350 – Is There Any Hope for the Backslider?

350. Is There Any Hope for the Backslider?

See Heb_10:26-29; Joh_6:37; Heb_6:4-6, and 1Jn_1:9. The passage in Heb_10:1-39 refers to those who sin after receiving "full knowledge" of the truth (see 1Ti_2:1-15; 1Ti_3:1-16; 1Ti_4:1-16), and who after having been "enlightened" and tasting a certain measure of .grace and the spirit of truth (see Joh_14:17-29), apostatize to Judaism or infidelity. Such is not a sin of ignorance or error, but the result of moral wickedness or a deliberate sin against the Spirit'97a presumptuous sin against Christ's redemption for us and the spirit of grace in us. Having fully known the one sacrifice for sin, and having a certain experience of the efficacy of that sacrifice, they have now rejected it In Heb_6:4, 6, the same idea is emphasized. Such sinners crucify Christ anew, instead of crucifying the world (see Gal_6:14). The passage in Joh_6:37 expresses the glorious certainty of eternal life to those who believe and stand firm'97those who are given him of the Father and come to him with full surrender. Not the simply willing, but the actually faithful; not the waverers, but the true and abiding, are to realize the promise. In the backslider there has been no complete dedication, otherwise there would be no apostasy. 1Jn_1:9 emphasizes the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance of the faithful ones. Concerning the possibilities of a return to Christ on the part of a backslider, we can only assert that what to man may and often does seem impossible, is possible with God, and that his grace is boundless. Peter backslid in a most grievous way, and yet was forgiven. By a miracle of divine grace, the backslider, although beyond human hope of recall, may in God's abundant mercy find refuge and forgiveness.

Source: 555 Difficult Bible Questions Answered