Backsliders
/BAK-sly-derz/
Summary
Those who have turned away from God after having known Him, falling from their former commitment to covenant faithfulness.
☩Warning Against Apostasy
Moses repeatedly warned Israel of the consequences of forgetting God after entering the promised land. Prosperity often led to spiritual complacency, causing the people to forsake the Lord who had delivered them.
Key verses:Deuteronomy 4:9Deuteronomy 8:11-14Deuteronomy 32:15-30
☩Prophetic Rebuke
The prophets frequently called backsliding Israel to return to the Lord. Jeremiah especially used this imagery, portraying Israel as a faithless spouse who had turned away from her husband.
Key verses:Jeremiah 2:19Jeremiah 3:6-14Hosea 11:7Hosea 14:4
☩Call to Restoration
Despite severe warnings, God's invitation to backsliders was always one of restoration. The Lord promised to heal their backsliding and love them freely if they would return to Him.
Key verses:2 Chronicles 15:2-4Hosea 14:4Jeremiah 3:22
Related Verses198 mentions
See Also
1/3
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Backbiting," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Backbiting," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).