Text: Hebrews 6:4-8
Memory Verse: “If they will fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6).
Backsliding is going out of the grace of God and moving back slowly into the world. God sees it as a grievous thing. It is crucifying Jesus the second time. Heaven will never accommodate those who have gone back against Jesus. A backslider, according to Hebrews 10:29, is one who is rubbing the name of the Lord in the mud and God does not take this lightly.
One who no longer values the blood of the covenant by which he was saved, sanctified and purchased comes under God’s judgement. A backslider will be with the devil and his demons in the lake of fire and they have God as their enemy. Many believers have backslided and they do not care because they believe “once saved one is saved forever.” Some have reached the point where they find it difficult to turn back.
People do not arrive at their backsliden position suddenly, it is a gradual process. Some Christians no longer go to a physical church; all their worship is online which causes a lot of distraction. They abandon fellowshipping with the children of God. They tell little lies and their conscience no longer pricks them. They argue over or rationalise sinful acts.
Guilty? Run immediately to the cross, cry for forgiveness and make a U-turn. Do not go back to your vomit; cut off friends that lure you to sin. Turn back, and the Lord will restore and preserve you for His Kingdom. It is very dangerous to tarry in a backslidden state.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, please restore me from every backslidden position.
2. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.