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Basic Bible Study Course

BACKSLIDE

LESSON #17, (Part #1)

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BACKSLIDE?
2. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BACKSLIDE
3. WHY DO PEOPLE BACKSLIDE?
     A. THE DEVIL IS DECEITFUL
     B. LUST
     C. EVIL COMMUNICATIONS
4. REPENT
5. NO EXCUSE ACCEPTED

Definitions are taken from Webster's Dictionary. backslide: to slide backward in morals or religious enthusiasm: become less virtuous

Please memorize Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BACKSLIDE?

First you must be "born again" to be saved (John 3:3, Romans 10:9-10, and Ephesians 2:8-9. You ask God to forgive you of your sins and commit your life to living for him. The Christian should soon realize that he ". . . no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2). Read 1 Corinthians 1:21.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:38.

"(8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me. . . ." Matthew 15:8-9.

In John 14:15 Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Psalm 37:31 says, "The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide." God can keep us from backsliding if we pray according to the Word of God, read and study the Word of God, and receive the power that comes after we get the Holy Ghost. Read Psalm 26:1, Acts 1:8, Romans 3:20, Romans 5:13, Romans 4:15, Romans 8:2, John 14:21, Romans 6:6.

In order to backslide, you first must have something to slide back from. Backslide means to slide backward . . . become less virtuous (less righteous).

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. Galatians 2:18. Please memorize this scripture.

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.

When you get "born again" you have repented of sins that you have already done and God forgives you. You must continue in Christ to stay saved (read 2 Peter Chapter 2).

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:25.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12. Read Proverbs 3:5.

The Lord knows that the flesh is weak, and that the spirit is willing (Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38). He has made a way for us to be reconciled to him. He has given us the Holy Ghost to strengthen us. It gives power to overcome the devil and our fleshly will. Jeremiah 31:33 says ". . . I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. . . ." While we were still sinners Jesus died for us. Read all of Romans 5.

(6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7.

(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1 John 2:1. Read 1 John 2:1-6 and John 14:15.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4. .

1 Corinthians 10:13 leaves us no excuse to sin. He has promised a way to escape temptations. We can choose to sin or take the way to escape that he provides for us!

2. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BACKSLIDE

If it was not possible to backslide, we wouldn't have to "work out" our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:11).

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. Read James 1:27.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10.

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 1 Timothy 5:12.

(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:18-20.

(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (2) For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; (3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;. . . . Hebrews 2:1-3.

(12) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (13) But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (14) For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; Hebrews 3:12-14.

But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. Jeremiah 7:12. Read also Verses 13-16.

We call ourselves "saved" when God has forgiven us of our sins and we commit our lives to Christ. We have the assurance that we are ready to meet God. We know our sins are covered with the blood of Jesus and we will escape the wrath of God, BUT the Bible says we must endure to the end to be saved (Romans 4:7 & Matthew 24:13).

If you have unconfessed sin in your life and you die, you are NOT covered by the blood of Jesus; when you meet God, you are a sinner and will be punished eternally in hell. We are to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and man (Acts 24:16). God knows the intents of your heart (Hebrews 4:12).

(5) I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (6) And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Jude 1:5-6.

(16) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16.

Ephesians 4:30 says to grieve not the holy Spirit of God. Read 1 Peter 1:9 and 2 Timothy 4:7, 2 Corinthians 1:22, and Ephesians 1:13 (sealed with the holy Spirit of promise). The Spirit of promise is the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:33).

"Once saved, always saved" is a doctrine of the devil. It leads you to believe that you can get forgiveness of sins, go ahead and sin more (without true repentance and change) and still make it to heaven. The whole Bible is against this doctrine. The Bible is the Word of God (Psalm 119:89). In God's mercy he has made a way to escape punishment for sin, and that is true repentance: admit you sinned (Jeremiah 3:13), ask God for forgiveness (Psalm 51), and turn from your wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).

MANY were the backslidings of God's people Israel (read Romans 10:21). Read Romans 2:28-29. All who believe and obey Jesus today are God's people. John 6:66 tells us that many of the disciples of Jesus ". . . went back, and walked no more with him." Many today backslide, but 1 Thessalonians 3:10 mentions perfecting your faith.

You are required to believe God to the end for your salvation because it is possible to backslide. Keep your faith (Revelation 14:12), believing in the mercy of God and the blood of Jesus that washes away sin. If you sin, repent, and overcome the devil. Read Revelation 12:10-11 about the accuser of the brethren, which is the devil. They overcame him in verse by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Read Luke 15:10.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Isaiah 1:16.

Read Mark 13:13, Luke 21:19, Luke 13:24, Matthew 7:13-14, Hebrews 3:16-19, and Acts 1:25 (Judas by transgression fell). Read Matthew 7:13-14.

3. WHY DO PEOPLE BACKSLIDE?

Why did Lot's wife turn back (Genesis 19:26) when they had angels leading them and they had already escaped out of the evil city (verse 16)? Read Genesis Chapter 19. Why did God's people Israel continually backslide? Why do people today backslide? People get cold in their hearts toward God and do not put a close watch on their souls. That watch includes praying, which can be a two-way communication and God is faithful to tell us when something is wrong. Repent and obey God.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41. Read Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:33, Mark 14:38, and Luke 21:36.

A. THE DEVIL IS DECEITFUL. Read the book of Job, Zechariah 3:1, Matthew 4:10, Matthew 16:23, Mark 4:15, Luke 4:8, Luke 10:17-18, Luke 22:3 & 31, Acts 5:3, Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, 1 Timothy 5:15, Revelation 2:9, Revelation 3:9.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9.

(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9.

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. Psalms 78:8.

Remember that the devil lied to Eve in the garden of Eden. He tempted and told her she would not die, but God said she would if she disobeyed. The devil is called a "murderer from the beginning." Some think they are OK because they have plenty. Read Ezekiel 16:49.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1.

B. LUST is an overwhelming desire for anything.

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:12.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14.

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24.

(9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (10) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2:9-10.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Ephesians 4:22.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 1 Peter 2:11.

(11) But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. (12) So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Psalm 81:11-12.

(16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:16-17.

(13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:13-15.

(12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:12-14. Read all of Romans Chapter 6.

(17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. (18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. (19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. (21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (22) But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:17-22.

Read also Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 4:17-32, 2 Timothy 2:22, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Titus 3:1-8 (serving divers lusts). Read the scriptures that tell how lusts choke the Word, making you unfruitful (Mark 4). Read what happens to one who bears no fruit (Luke 13).

Read Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23, and Jeremiah 2:11-13, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Galatians 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5, James 4:1-10, 2 Peter 1:1-11, John 8:44, Romans 1:24, 1 Peter 1:13-16, 1 Peter 4:1-5, Romans 13:11-14.

C. EVIL COMMUNICATIONS. We are in this world until the Lord takes us out. We must be here where evil is. Jesus makes intercession for us to God our Father. Read John 17:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-11. When we become believers, we are to fellowship with other believers and gain teaching and strength from them. Read Acts 2:41-42, 1 Corinthians 1:8-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 John 1:3-7, Hebrews 10:25.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians. 15:33. Read Psalm 106:35 and Psalm 141:4.

(10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:10-11. Read 2 Corinthians 11:4-15 and Deuteronomy 13:1-3.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Peter 3:17.

(20) And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD. (25) But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 1 Kings 21:20 & 25.

She provoked her husband to work wickedness! The Bible tells us to provoke unto love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11.

The Bible warns us what it will be like in the "last days" in 2 Timothy Chapter 3 and 2 Peter Chapter 3, but there was also a promise given for the last days in Acts 2:17. Matthew 24:37-44 says that as the days of Noe were, that is what it will be like when Jesus comes. Be sure to read 2 Timothy 3:13-14 and Matthew 24:12.

4. REPENT

John 6:44 tells us that no man can come to Jesus except his Father draw him. If you need to repent, DO IT. YOU must make an effort to get back to God if you have backslid. Read Genesis 6:3.

(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (9) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:8-10.

Psalm 78:7-41: Verse 8 says the children of Israel were stubborn and rebellious. Verse 19 says they spake against God. Verse 21 tells how the Lord heard and was wroth. Verse 22 says they still didn't believe in God or trust his salvation. Verse 33 says "Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble." He punished them. Verse 41 says, "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the holy One of Israel."

(34) When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. (36) Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. (37) For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant, (38) But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. (39) For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. Psalm 78:34, 36-39.

We need to be turned back to God. Sometimes we don't realize how far we have gone away from God, because the devil is so deceitful. We need to be shook awake. We need to pray that God will show forth his Glory, and give revival, and set us free from every bondage of Satan. The Bible says to ". . . lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. . . ." (Hebrews 12:1). Read Psalm 85:4-7.

I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:8. Please memorize.

You must first admit that you have sinned. Read Romans 10:9-10.

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 3:13. Read Psalm 51:3 and Hosea 5:15.

How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin. Job 13:23.

Read Philippians 3:1-16, and Psalm 19:13 (great transgression). Read Ecclesiastes 8:11.

David, a man after God's own heart, sinned (Acts 13:22). He was saved, and then he sinned. He committed adultery and murder. David TRULY repented and God forgave him. Read ALL of Psalm 51. In Psalm 51 David starts out asking for mercy. He asks God to wash him. He acknowledges his transgressions. He knows that if God forgives him, he will "be whiter than snow". In verse 12 he asks God to restore unto him the joy of salvation. Then he says he will teach God's ways to others that have sinned and sinners will be converted to God. In verse 10 David asked God to create in him a clean heart. Read Proverbs 4:23.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17.

For a time David tried to cover up his sin. God revealed it to his prophet who let David know GOD KNOWS. Numbers 32:23 says, ". . . be sure your sin will find you out." God forgave David but punished him for his sin. Read 2 Samuel Chapter 11 and 12. Read Proverbs 28:13. God knows: read Hebrews 4:13, Job 34:25, Isaiah 29:15, Matthew 23:28, Mark 7:6, Psalm 73:11, Job 22:13-14, Psalm 139:7-16, Proverbs 24:12.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.

Jesus forgives. Read John 8:3-11. An adulterous woman was brought before Jesus and he said ". . . He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her". In verse 11 Jesus said, ". . . Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." Our sins must be confessed, covered with the blood of Jesus that cleanses us, and then we must forsake our sins. Read Psalm 85:2. Read Hosea 14:4, Isaiah 1:2-4, Jeremiah 3:22.

5. NO EXCUSE ACCEPTED. No substitutes are accepted. Read Romans 10:2-3. We must serve God HIS way. The alternative is hell forever. Our righteousness does not profit us. We must put on Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27).

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Luke 16:17.

(3) For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. Romans 3:3-4.

The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. Proverbs 22:12.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. Read also Philippians 2:9-11 and John 10:9.

God will not accept any excuse for sin. All are required to repent and follow Jesus. We can't say the way is too hard or too complicated. Read Isaiah 35:8, Romans 2:11, Acts 17:30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Luke 16:16, Psalm 34:19, James 4:7, Isaiah 57:12, Philippians 3:13-14 and Philippians 4:13.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6.

6. FEAR OF GOD

Read Proverbs 28:14, Psalm 111:10, and Daniel 6:26.

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 2:19.

(21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity: but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:21-22.

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