What is Backsliding?
Backsliding refers to the process in which an individual returns to old habits or behaviours after a period of improvement or reform.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, backsliding means to slide back. Furthermore, the concepts highlight the challenge of maintaining growth and integrity, and also show how to avoid losing the ground that has already been gained.
The objective of this study, then, is to help believers overcome the menace of backsliding. But we may ask, how? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and God is telling you restoration is possible.
What does the Bible say about backsliding?
The Greek meaning of the word backsliding is apostasia, which means rebellion, abandonment, to go away, withdraw, depart, or fall away.
Backsliding is the situation of becoming separated from the living God, falling away from the faith, either by self-will or external factors ( Persecution and tribulation), after a previous turning towards Him (Hebrews 3:12).
Is it possible to fall from grace?
The answer to this question is yes. That is why we’re being warned in this scripture (1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Timothy 1:19, Hebrews 3:12, 6:4-6). Therefore, we must be careful, because many will fall away in the end times.
How Christian Backslides?
Backwards movement:
A believer is said to have gone back when there is a change from divine direction and faces somewhere else (John 6:60-66). Many of Jesus Christ’s disciples who turned back fell into this group, likewise Peter and the other disciples in John 21:1-3.
Sluggish movement:
In this type of backsliding movement, the believer is moving but not at the expected speed. They move away from Him, and when the gap between you and Jesus is much, the movement could end in the opposite direction, and the outcome could be denial (Matthew 26:57-75).
Distraction Movement:
When a believer is in motion but not focused, good examples of believers who fell into this category include Lot and his family (Genesis 15:26), Peter (Matthew 14:28-30), and willing disciples (Luke 9:61-62).
Stagnant Motion:
Another means by which a believer can backslide is when he refuses to move. As disciples of Christ, we are meant to follow Christ till the end of our lives here on earth. Failure to stop moving makes us stagnant believers, and those who fall into this group are the disobedient prophet in 1Kings 13:8-22. He kept the instructions at the beginning, and he stopped moving the day he stopped obeying the Lord.
As Christians, our spiritual progression is expected to be a forward movement, not a backwards movement or stagnation.
Why do Christians backslide?
Spiritual dryness:
When the spiritual fire in a believer is no longer burning, you become vanquished and dry because you no longer refuel the holy spirit in us. This occurs when a believer loses their zeal for spiritual exercises, such as prayer, fasting, Bible study, worship, and fellowship.
Life Trials and Disappointment:
Many so-called believers feel disappointed because their mentors or those they look up to fall short of their expectations. For some, life trials surrounded them. Trials and disappointments form a natural part of life. So, as believers, we should not grow discouraged when we see those we look up to in faith falling away or when we face life trials. God uses these moments to make us stronger and to hold tightly to His word (John 16:33).
Temptation and worldly distraction:
To be frank, temptation is everywhere. Lacking focus on eternal things, love and desire for earthly things can take us away from Him. Gehazi, Judas, and Demas are distracted by worldly things. What we need is to look up to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith ( Hebrews 12:2).
Lack of fellowship and accountability:
As believers, our consistency in fellowship is paramount, because that’s how we encourage one another and rekindle our spiritual fire. In addition, fellowship serves as a Spiritual check-up for believers, helping us know whether we are still on track.
Signs You May Be Backsliding
- Loss of desire for prayer or scripture
- Avoiding church or a Christian gathering
- Spiritual coldness
- Dullness lacks accurate spiritual discernment
- Guilty feelings
- Disobedient to divine instructions
- Falling countenance
- Self-praise/ justification Jer 3:11
- Anger
- Conformity to the world
- Confusion
- Fear
- Denial
- Secret sin
- Rejection
- Vengeance/ payback
- Idolatry etc
How to Stop Backsliding and Return to God
- Repentance with humility
- Return
- Remove or do away with sin
- Reconnect with Christian fellowship
- Renew your prayer altar
- Get back into God’s word
- Ask the Holy Spirit for help daily
- Accountability
- Seek counsel
Encouragement from scripture
God’s promises of restoration, according to the scriptures, are:
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 and will forgive their sin and heal their land ( 2 Chronicles 7:14).
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit ( Psalms 51:12).
I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them ( Hosea 14:4).
“Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness. “Behold, we come to you, for you are the Lord our God ( Jer 3:22).
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever.
Acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favours among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the Lord.
Return, O faithless children, declares the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion ( Jer 3:12-14).
Stories of renewal
Simon Peter, one of the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, once denied Him. He went fishing after his death and resurrection. Living behind all the teaching, instructions, faith and mission Jesus committed to him, but Jesus Christ called him to order, and he retraced his steps back to God fully renewed and restored. You can do likewise, retrace your steps back to God today, and you will be glad you did.
Conclusion
God’s grace and love are out there calling us back to Him. If we have ever wandered away from His presence, this is a chance to hold tightly to the grace He offers. All you need to do is take the first step back to Him. Don’t delay.
Be also sure to read:
Pure Heart: Guide for Christians
Evil Time: 10 Powerful Antidotes to Break Its Curse
