What is Backsliding?
by Pastor Dag Heward-MIlls
God raised up the Prophet Jeremiah at a time when Israel and Judah were about to be taken captive in Babylon. He used Jeremiah to show the people of Israel the backslidden state of their hearts.
Jeremiah, Why Are You Crying?
The Book of Jeremiah gives several vivid descriptions of the backslidden state. Jeremiah, also known as “the weeping prophet”, had most of his messages centered on the theme backsliding. He was often at “war” with the people of Israel, constantly warning them to repent and change from their wicked ways.
The weeping prophet was concerned about the wayward attitude of his people. He repeatedly urged them, “Turn away from your wicked ways. Stop doing evil! Repent and come back to God.”
He attempted to show them in many different ways what it meant to backslide. Yet the people of Israel and Judah refused to change.
Many years ago I learnt through experience that backsliding can be likened to walking on a road with no signboards. In our Christian walk there are no signboards to warn you that you are backsliding. There is no sign that says, HELL AND DESTRUCTION – 200 METERS AHEAD. There’s simply no such sign! Backsliding happens gradually, until you are drawn somewhere you never expected to be. Gradually but certainly, you SLIDE there.
Backsliding is realand can be analyzed by studying the different forms of backsliding described by Jeremiah. The prophet used real-life situations to describe this very common spiritual phenomenon. It is a common occurrence in the Christian world. The Bible says,
…for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16
In other words, many start out with Christ but many still fall away. The Bible also says, …he that endureth TO THE END shall be saved. Matthew 10:22
Many who come to Christ, fall away later.
Even YOU Can Backslide!
Some people may scorn at this topic and say, “I can’t see myself backsliding.” This very attitude shows that you are prone to backsliding. The Bible cautions in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he FALL.”
This book will help you to develop staying power for the Christian race. The more you know, the safer you will be – and the more staying power you will have.The Bible says,
…for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11
The teaching that this book offers will drive away the plague of ignorance. Remember that those who do not read are no better than those who cannot read.In other words, those who refuse to seek knowledge are no better than those who genuinely do not have the ability to do so.
In the next chapter, I am going to show you different ways by which you can look at backsliding.
by Dag Heward-Mills
A best selling African author
God raised up the Prophet Jeremiah at a time when Israel and Judah were about to be taken captive in Babylon. He used Jeremiah to show the people of Israel the backslidden state of their hearts.
Jeremiah, Why Are You Crying?
The Book of Jeremiah gives several vivid descriptions of the backslidden state. Jeremiah, also known as “the weeping prophet”, had most of his messages centered on the theme backsliding. He was often at “war” with the people of Israel, constantly warning them to repent and change from their wicked ways.
The weeping prophet was concerned about the wayward attitude of his people. He repeatedly urged them, “Turn away from your wicked ways. Stop doing evil! Repent and come back to God.”
He attempted to show them in many different ways what it meant to backslide. Yet the people of Israel and Judah refused to change.
Many years ago I learnt through experience that backsliding can be likened to walking on a road with no signboards. In our Christian walk there are no signboards to warn you that you are backsliding. There is no sign that says, HELL AND DESTRUCTION – 200 METERS AHEAD. There’s simply no such sign! Backsliding happens gradually, until you are drawn somewhere you never expected to be. Gradually but certainly, you SLIDE there.
Backsliding is realand can be analyzed by studying the different forms of backsliding described by Jeremiah. The prophet used real-life situations to describe this very common spiritual phenomenon. It is a common occurrence in the Christian world. The Bible says,
…for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16
In other words, many start out with Christ but many still fall away. The Bible also says, …he that endureth TO THE END shall be saved. Matthew 10:22
Many who come to Christ, fall away later.
Even YOU Can Backslide!
Some people may scorn at this topic and say, “I can’t see myself backsliding.” This very attitude shows that you are prone to backsliding. The Bible cautions in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he FALL.”
This book will help you to develop staying power for the Christian race. The more you know, the safer you will be – and the more staying power you will have.The Bible says,
…for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11
The teaching that this book offers will drive away the plague of ignorance. Remember that those who do not read are no better than those who cannot read.In other words, those who refuse to seek knowledge are no better than those who genuinely do not have the ability to do so.
In the next chapter, I am going to show you different ways by which you can look at backsliding.
by Dag Heward-Mills
A best selling African author
