Topical Bible: Forgetting God: Backsliders are Guilty of

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Forgetting God is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the spiritual decline and moral failure of individuals and nations. This act of forgetfulness is not merely a lapse in memory but a deliberate turning away from God, His commandments, and His covenant. It is a condition that leads to backsliding, where believers regress in their faith and commitment to God.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of forgetting God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently forgot the Lord despite witnessing His mighty works and deliverance. Judges 3:7 states, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs." This forgetfulness led them into idolatry and oppression by their enemies.

The prophet Hosea also addresses this issue, highlighting the consequences of forgetting God. Hosea 4:6 declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children." Here, forgetting God is equated with rejecting His law, resulting in destruction and divine rejection.

Consequences of Forgetting God

Forgetting God leads to a series of spiritual and moral consequences. It results in a loss of divine favor and protection, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:19 : "If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish." This passage underscores the severity of turning away from God, equating it with spiritual death.

Moreover, forgetting God often leads to a hardened heart and a seared conscience. In Jeremiah 2:32 , the prophet laments, "Can a maiden forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number." This forgetfulness is portrayed as unnatural and indicative of a deep spiritual malaise.

Call to Remember and Return

Despite the grave consequences, the Bible also offers hope and a call to repentance for those who have forgotten God. In Revelation 2:4-5 , 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 call to remember and return to one's first love is a recurring theme, urging believers to rekindle their devotion and obedience to God.

The Psalms frequently encourage believers to remember God's works and commandments as a safeguard against spiritual decline. Psalm 103:2 exhorts, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds." Remembering God's past faithfulness serves as a foundation for continued trust and obedience.

Conclusion

Forgetting God is a serious spiritual condition that leads to backsliding and separation from His blessings. The Bible consistently warns against this forgetfulness and calls believers to remember, repent, and return to a faithful relationship with the Lord. Through remembrance and obedience, believers can maintain their spiritual vitality and avoid the pitfalls of backsliding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 3:21,22
A voice was heard on the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... there, nor yet at any other place, so subdued, but that it would rise again in them
at times to the dishonour of God, and the anew making of them guilty of sin ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... of God; but David and other great backsliders will also ... and he has seen you
treacherously forgetting him. ... in business and you grew very worldly, God could see ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm

Christian Behavior
... With a word of direction to all backsliders. ... thy children; given him the same bread
of God thou givest ... As who should say, Your servants cannot be guilty of so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm