most principally we are discovered to others, and known ... word, that prohibits
and forbids the sin; and not ... is usual with the devil, in his tempting of poor ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm