Forsaking God: Backsliders Guilty of
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Forsaking God is a grave spiritual condition characterized by a deliberate turning away from the Lord and His commandments. This act of spiritual abandonment is often associated with the term "backsliding," which refers to a regression in one's faith and commitment to God. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings concerning the dangers and consequences of forsaking God, emphasizing the guilt and peril that accompany such actions.

Biblical Examples and Warnings

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of forsaking God, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with the Lord. The Israelites, despite being chosen as God's people, repeatedly turned away from Him, adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. In Jeremiah 2:13, the prophet laments, "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." This metaphor highlights the futility and self-destructive nature of abandoning God for false idols.

The book of Hosea also vividly portrays Israel's unfaithfulness, likening the nation to an adulterous spouse. Hosea 4:6 warns, "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, the consequences of forsaking God are depicted as severe and far-reaching, affecting not only the present generation but also future ones.

Consequences of Forsaking God

Forsaking God leads to spiritual desolation and divine judgment. In Deuteronomy 28, Moses outlines the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. Verses 20-21 state, "The LORD will send curses, confusion, and rebuke upon you in all you undertake, until you are destroyed and quickly perish, because of the wickedness of your deeds in forsaking Me." The passage underscores the inevitable downfall that follows the abandonment of God.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of backsliding. In Hebrews 6:4-6, the author warns, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame." This passage highlights the seriousness of turning away from the faith after having experienced the truth of the Gospel.

Call to Repentance and Restoration

Despite the severity of forsaking God, the Bible consistently offers a message of hope and restoration for those who repent. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If 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." This assurance of forgiveness and healing is a testament to God's enduring mercy and desire for reconciliation with His people.

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 further illustrates God's readiness to welcome back those who have strayed. The father's joyous reception of his wayward son symbolizes the divine grace extended to repentant sinners. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far one has fallen, God's love and forgiveness remain accessible to those who return to Him with a contrite heart.

Encouragement to Remain Faithful

Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and to guard against the temptation to forsake God. In 1 Corinthians 10:12, Paul advises, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall." This exhortation emphasizes the need for vigilance and reliance on God's strength to maintain a faithful walk with Him.

The apostle Peter also urges believers to be diligent in their spiritual growth, stating in 2 Peter 1:10, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble." By cultivating virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, and self-control, Christians can fortify themselves against the dangers of backsliding and remain committed to their relationship with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 15:6
You have forsaken me, said the LORD, you are gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against you, and destroy you; I am weary with repenting.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... It is often very trying to live with backsliders. ... Having been guilty of this infinite
folly, the whole course ... result of his madness and folly in forsaking God. ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iv what are consequences of.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... to attend, and hence, that they are backsliders in heart ... Having been guilty of this
infinite folly, the whole ... result of his madness and folly in forsaking God. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.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

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... the nations were from their idols, and were become guilty of the ... they had heard three
or four times over, that God had mercy for backsliders, they broke ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... the nations were from their idols, and were become guilty of the ... they had heard,
three or four times over, that God had mercy for backsliders, they broke ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... therefore, he is thus off, if he makes not speed to the Son of God for life ... 5. Coming
to Christ is attended with an honest and sincere forsaking of all for him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Resources
Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.org

What is a religious order? | GotQuestions.org

What is the oldest religion? | GotQuestions.org

Forsaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Forsaking

Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Commandments

Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Covenant

Forsaking God is Forsaking: His House

Forsaking God is Forsaking: The Right Way

Forsaking God: Ahab

Forsaking God: Amon

Forsaking God: Backsliders Guilty of

Forsaking God: Balaam

Forsaking God: Brings Confusion

Forsaking God: Brings Down his Wrath

Forsaking God: Children of Israel

Forsaking God: Curse Pronounced Upon

Forsaking God: Followed by Remorse

Forsaking God: Idolaters Guilty of

Forsaking God: Kingdom of Israel

Forsaking God: Kingdom of Judah

Forsaking God: Leads Men to Follow Their own Devices

Forsaking God: Many Disciples

Forsaking God: Phygellus

Forsaking God: Prosperity Tempts To

Forsaking God: Provokes God to Forsake Men

Forsaking God: Punishment of

Forsaking God: Resolve Against

Forsaking God: Saul

Forsaking God: Sin of, to be Confessed

Forsaking God: The Wicked Guilty of

Forsaking God: Trusting in Man Is

Forsaking God: Unreasonableness and Ingratitude of

Forsaking God: Warnings Against

Forsaking God: Wickedness of

Related Terms

Apostate (5 Occurrences)

Apostasy (6 Occurrences)

Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)

Vent (8 Occurrences)

Vilest (5 Occurrences)

Wrong-doing (4 Occurrences)

Forsomuch (1 Occurrence)

Fornication (52 Occurrences)

Forgetting (8 Occurrences)

Flagrant (3 Occurrences)

Traveller (9 Occurrences)

Eagerly (36 Occurrences)

Exhorting (13 Occurrences)

Erring (13 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence)

Dust (182 Occurrences)

Drawing (60 Occurrences)

Mixture (16 Occurrences)

Prospereth (12 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Beor (11 Occurrences)

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

Backslide

Be'or (11 Occurrences)

Confessing (15 Occurrences)

Check (9 Occurrences)

Approaching (24 Occurrences)

Assembling (11 Occurrences)

Apostates (4 Occurrences)

Adulterous (12 Occurrences)

Seizes (16 Occurrences)

Securing (8 Occurrences)

Steps (113 Occurrences)

Slayeth (28 Occurrences)

Bent (107 Occurrences)

Filling (29 Occurrences)

Wrongdoing (122 Occurrences)

Hire (48 Occurrences)

Unfaithfulness (27 Occurrences)

Astray (116 Occurrences)

Chastisement (24 Occurrences)

Instruct (34 Occurrences)

Simon (75 Occurrences)

Forgotten (69 Occurrences)

Salvation (386 Occurrences)

Wages (52 Occurrences)

Road (155 Occurrences)

Lord's (548 Occurrences)

Wickedness (232 Occurrences)

Commits (39 Occurrences)

Prostitution (48 Occurrences)

Custom (51 Occurrences)

Affirmation (335 Occurrences)

Balaam (62 Occurrences)

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)

Plead (64 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Goest (79 Occurrences)

Loved (249 Occurrences)

Valour (66 Occurrences)

Nigh (243 Occurrences)

Array (63 Occurrences)

Gain (142 Occurrences)

Followed (201 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Seized (118 Occurrences)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

Hating (95 Occurrences)

Follow (267 Occurrences)

Day (17670 Occurrences)

Hosea (6 Occurrences)

Forsaking God: Amon
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