Backsliding

Get Back Where You Were

Rev. 2:4-5 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

#1. What is backsliding?

It didn’t take long to realize a backsliding Christian is a person who actively turns their back on God and the ways of God. It’s someone who knows Jesus, but then either decides to stop growing (stagnates) or actively rebels against him. It can also be someone who has lost their zeal and love for Jesus, as Jesus warned the church in Ephesus: “But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first” (Rev 2:4–5a NET).

Later we will tackle what to do if we find ourselves in a state of backsliding, but first we have to establish some bedrock—an important promise about our eternal security. First, let’s ask this question:

#2. Does backsliding mean I’m not saved?

As a Christ follower, God has secured your relationship with him. Your salvation cannot be revoked. There are many promises in Scripture that point to this assurance, but these verses from the mouth of Jesus should settle your worries:

“I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NET)“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from my Father’s hand.” (John 10:29 NET)

These words of Jesus bring great comfort, particularly if you’re struggling to follow him or you’re doubting your faith. He is for you. He has you. He carries you. You are irrevocably his.

#3.Why are there Christians who backslide?

There are many reasons people stray. I’ve listed a few below.

Misunderstanding the faith

Some started following Jesus with a fundamental misunderstanding of Christianity—that if they followed him, all their problems would be solved, and only blessings would follow. Unfortunately, that is not what Jesus promised. He cautioned, “In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world” (John 16:33b NET). When our expectations aren’t met by God, when he didn’t solve our issues or intervene in the way we hoped he would, disillusionment sets in, which then can fuel a “What’s the point?” attitude.

Sudden grief

Unexpected grief also causes people to walk away. They might ask, “If God loved me, then why did this horrible thing happen?” Remember, grief is not only experienced when someone dies, but when we experience any kind of loss—job, friendship demise, a divorce, a long held dream that didn’t materialize.

Church hurt

Church hurt can also fuel a backsliding Christian. Of all the people who are supposed to treat us well, when a church member or leader hurts us, we can project that hurt onto God. We may surmise, “If this is what church is about, I’m out.”

Worldly influence

Having constant worldly voices in our ears can influence backsliding. If we feverishly scroll our phones, hang out with people who don’t follow Jesus, or only listen to the siren call of the world, our worldview easily shifts away from Jesus and his ways.

Conclusion:Remember

Think back on all the amazing, beautiful things God has done in your life. Recall your salvation experience, how God forgave you, set you free, and brought you into new community. Part of the reason Israel rebelled against God in the Old Testament is that they forgot God’s works and goodness. Remembering leads to reconnection.

Repent

Confess your sins to God. He promises to cleanse you from them (1 John 1:9). He removes your sin as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12). If you have wronged others during your backslidden days, ask for forgiveness specifically and offer to make restitution. Ask God to forgive you.

Do

What did you do when you first met Jesus? Most likely you spent time reading the Bible, worshipping him, connecting with other believers, and praying. Take bold steps back into these practices.