We don't hear much the backslider,what is a backslider? it can be described as ,'someone who lapses into previous undesirable pattern of behavior'. It could describe a reformed criminal,who goes back to a life of crime.Or could describe an alcoholic who goes back to the drink,but the term that I associate with is someone who professed to be a Christian,and have given up following Christ. There are examples in the bible of people who did not go on in their relationship with Christ.It doesn't just apply to individuals but to churches,we see this in the seven churches of Revelation chap 2- 3.In the OT we see it time and time again with the nation of Israel Jeremiah 2 v 19,their whole history is littered with it.There are reasons why people backslide, whatever the reasons are,none are valid.none, I believe there are always regrets,and no advantages,if you give up following Jesus you will always be the looser.Yet God is merciful and kind,and will welcome the backslider back,he did it with Peter,and He did continually with Israel. Hosea 14 v4 .CP Revelation 3 v20. William Cowper writes of loosing that fist love experience with the following words,'Where is the blessedness I knew when first I saw the Lord',and the idols that can so easily remove us from following Christ and we become a backslider,Here are words written to backsliders.
Revelation 3 v 20.
'Look! I stand at the door and knock ,
If you hear my voice,and open the door,
I will come in and we will share a meal
together as friends,.
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