Backsliding

It is a term being used in Christianity to describe a process by which an individual, who has converted to Christianity, reverts to pre-conversion habits and/or lapses or falls into sin; when a person turns from God to pursue their own desire.

Initially, Solomon served God with his whole heart and he was blessed with God’s wisdom. But later, he deviated from God’s ways. 1 Kings 11: 9 says “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared to him twice.” It’s a great privilege for you to be in Christ. So, going back to the world will attract steep consequences. Many had welcomed and accepted Jesus into their lives. They made Him their number one, but today, they have left their first Love. Backsliding is departing from the simplicity of the gospel. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). The devil’s objective is to complicate the lives of humans, and to add more pains and sorrows to them. As a Christian, you have to be aware of the devil’s strategy and resist it. If you go back to the world, the death of Christ is meaningless to you; be prepared to fall from grace.

God is displeased when you turn back to the sin you left behind. God was wroth and greatly abhorred Israel, because they went back to their vomit. To avoid the wrath of God, you must remain in Him till the end.

When as a Christian you are going through problems of life, please don’t go back to the world. God is still with you, as He was with Job, David and Abraham, among others, when they were going through trials. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” What ever your situation may be, do not look back, because Jesus has overcome the world, your victory is certain.
 
“I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for He will speak peace to His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Surely, His salvation is near them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land” (Psalm 85:8). For those going through tribulations and contemplating to go back to their old ways, the Lord is promising to speak peace to your situations. Your salvation is near and you will be glorified.

If you are still standing firm in the Lord, be watchful, be prayerful and be humble, because the devil your enemy wants to pull you down. A believer who is haughty is prone to backsliding. “Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “Why let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).

Endeavour to bring back those who have gone astray, with God’s Word and every God’s resource available to you. If you convert anyone erring from the truth, you will save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

May God uphold us till the end!

The Saint’s Gospel Church Of Christ-Hand of Fire City
(SHADOW TABERNACLE)
Shadow Tabernacle Close, Hand Of Fire City, Olowo-Ina Bus Stop, Ikotun/Igando Road, Lagos Nigeria.