Is Backsliding OK?

Hebrews 10:38-39 is a valid reference from the New Testament that demonstrates clearly that a believer, once he backslides, is no longer in a right standing with God. In other words, backsliding equals a forfeiture of one’s salvation.

If the just departs from the living God as the writer of Hebrews said can happen in just 7 chapters earlier then it is certain that one mentioned in chapter 10 is a believer who has chosen to do just that. They have chosen to stop living by faith and thus God has no pleasure in them (not saved).

“But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” The reason the writer penned this is because he did so in different but equal words throughout the book of Hebrews. Most if not all of the book is an encouragement for believers to not depart from the living God (Hebrews 3:12).

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-39

Jesus said it more than once as well. Putting one’s hand to the plough is an analogy of one who was living by faith. If that person looks back (goes back to) his previous life of sin then they are choosing to remove themselves from the kingdom (i.e. Not saved after having been saved. Yeah, this can and does happen).

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

Jesus’ disciples decided to go back and no longer follow Him. God’s word defines a disciple of Jesus as one who bears his cross, forsakes all and follows Jesus. Disciples of Jesus, when they backslide they separate themselves from God.

It is a false gospel for anyone to preach that a backslider is still saved as much as it is a false gospel to say that believer would never backslide.

Both give false hopes that are straight from the pits of hell.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:66

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

So to answer the question, is backsliding ok?

Of course it isn't. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise...

#backsliding #context #salvation #osas