When we talk about backsliding we are talking about someone who put their faith in Christ and received salvation but then grew cold in their relationship with the Lord. It’s very important to distinguish this from someone who has NOT put their faith in Christ but outwardly looks like a “Christian” and goes through the motions. This person is not a backslider because they were never a believer in the first place. You may be thinking, “I’m a backslidden Christian – help!”. Today we want to remind you that in Christ there’s always hope, so read on!
WHY DO CHRISTIANS BACKSLIDE?
It’s important to remember that any one of us as Christians can grow cold in our love for Jesus and backslide. That’s why it’s so crucial that we continually fan the flame of our faith and build our relationship with Jesus.
People can grow cold in their love for Jesus because of the distractions of life, disappointments or the discouragements that we encounter in our lives.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BACKSLIDERS?
Jesus uses a powerful parable in Luke 15:11-32 to illustrate God’s heart towards backsliders. Here we read the story of the prodigal son. It’s a powerful story that reminds us that even when we backslide from God we can always return to Him. His arms are open and ready to receive us.
There are two powerful truths we can draw from this parable:
- The son realized that he needed to return to the Father.
- Once He realized this he immediately went back home.
At this point, you may be wondering if God will accept you back when you’ve backslidden. You may feel that you’ve messed up too badly and God can’t forgive you. Let’s look at that now.
WILL GOD ACCEPT ME BACK?
Yes, God will accept you back! It all starts with repentance. Repentance simply means that you were going in one direction but then you stop and go in the opposite direction. So start by praying and repenting that you moved away from God and your heart became cold. By faith receive God’s forgiveness and begin to invest deeply in your relationship with God.
Remember that with any relationship the more time and effort you put in, the deeper and more meaningful the relationship is. It’s the only way to grow a relationship. Likewise, you need to spend quality time with God each day reading the Bible, praying and also sharing your faith. Meet with other Christians as well to help strengthen you.
In closing, there’s another parable Jesus told that beautifully illustrates God’s heart for those who have backslidden. We see this in Luke 15:1-7 with the parable of the lost sheep. Here we see how God will leave the 99 just to find 1 who is lost and when He does there’s tremendous rejoicing in Heaven over that lost one. God feels exactly the same way about you!
If you have backslidden and would like to recommit your life to the Lord then please pray this prayer:
Father God, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I come to repent now and say sorry for turning my back on you and allowing my heart to become cold towards you. Today I return to you by faith and receive your forgiveness. I ask you to help me to love you always above all. Help me to invest deeply in my relationship with you and to grow deeper in my faith. Thank you that right now I am restored to you again in our relationship. Please help me to follow you with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
If you have prayed this prayer please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need any further help or support.