The concept of backsliding refers to a believer's regression into sinful behaviors or a departure from their faith and commitment to God. The return of backsliders is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's enduring mercy and the call for repentance and restoration.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the return of backsliders, highlighting God's willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. One of the most poignant illustrations is found in the book of Jeremiah, where God calls His people to return: "Return, faithless people, declares the LORD, for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14). This passage underscores God's covenant relationship with His people and His desire for their return.

In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) serves as a powerful narrative of repentance and restoration. The father's joyous reception of his wayward son symbolizes God's readiness to welcome back those who have strayed. The son's return is met with celebration, illustrating the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Call to Repentance

The call to repentance is a central theme in the return of backsliders. The prophet Hosea implores the Israelites to return to the Lord: "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds" (Hosea 6:1). This call is not merely an invitation but a promise of healing and restoration for those who turn back to God.

The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of backsliding, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In 2 Peter 3:9, he writes, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" . This passage highlights God's patience and desire for all to return to Him.

Restoration and Renewal

The return of backsliders is not only about repentance but also about restoration and renewal. In the book of Joel, God promises to restore what has been lost: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—My great army that I sent among you" (Joel 2:25). This promise of restoration is a testament to God's grace and the new beginnings available to those who return to Him.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, assures believers of forgiveness and cleansing: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This assurance provides hope and encouragement for backsliders seeking to restore their relationship with God.

Encouragement for the Faithful

The return of backsliders also serves as an encouragement for the faithful to remain vigilant and supportive. James 5:19-20 exhorts believers to help those who have wandered from the truth: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins" . This call to action emphasizes the communal responsibility of believers to support and guide those who have strayed.

In summary, the return of backsliders is a profound theme in the Bible, illustrating God's unending mercy, the call to repentance, and the promise of restoration. Through the narratives and teachings found in Scripture, believers are reminded of the hope and renewal available to all who turn back to God.Psalm 80:3-7,14-19
Turn us again, O God, and cause your face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 17:7
At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 29:24
They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 31:6,7
Turn you to him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 50:4-6
In those days, and in that time, said the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.
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Hosea 3:5
Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 6:1-3
Come, and let us return to the LORD: for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up.
Nave's Topical Index

A Call to Backsliders
... arguments drawn from reason, from Scripture, and from fact, whereby backsliders
are wont ... they more in number than the hairs of your head; yet "return unto the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 86 a call to.htm

Wesley Secures Justice for Methodists
... crowded in the evening. I strongly exhorted the backsliders to return to
God; and I believe many received "the word of exhortation.". ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley secures justice for methodists.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... Behold, the Lord says unto us, "Return"; therefore let us return. Even if we be
not backsliders it will do us no hurt to come to the cross as penitents, indeed ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

Grace Abounding
... I think this subject invites backsliders to return; indeed, the text was specially
written for such""I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/grace abounding.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... my heart is enlarged towards you, and I could dwell a long while upon the many great
and precious invitations that are made to backsliders, to return to their ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... Backsliders, come back, come now, for God is with his Church, and he has ... Though you
have gone astray, yet the Lord saith, "Return, thou backsliding Israel, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Backsliding.
... As we desire to be faithful we warn these backsliders. ... They hold fast deceit; They
refuse to return." That is what the Lord brings against them. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ix backsliding.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... Return unto him, for still doth he say, "How can I set thee as Admah, how ... to the
sweet love and grace of God; but David and other great backsliders will also ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... your interest in the Bible and in secret prayer, stop short, return to God ... It is
often very striking and even shocking to attend a backsliders' prayer meeting ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... There is the introductory section, Exhorting sinners to return to God'; followed
by a contemplation of ... These are the people delightfully called Backsliders. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

What does it mean to backslide? | GotQuestions.org

Is a backsliding Christian still saved? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

Backslider: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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