Backsliding

Backsliding is when a born-again believer in Christ turns back to sin or refuses to submit to the will of God in his/her life. The outward actions are only symptoms of the real problem: the attitude of the heart. This must be dealt with in order to change the actions.

Backsliding is like carnality in that your own desires and devices are acted out as opposed to God's will (1 Corinthians 3:3; Proverbs 14:14).

• What Scripture Says
• Does God Condemn Backsliders?
• As You Pray
• Suggested Reading

 

What Scripture Says

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent" (Revelation 2:4,5).

"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).

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you'" (Luke 15:17,18).

"...let him return to the Lord...for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).

"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely..." (Hosea 14:4).

[top]

Does God Condemn Backsliders?

God does not condemn us, our own wickedness and backslidings do that (Jeremiah 2:19). Nor did Jesus come to condemn, but to give us life abundantly (John 10:10). Therefore, if you will confess your sins, God will forgive you (1 John 1:9). Accept His forgiveness and then forgive yourself.

Forgive those who have wronged you. Go to anyone you have wronged or resented and ask their forgiveness. Make restitution in whatever ways you can for any wrongs you have caused.

If not baptized with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), you only need to ask the Lord for this gift and receive! The Holy Spirit will help you grow in Jesus and the ways of the Lord, and will give you the ability to overcome sin. He will also give you power (to be a Christ-like person), guidance, comfort, spiritual truth, and will equip you with the gifts and qualities of God (Acts 1:8; John 14:16; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:22,23).

[top]

As You Pray

Thank God for His compassion and mercy. Thank Him for taking you back into His loving grace and for restoring peace, joy and happiness to you as you become His servant again.

[top]

Suggested Reading

2 Chronicles 30:9 Grace assured at repentance
Psalm 32:1; 145:14 Blessed and upheld in the Lord
Isaiah 43:18,19; 44:22 Old things are gone, the new redeems
John 3:17 No condemnation in Jesus

Read these Scriptures daily and memorize them for assurance of victory.

[top]

Crossroads is happy to help.  In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry.  The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason.  You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444

God loves you and we love you!  Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:

Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario     L7R 4M2