Hope for The Backslider

You and I know that God's salvation is a free gift that we do not have to earn, but too often, God's beautiful gift of grace is abused, and people do not think they need to be responsible for their actions. However, God's Word is very clear that grace is not an excuse to sin.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:1, 2, & 6

When one uses grace as a reason not to live a Holy life, they are in danger of backsliding away from their salvation. Not every mistake we make automatically causes us to lose our salvation, of course, but living in habitual sins we refuse to get rid of and repent from, will risk losing our place in paradise with God. It is open rebellion that keeps us separated from a Holy God.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 20:12 & 21:8

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of the backsliding Christian, and also many verses that offer hope for those who have fallen away from the Truths of Jesus Christ. I am going to let the Holy Word of God tell you the story with just a few of these scriptures.

The verses in Hosea were written for Israel, but we can all apply it to our lives. The hope here is that God will heal all who have backslidden away from Him and wants them return to His ways of holiness.

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him... His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree... [they] shall say, "What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found." Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14:4-9

Both 2 Peter 2 and Hebrews 6 give great picturesque examples of what it means to backslide. It is a very devastating thing when one has known the Truth of the Bible and even lived according to the ways of Jesus Christ, but for whatever reason, be it peer pressure or blaming God for the bad things that happen, they have chosen to give up on God and backslide back to the world, to do those things they know go against Biblical principles. Peter described it so boldly by saying when we choose to turn away from God and go back to the world, we are like a dog eating his own vomit!

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 6:6 should be a huge eye opener for a reason not to go backwards in our walk with the Lord. I know that verse shakes me to the core!

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:6

Our hope is in 1 John 1, notice the first 5 words. God is so very gracious to always respond to our sincere prayers of contrition.

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

You can find more hope for the backslider in Jeremiah 3. Again, notice that one must first acknowledge their sins. It is a beautiful passage of scripture that let's us know that God wants so deeply for us to return to him ( The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9).

"Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God... and ye have not obeyed my voice," saith the Lord. "Turn, O backsliding children," saith the Lord; "for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family... And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:13-15

Finally, let's look at God's words to the church in Ephesus,

"Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Revelation 2:4-5

Without a change of heart and allowing yourself to become and stay a new creation in Christ (Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17) we absolutely risk losing our salvation, having our "candlestick" removed from "out of his place" if we refuse to do what we know is right in the eyes of God.

I will leave you with more hope and good news:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh [destroys sin] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

In other words, true repentance of sins will lead to eternal life with the Holy Trinity in Heaven!

(You can read more on this subject in a blog written by my husband that I posted on July 7, 2024: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/07/backsliding-unto-perdition-written-by.html )