“Forward Sliding”

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What are the scriptures in the Bible about a christian backsliding into sin and wanting to repent and have a new relationship with God?

Sincerely,
A Fresh Start

Dear A Fresh Start,

There are several key verses that deal with backsliding and several more that deal with returning to God.  Heb 6:4-8 is the clearest passage on the danger of falling away from Christ.  Paul warns the Galatians about falling away (Gal 5:4), and the book of Hebrews says that we can fall away by drifting back into a life of sin (Heb 2:1).  If we return to old ways and faithless living after becoming christians, we have crucified Christ again (Heb 6:6).  Even Paul said that it was possible for him to become disqualified if he rejected christian living (1 Cor 9:27).

If someone falls away from Christ, they must repent and start living properly (Rev 2:5).  It is important to admit the sin and own up to our mistakes (1 Jn 1:9).  Christ is ready to forgive us innumerable times if we honestly seek Him (Matt 18:21-22).  As long as there is breath in our bodies, there is time to repent.  If you have fallen away, start over now and let today be your day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

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