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What does the Bible say about backsliding?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns that turning from God is spiritually dangerous, yet it also calls wandering sinners to repent and trust in the Lord’s restoring mercy. Scripture describes backsliding as a stubborn departure of heart that brings bitter fruit and can reveal an unchanged profession of faith. Proverbs 14:14 and Jeremiah 8:5 portray the consequences of such wandering, while Luke 9:62 urges wholehearted perseverance. Hebrews 6:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 soberly warn against apostasy after receiving great light. Yet God tenderly invites His people, “Return, O faithless sons” in Jeremiah 3:22, and promises in Hosea 14:4 to heal their turning away. Through confession, Christ forgives and cleanses believers, as 1 John 1:9 assures.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 14:14

    The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; Likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.

  • 2 Peter 2:20-22

    [20] For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state has become worse with them than the first. [21] For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to his own vomit again," and "the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire."

  • Hebrews 6:4-6

    [4] For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, [6] and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.

  • Luke 9:62

    But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

  • Jeremiah 14:7

    Though our iniquities testify against us, work you for your name's sake, Yahweh; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Jeremiah 3:22

    Return, you backsliding children, I will heal your backsliding. Behold, we are come to you; for you are Yahweh our God.

  • Hosea 11:7

    My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, He certainly won't exalt them.

  • Jeremiah 8:5

    Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

  • Hosea 14:4

    "I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; For my anger is turned away from him.

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