Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Relapse, in a biblical context, refers to the act of falling back into sin or returning to a previous state of spiritual weakness after having made progress in one's faith journey. It is often associated with a return to former sinful behaviors or attitudes after a period of repentance and spiritual renewal. Biblical References: The concept of relapse is not explicitly named in the Bible, but it is illustrated through various narratives and teachings. One of the most poignant examples is found in the account of the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they repeatedly fell back into doubt and disobedience. In Exodus 32, the Israelites relapse into idolatry by creating and worshiping a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai. Proverbs 26:11 provides a vivid metaphor for relapse: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." This verse highlights the foolishness and destructive nature of returning to one's former sinful ways. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter warns against relapse in 2 Peter 2:20-22: "If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn back from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" Theological Implications: Relapse is a serious concern in the Christian life because it signifies a turning away from the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It reflects a struggle between the flesh and the spirit, as described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15-25. Paul acknowledges the internal battle believers face, stating, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15). The danger of relapse lies in its potential to harden the heart and sear the conscience, making it more difficult to return to a state of repentance and faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns of the peril of falling away after having once been enlightened, suggesting that such a state can lead to a hardened heart that resists repentance. Pastoral Considerations: From a pastoral perspective, addressing relapse involves a balance of grace and truth. It is essential to remind believers of the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and the availability of forgiveness for those who repent. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Encouragement and accountability within the Christian community are vital in helping individuals resist the temptation to relapse. Galatians 6:1-2 instructs believers to restore those who have fallen with a spirit of gentleness, bearing one another's burdens. Practical Steps for Prevention: To prevent relapse, believers are encouraged to remain vigilant in their spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other Christians. Ephesians 6:10-18 emphasizes the importance of putting on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Additionally, believers are called to renew their minds and focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). By doing so, they can guard their hearts and minds against the influences that lead to spiritual backsliding. Conclusion: While relapse is a reality in the Christian life, it is not the end of the account. Through the grace of God and the support of the Christian community, believers can find restoration and continue their journey toward spiritual maturity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To slip or slide back, to suffer a return of a disease.2. (v. i.) To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed. 3. (v. i.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide. 4. (n.) A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back. 5. (n.) One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. Library The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after ... And Lead us not into Temptation. Communion Again Broken --Restoration Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience Whether Derision Can be a Mortal Sin? Luke xxiii. 42, 43 Answers to Prayer To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield. The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827 Thesaurus Relapse (1 Occurrence)... practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a ... /r/relapse.htm - 7k Relate (11 Occurrences) Weed (3 Occurrences) Rekindle (1 Occurrence) Manasseh (140 Occurrences) Kingdom (409 Occurrences) Israel (27466 Occurrences) Resources I overcame _______ sin. How can I avoid a relapse? | GotQuestions.orgEssentials about Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What are besetting sins? | GotQuestions.org Relapse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Relapse (1 Occurrence)Mark 4:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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