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◄ Backsliding: Sin of, to be Confessed►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Backsliding refers to the act of turning away from God and returning to sinful behaviors or attitudes after having experienced a commitment to faith. It is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the people of God are often depicted as straying from their covenant relationship with Him. The sin of backsliding is not only a departure from righteous living but also a breach of the intimate relationship that believers are called to maintain with their Creator.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of backsliding, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The prophet Jeremiah laments the backsliding of Israel, calling them to repentance: "Return, O backsliding children, declares the LORD, for I am your master, and I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14). This call to return underscores God's desire for reconciliation and the restoration of His people.

Hosea also speaks to the sin of backsliding, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God: "My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to Him on high, He will not exalt them at all" (Hosea 11:7). The imagery of a people "bent on turning" illustrates the persistent nature of backsliding and the need for divine intervention.

Confession and Restoration

The Bible emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in addressing the sin of backsliding. Confession is a critical step in the process of returning to God, as it acknowledges the breach in the relationship and seeks His forgiveness. In 1John 1:9, believers are assured of God's faithfulness in forgiving sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" . This promise offers hope and a path to restoration for those who have strayed.

The act of confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a renewed commitment to follow God's ways. In the book of Proverbs, the wisdom of confession is highlighted: "He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). This verse underscores the necessity of both confession and renunciation of sin to receive God's mercy.

Encouragement to Persevere

The New Testament encourages believers to persevere in their faith and avoid the pitfalls of backsliding. The author of Hebrews exhorts the faithful to remain steadfast: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). This warning serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to maintain one's faith and the dangers of spiritual complacency.

James also offers guidance on restoring those who have wandered from the truth: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20). This passage highlights the communal responsibility of believers to support and restore one another in the faith.

In summary, backsliding is a serious sin that disrupts the believer's relationship with God. The Bible calls for confession and repentance as essential steps toward restoration, emphasizing God's readiness to forgive and renew those who return to Him with sincere hearts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:12-14
For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 3:13,14
Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 14:7-9
O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do you it for your name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"And if any ManSin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
... They are commonlyconfessed, it is true, but as seldom... ours, his voice is, "Return,
thoubacksliding sinner, to... you more indeed, and make you hatesin, but let...

The Psalms of David
... Third Part. Distress of soul; or,Backsliding and desertion. Psalm 26.... Psalms
51:2. Second Part. LM Original and actualsin confessed. Psalm 51:3. Third Part....

Apart
... of husbands and wives should beconfessed unitedly, and... gets alone; and his mourning
forsin, when he... afterwards he is conscious of somebacksliding, and longs...

Solomon's Repentance
... "I will heal theirbacksliding," He declares; "I will love them freely." Hosea
14:4.... Though the kingconfessed hissin and wrote out for the benefit of...

Hezekiah
... "Our fathers have trespassed," heconfessed, "and done... from heaven, and will forgive
theirsin, and will... marvelously in the conversion ofbacksliding Judah and...

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... PSALM 25 PART 2 Divine instruction. PSALM 25 PART 3 Distress of soul; or,Backsliding
and desertion.... PSALM 51 PART 2 Original and actualsin confessed....

A Corps Commander
... The Field Officer must watch against heartbacksliding....Sin must beconfessed and
forsaken. Wrong-doing must be righted, reparation must be made....

Who Shall Deliver?
... "Return, yebacksliding children, and... Christ Jesus made me free from the law ofsin
and death... We have at times mourned andconfessed and resolved; but, to tell...

An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or...
... Pardon,. holiness, and comfort, [758]4; ofbacksliding, [759]78;...Sin. of nature,
[1079]14; original and actual,confessed and pardoned, [1080]51;...

Blessed are they that Mourn
... Heconfessed hissin.... Bradford that scarce a day passed him wherein he did not shed
some tears forsin. Daily mourning is a good antidote againstbacksliding....