Can a backslider ever come back to God?

[MarkSB]

...

 

[Jayangel81]

Hey

Alot of people have ended up backsliding, and came back to God. Read Luke 15:11-32 its the prodigal Son parable Jesus taught us. God is always willing to take us back if we repent and ask for forgivness. I see that God is calling you back to Him.

He really loves you more than you can imagine. It is said that when someone comes back to God that all the angels rejoice I also see the spiritual warfare that is coming to you. The Enemy will try to make you feel unworthy of God. He will try to make you feel that there is no Hope. In hebrews it says that God will never leave us nor Forsake us. EVER! You mean to much to Him, trust me.

The question you need to ask yourself is:

Will I give up the World for God? Not an easy descision, and not to be taken lightly. Its a serious commitment. God is worthy my dear friend. Trust me on this.

Dont wait, talk to Him right away

Will pray for your strength

Just a little history about myself:

I was saved when I was 21, I got caught selling drugs and felt God's calling upon my life. I don't really come from a very religious family, most of what I know of God came from reading the bible when I was in jail at ages 18 and 19.

The change which took place in my life was incredible. I had been a smoker, drinker, and drug user since I was 13. God gave me the power to quit them all within 6 months. I started going to church, met some pretty cool people, and all was well for some time.

I met this girl who was a friend of a friend, and she was just starting to believe in God. We went out for a while, then we started to fight because she still liked the father of her child. Near the end I became kind of controlling, and after that things weren't the same. It became hard for me to find God, and my old habits started to return. I started out smoking then drinking here and there. Then I dated another girl from the church. Things didn't go well in that relationship either. After the break-up with her, I was hanging out alot with some friends I went to highschool with that went to the same church as me. After a while, I came to find out that they weren't really walking with God all too much, as they got drunk alot and were having sex with thier girlfriends as well. At that point I just started to not believe in the church. There were good people in the church who remained faithful to God but I just didn't feel like I was good enough for them. I felt unworthy.

It wasn't long and I went back to my old friends. I mean to me it seemed like the people in church I was with were just like the world anyway. I can be a pretty judgemental person and it was easy for me to just look at others and not myself.

To make a long story short, went back to my old way of life at about 23, partied and hung out in the bars alot. Slept with a couple of girls (which I hadn't done up until this point - and I hadn't always remained a virgin by choice, either) Got fired from a job I had for 4 years. Got a pair of DWI's and wrecked a car. Then when I was 25 I met a girl who I really liked and eventually found out that her beliefs were much different than mine, and that caused a break up. At that point I felt the calling of God upon my life and thought that God wanted me to return to the church. I was pretty excited to think that I could've done the things I did and God would still want me back.

And since then, things have just went downhill again. I don't feel like I can really stand for anything as I've broken just about every rule in the book. I feel numb, apathetic, unmotivated. I'm starting to wonder if I can really do anything for God anymore, I just don't feel worthy. Is there anyone who can really say that they were saved, then did the things I've done, and come back to God? Sometimes I think I've made a public disgrace of his name and that's why I can't come back. And as for my friends, I'll bet none of them really take me seriously, and it's hard for me to change my attitudes and such, especially now that my purity is gone. I feel like I'm stuck in this place where my life is just blah and theres no way out. Is there anyone who has been through this and made any real return to God? I feel like I'm stuck out here all alone.

 

[drich0150]

You know I don't know if there is any hope for you as a back slider. Some of the things you've mentioned are pretty bad. It will take a pretty good God centered Congregation of believers to forgive you for what you have done... That is if in fact you are looking for absolution from your peers in your church.. That's what the term backslider was coined for, To help those in the church to pass judgment on those caught in sin, without passing judgment.

As far as God is concerned, We are all "Backsliders all of the time: There are no front-sliders as it were. This fact can be found in what Paul wrote to the romans in the 3rd chapter starting at verse nine. The whole chapter is significant, but what I left here is sufficient to prove this point.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is said in the holy Writings, There is not one who does righteousness; 11Not one who has the knowledge of what is right, not one who is a searcher after God; 12They have all gone out of the way, there is no profit in any of them; there is not one who does good, not so much as one: 13Their throat is like an open place of death; with their tongues they have said what is not true: the poison of snakes is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of curses and bitter words: 15Their feet are quick in running after blood; 16Destruction and trouble are in their ways; 17And of the way of peace they have no knowledge: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19Now, we have knowledge that what the law says is for those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all men may be judged by God: 20Because by the works of the law no man is able to have righteousness in his eyes, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now without the law there is a revelation of the righteousness of God, to which witness is given by the law and the prophets; 22That is, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all those who have faith; and one man is not different from another,

Like the son in the previous poster's reference. The lost Son still belonged to his father and even thru all of his sin and shameful behavior.. at no time did the father say I have no son. It was the Son that said I have no father, and carried on as if he in fact did not. When the son was ready, he came home and before he could even utter one word his Father rushed out to greet him threw his arms around him and kissed him.

In the culture of the day, there wasn't room for a greeting like this one if there was an issue of forgiveness, unless the father was double minded. The son's forgiveness was complete when he decided to recognize his Father as the authority and come home. When the son did confess his sins he was restored to his original position in the family. (Look at the example of repentance, there wasn't a line by line confession given to the father. It was an acknoledgement of sin in the fathers eyes, and a element of humility. Most certainly not what most of our brothers whould expect from a public confession of backsliding behaivor.)

It was the need of the older brother (The Members of the Church who remain faithful) Who wanted/wants to Point the finger and lable his formerly lost brother. Reminding the father and all others of his/their loyalty while castigating his brother/you by labeling you/him a backslider. What was the Fathers response? I urge you to reread this story along with Romans. There is freedom to be found there.

 

[Jayangel81]

A man who remains a backslider can be without hope but He can always repent for them, and I mean true repentance. Why would you say He might not have any hope? maybe my friend I read you wrong it is possible.

There are many people who have done drugs..It seems like God is actually calling you back. But He wouldnt be just calling for you, He is calling for you to repent and come back to Him and follow His Will.

A man does not come back to God on his own, a man doesnt come to Jesus on his own to begin with. It is because God calls us to Him, including backsliders.

There is still hope my friend, but you need to turn away from everything that you have been doing. It might not be easy at first but the Holy SPirit will help you.

God bless!

You know I don't know if there is any hope for you as a back slider. Some of the things you've mentioned are pretty bad. It will take a pretty good God centered Congregation of believers to forgive you for what you have done... That is if in fact you are looking for absolution from your peers in your church.. That's what the term backslider was coined for, To help those in the church to pass judgment on those caught in sin, without passing judgment.

As far as God is concerned, We are all "Backsliders all of the time: There are no front-sliders as it were. This fact can be found in what Paul wrote to the romans in the 3rd chapter starting at verse nine. The whole chapter is significant, but what I left here is sufficient to prove this point.



Like the son in the previous poster's reference. The lost Son still belonged to his father and even thru all of his sin and shameful behavior.. at no time did the father say I have no son. It was the Son that said I have no father, and carried on as if he in fact did not. When the son was ready, he came home and before he could even utter one word his Father rushed out to greet him threw his arms around him and kissed him.

In the culture of the day, there wasn't room for a greeting like this one if there was an issue of forgiveness, unless the father was double minded. The son's forgiveness was complete when he decided to recognize his Father as the authority and come home. When the son did confess his sins he was restored to his original position in the family. (Look at the example of repentance, there wasn't a line by line confession given to the father. It was an acknoledgement of sin in the fathers eyes, and a element of humility. Most certainly not what most of our brothers whould expect from a public confession of backsliding behaivor.)

It was the need of the older brother (The Members of the Church who remain faithful) Who wanted/wants to Point the finger and lable his formerly lost brother. Reminding the father and all others of his/their loyalty while castigating his brother/you by labeling you/him a backslider. What was the Fathers response? I urge you to reread this story along with Romans. There is freedom to be found there.

 

[Dondi]

Can a backslider ever come back to God?

Yeah, stop backsliding and do something for God.

 

[drich0150]

Why would you say He might not have any hope? maybe my friend I read you wrong it is possible.

Did you actually read my whole post before commenting on it? If you did or didn't,
Try reading/rereading past the third sentence... If that doesn't work, try reading from the second paragraph forward.

 

[AustinHand]

I really recommend you join our Personal Bible Studies *find link in my Signature*

I feel like I'm stuck in this place where my life is just blah and theres no way out. Is there anyone who has been through this and made any real return to God? I feel like I'm stuck out here all alone.

I went through the same feelings. You are never alone here is another quote form my Sermons :

June 29th Sermon -
When I asked God to walk with me through the sand of hellfire, he answered and promised he would walk with me. When I looked back at the sand I only saw One pair of tracks. I asked god why he didn't walk with me through the sand even though he promised. He answered "There was One set of tracks in the sand because I carried you in your time of need"

That is a quote from a book i put in my Sermon.

 

[Jayangel81]

Did you actually read my whole post before commenting on it? If you did or didn't,
Try reading/rereading past the third sentence... If that doesn't work, try reading from the second paragraph forward.

Sorry about that I misread what you meant

 

[heron]

I don't feel like I can really stand for anything as I've broken just about every rule in the book. I feel numb, apathetic, unmotivated. I'm starting to wonder if I can really do anything for God anymore, I just don't feel worthy. Is there anyone who can really say that they were saved, then did the things I've done, and come back to God? Sometimes I think I've made a public disgrace of his name and that's why I can't come back. And as for my friends, I'll bet none of them really take me seriously, and it's hard for me to change my attitudes and such, especially now that my purity is gone. I feel like I'm stuck in this place where my life is just blah and theres no way out. Is there anyone who has been through this and made any real return to God? I feel like I'm stuck out here all alone.

It sounds like you are very aware of the church's perceptions of you, but if you look only at God's perceptions, there is only one answer.

Jesus said to the thief on the cross beside Him, today you will be with me in Paradise. The man hadn't publicly repented of his actions, or recommitted his life to God, or made reparations for the things he had stolen. He put his faith in Jesus, and recognized Jesus' deity, even during Jesus' time of public humiliation.

If you are going to believe anyone about God's forgiveness and redemption, you'd want to start with God. Scriptures are very clear, that your sins are forgiven when you repent. And you have.

According to Jewish law, people need to make reparations for those they have harmed. It is not their condition for salvation, but their responsibility as a human who lives in a community. If people are naturally selfish, then the law picks up for their weaknesses and requires them to be more generous.

Many of the actions you describe were about going through life getting what you want. That's okay to some extent, but if you intend to live a more spiritual life, then you will want to form some spiritual aims inside you.

Think of ways you can help others. Think of ways you can set aside your own advance in order to lift others up. Allow other people to be right sometimes, and make gradual efforts to restore some of the damage you felt you'd done.

Christianity isn't about doing penance or working off your sins toward righteousness. It is about complete grace. But what will hold you in place when you feel like slipping, are some internal goals. What do you wish for the world, besides world peace? What passions are inside you for justice, that would be important to drive you forward?

Your spiritual walk, your search for enlightenment will be different from the people you see around you. God knows you as an individual, and intends to move you forward in a specific way.

I think that some people lose traction because they allow others to set their goals, their faith, their purposes. Being in a church or in mainstream Christianity can sometimes feel like that, but you don't have to make it feel like that. Be the person you believe a Christian should be, not who they tell you to be.

As for people's perceptions, it's helpful to switch churches when one set of rumors clings too tightly to you. Get a fresh start.
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[MarkSB]

Yeah, stop backsliding and do something for God.

Well, it's not like I'm not trying. Granted, all those years ago when I left the church, I just gave up and lost my faith. I didn't try.

But now I'm doing what I think God expects of me and it's not working. And in my heart I know that all the charity giving and whatever other good works alone can't save me. I need to be right with God and Jesus, but most of the time it doesn't feel as though I am. I have a heavy heart and am finding it difficult to move on from my past sins and the structure of non-believing friends. And the regrets I have accumulated through my years of not walking with God are the most difficult thing to get past. And I think that maybe if I can change, leave the past behind and find forgiveness I'll be alright but it's proving to not be quite so easy.

Much of it I think centers around the way my last relationship ended, it involved something which I found deeply disrespectful, and I lost alot of self-respect for allowing it to happen to me. Now I almost feel as though I am at the mercy of the world. Not a good place to be. I feel defenseless and open to attack.

It sounds like you are very aware of the church's perceptions of you, but if you look only at God's perceptions, there is only one answer.

Jesus said to the thief on the cross beside Him, today you will be with me in Paradise. The man hadn't publicly repented of his actions, or recommitted his life to God, or made reparations for the things he had stolen. He put his faith in Jesus, and recognized Jesus' deity, even during Jesus' time of public humiliation.

If you are going to believe anyone about God's forgiveness and redemption, you'd want to start with God. Scriptures are very clear, that your sins are forgiven when you repent. And you have.

According to Jewish law, people need to make reparations for those they have harmed. It is not their condition for salvation, but their responsibility as a human who lives in a community. If people are naturally selfish, then the law picks up for their weaknesses and requires them to be more generous.

Thanks for the encouraging words Heron. When I was a new christian I found the story of the thief on the cross to be inspiring (well the whole gospel is actually!). And the repentance thing is something I struggle with as well. Believing that I have helps.

Also I need to learn to seperate what it is that gives me salvation from what doesn't. It is easy for me to think that some sort of repayment for my sins is required, thanks for reminding me that it's not.

And really I don't think the people in the church look down on me too much, I don't know. Maybe like drich0150 says, a confession in group or to the ones that do know me would be a good thing to do just so they know I've repented and I'm sorry.

Again thanks all for the replies. God bless.

 

[heron]

I think that part of the low time is just a natural regret consequence that will take time, just like sorrow and grieving would... getting stepped on, losing certain perceptions of yourself, seeing the collective mistakes.

When I was a teenager, I was high and haughty about righteousness, because I hadn't had time to make mistakes. When error started piling on, I immediately started blaming other people, or thinking that something was wrong with Christianity not working. For me, it was mostly facing the reality that life doesn't always work the way I intend or plan... and I don't factor in what other people are going to do around me. Too idealistic... too much an island.

​

Also I need to learn to seperate what it is that gives me salvation from what doesn't.

The vagueness over salvation terms is understandable, because different verses have different implications. And then churches adamantly teach one thing or another. In looking through all the verses, there are even hints of distinction between activity the kingdom of God and being saved; between forgiveness and eternal life in heaven; between the lake of fire being a terminal point or bringing ongoing suffering.

Think through a few --

• harder than to get through eye of the needle
• the way is narrow
• Abraham's faith was declare to him as righteousness
• whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved
• be baptised
• you must be born again
• take up your cross and follow me

I think the reason for the different verses is that humans tend to neatly package things up and sell them, demand perfection, and assume that following instructions gets them the sure thing.

God wants our communication and devotion. He doesn't want us following the Law for the sake of being the most right, which humans always tend to strive toward. Or the most dynamic.

The most spiritual person is often the unassuming one, the person who appears to live out a normal life but does it well. I would like to give the image of the old woman who sits quietly in the pew, but prays for hours a day without mentioning it.... but then, this is as stereotypical as saying a great preacher is the most spiritual. God connects with each one of us, and looks for our responses. That is as formulaic as I will claim.

Jesus' death was a pivotal point, where those who had connected with God over the years and live with consideration for others... those who repented... had an invitation for eternal life with God. A sure promise that their sins were forgiven. People through history have wondered the same thing you have, and that puts everyone in a tenuous position... do we have God's favor or not?

But Jesus' arrival and sacrifice put a sure promise into our hands. If we make the choice to follow Him, giving up the self-seeking approach, we are His children. If we repent of things we have done wrong, we have His forgiveness. We can even move in His power, and offer amazing things of God like healing and insight to others who need it, if we allow Him to work through us.

This morning I was watching a show on the founding of America. Columbus claimed he took the trip because God put the thought in his head that there was another route to the East Indies.

God does that for a lot of people. I run into people here at CF who feel God doesn't speak to them. But I suspect that they are getting similar thoughts of solutions (find another route to India), but are attributing the ideas to their own ingenuity. Or they are not willing to see what can get accomplished along the way -- finding a new country, not just a new trade route.

Hearing God speaking doesn't make us saved -- God speaks to people who don't believe in Him. But listening and following what He suggests gets us on the right path. Our natural inclination is to want what we want, to override suggestions that are uncomfortable, to rationalize and talk ourselves out of what we know to be long-term beneficial to us.


​

 

[WarEagle]

The Bible doesn't say anything about backsliding. It does say a lot about false converts, though.

Either you're showing evidence that you're born again or you're not, and from your description, you admit that you're not.

It's not any kind of knock against you, but just comparing what you're describing to what the Bible says, it sounds like you really need to sit back and seriously consider whether you were saved in the first place, or one of the false converts that the Bible describes.

I know that's what happened to me. I spent about four years as a false convert, convinced as I could be that I was saved. But when that rug got pulled out from under me, I realized that I was just as lost as I had ever been.

I believe there are a lot more people than you think in that position and I hope that you will prayerfully and solemnly consider whether or not you might be one of them.

 

[heron]

I believe there are a lot more people than you think in that position and I hope that you will prayerfully and solemnly consider whether or not you might be one of them.

That's interesting... I don't often think about falseless in conversion because people are so busy, it seems life can get in the way of serving... then I justify passivity.

But when you think of what the disciples did -- they left their jobs! I can't even imagine. They headed into towns on their own, empassioned to heal others and spread news of forgiveness. Compare that to many Christians today, who are happy they didn't miss a week of church, and consider involvement in 1-3 church groups the sure-fire evidence that they are strong Christians.

Sitting in church drives me nuts, because I am too restless to take in and not give out. To me, it feels like a pool getting stagnant ... too many nutrients and calm waters causes the seaweed to grow. I do sit in church, but I also find opportunities to serve others while I'm there, to give out what is being put in. Structured and unstructured.

Try this -- when you are in a setting where you don't have a lot of responsibility or distraction (like church, or shopping), ask God to move through you. Ask Him to bring people to you for conversations, to show you who needs prayer. You will be amazed at what comes up.

Yesterday a woman walked past me in a store and just started talking -- mentioned a mysterious ailment she had, and it was one our family had already dealt with! Her doctor hadn't come up with any solutions, and her insurance had refused to cover further treatment.

Being open to God using you isn't a sign of salvation, or the way to get saved, but it certainly is an interesting way to live, being involved in the invisible workings of His kingdom.

 

[Gal328]

Since liberals believe that there is no such thing as walking or living your life in the flesh, I guess that would mean that there's no such thing as back sliding either.

How was your heart like when you received Christ? What was your motivation? Were you sincere?

There a lot of people who believe that once saved, alwayse saved.


This is something that you need to find yout between you and God.



God bless you.

 

[bsd13]

I don't believe a person once genuinely saved can ever get away from God. Backslider or not God will get that person back to himself one way or another. The only catch is that the backslidden person is going to live a life of hell trying to run.

 

[MarkSB]

I don't believe a person once genuinely saved can ever get away from God. Backslider or not God will get that person back to himself one way or another. The only catch is that the backslidden person is going to live a life of hell trying to run.

This is the way I have looked at my situation. It feels like I can look back and see every place where God was trying to bring me back to Him, or situations where I should've turned to Him but didn't. It's sad that it took the most dire of circumstances to wake me up and turn me back to the truth.

I spent about four years as a false convert, convinced as I could be that I was saved. But when that rug got pulled out from under me, I realized that I was just as lost as I had ever been.

I believe there are a lot more people than you think in that position and I hope that you will prayerfully and solemnly consider whether or not you might be one of them.

I've been thinking about this, and need to pray about it. When I converted I believe I was sincere in heart that I wanted to serve God. In a short time, however, it became more about glorifying myself - all the while telling myself that I was trying to glorify God.

I still do this sometimes but I'm learning to stick with things more. When I felt God's calling again 2 years ago, I was convinced that he wanted me to get out of the sinful relationship I was in and go back to school. The initial move was somewhat tough, but I did it. I wanted everybody to see how strong I was and thought that God would bless me - the self glorification was still part of my motivation. Now that reality has set in, and the initial good feelings have worn off, it's the moment of truth. It's tempting to quit school when there is no immediate payoff, and when I start to doubt whether there will be any payoff at all. But this is the path God set me on so I intend to stick to it this time.

I do think I need to re-dedicate my life to Christ in some way. The past sins still haunt me sometimes (especially one sin in particular), and maybe I'm going to have to accept that it will always be there. I would like to find some peace, though, and some joy - the way things used to be with me and God. I like to think that some of the things I've lost along the way can come back, but I guess only time will tell.

 

[ForAMomentIWillFly]

So long as you have breath, there's always another chance.

 

[Von20207777]

I was browsing the internet and researching why is it so hard for backsliders to come back to Christ & I stumbled upon your post. I disagree with your statement that there is no hope for a backslider. The word of God states that if anyone sincerely repents, he is faithful and just to forgive. It matters not if a church congregation accepts an individual back into their flock or if the individual is forgiven by others. Its important that the backslider receives Gods forgiveness. Its important for all backsliders to know this because if not, they will feel as though there is no hope & this will cause them to not return to Christ. No where in the bible does it state that there is no hope for a backslider. If we look for people to forgive us so that we may be reconciled with God we will never come back to Christ. What if some people never forgive? Will you remain lost? I just wanted to add this because I know of many people who have sinned & left the ways of God & they returned to Christ not on the basis if he or she will be accepted by a church or people. If we waited on people or a church to accept us if we backslid we will never come back to Christ. Also if a church or group of people don't forgive or accept someone who has repented and truly returned to Christ they are not following biblical principles. To sum it up, It doesn't matter where you are from, what you did Jesus is always waiting with his arms wide open to accept us period. He will never turn away someone who wants to return to him ever. So any or all backsliders please remember that Jesus arms are always open to receive you once again. Do not allow anyone person place thing or church to deter you away from reconciling with God because they wont receive you. That's not biblical. GOD IS ALWAYS willing. Signed by a present backslider.

You know I don't know if there is any hope for you as a back slider. Some of the things you've mentioned are pretty bad. It will take a pretty good God centered Congregation of believers to forgive you for what you have done... That is if in fact you are looking for absolution from your peers in your church.. That's what the term backslider was coined for, To help those in the church to pass judgment on those caught in sin, without passing judgment.

As far as God is concerned, We are all "Backsliders all of the time: There are no front-sliders as it were. This fact can be found in what Paul wrote to the romans in the 3rd chapter starting at verse nine. The whole chapter is significant, but what I left here is sufficient to prove this point.



Like the son in the previous poster's reference. The lost Son still belonged to his father and even thru all of his sin and shameful behavior.. at no time did the father say I have no son. It was the Son that said I have no father, and carried on as if he in fact did not. When the son was ready, he came home and before he could even utter one word his Father rushed out to greet him threw his arms around him and kissed him.

In the culture of the day, there wasn't room for a greeting like this one if there was an issue of forgiveness, unless the father was double minded. The son's forgiveness was complete when he decided to recognize his Father as the authority and come home. When the son did confess his sins he was restored to his original position in the family. (Look at the example of repentance, there wasn't a line by line confession given to the father. It was an acknoledgement of sin in the fathers eyes, and a element of humility. Most certainly not what most of our brothers whould expect from a public confession of backsliding behaivor.)

It was the need of the older brother (The Members of the Church who remain faithful) Who wanted/wants to Point the finger and lable his formerly lost brother. Reminding the father and all others of his/their loyalty while castigating his brother/you by labeling you/him a backslider. What was the Fathers response? I urge you to reread this story along with Romans. There is freedom to be found there.

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

MOD HAT ON

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an old thread with an outdated OP. We're shutting 'er down now.

MOD HAT OFF​