The last word – on backsliding – Hebrews 5v11 – 6v12

The christian life can never be at a stand still.  You are either moving forward or sliding backward.  The divine design is that we “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3v18).  We are, while on earth, to grow in Christlikeness (Rom 8v29-30). We are to grow from the basics of our christian faith towards maturity; to move forward from the doctrine of salvation (where it all begins) to teachings on holiness, righteousness and service as we progress towards our eternal home.  When our christian life does not exhibit this trend then the reverse is the case – BACKSLIDING.

Characteristics of a backslider therefore include:

1. A standstill spiritual growth or better still lack of growth (5v11-13) often resulting in a drifting back into old was.
2. A falling away from the personal experience of a deep relationship with God and the power of His Holy Spirit that one once had – such falling away sometimes subtle and at other times  sudden denial of the faith that person once had.
3. An inability to distinguish good from evil (v14). Even when such person has the capacity to so distinguish, he may not have the will power to stand by what he believes particularly when every other person around him is going in one direction.
4. Spiritual barrenness (6v8) – The most terrifying danger of backsliding is that it is terminal and yet subtle in its development. As described in (6v4-6), the fact is that such a person who falls away cannot be restored.

Factors that speed up backsliding are mentioned in Psalm 1 which include:

1. The company we keep (v1) who are our advisers,
2.  Those we model our lives after.
3. Decisions we make.
4. What we feed on spiritually
5.  Our principles and convictions
6. The depth of our commitment to God and to our faith

Backsliding can be prevented by spending time with God in His word (Ps 1v2), by delighting in it and meditating on it day and night (Jos. 1v8). Such spiritual exercise, by the power of the Holy Spirit, matures us in our knowledge of God, in our knowledge of His word and in our growth in Christlikeness while here on earth.

Father, I desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ to whom be the glory now and for ever more.  AMEN.