Part III of the Series on Backsliding
Original Post: August 2019 Podcast added: 1/24/2020
To Chris: Hopefully, this post answers the question you raised in the Comments Section of the post: Backslider, You Can Come Home Again. If not, ask it another way, and I will keep researching until I get the answer that you need. Stay with God, and never walk away from Him!
To My Readers and Followers: In 2014, I wrote a post about Backsliders entitled Signs and Symptoms of an Official Backslider, which presented evidence related to backsliding that is in process. “Backslider, You Can Come Home Again-The Parable of the Prodigal Son” was a post written in 2013. Using the Prodigal Son’s story as an example, that post spoke about a backslider who left God but was restored. It presents the case that a backslider can be restored to a right relationship with God.
There is a more massive matter related to backsliding that we need to consider in today’s post. The truth of the matter is, not everyone who walks away from God can walk back to Him when they decide to do so. The message of this post is, “Please, Saints, once you have received salvation, STAY WITH GOD!”
Once we are saved, no one can take us out of God’s Hands
John 10:27-29 states My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
This Scripture tells us that no man can take or pluck us out of the Hand of God, but it does not mean that one can’t walk away from God.
You can walk away, but I don’t recommend it
God will never force anyone to stay with Him, who does not want to be with Him. And once an individual walks away from God, he is at risk of not getting back to where he was. For the righteous, the consequences of backsliding can be devastating.
Ezek. 18:24 says:
But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
God knows us better than we know ourselves
God loves us, and He knows each of us on an individual basis. He can assess our hearts and souls more thoroughly than any of us can imagine. He can evaluate us even when we are not aware that we are being evaluated. And, the sad truth is, some who walk away from God simply do not make it back to Him.
Have you noticed that some backsliders appear to receive restoration, but once they leave the House of God, they never come to church again? And, when you see them in the community, they are back in the nightclubs or back on drugs or alcohol, acting as though they were never restored to a right relationship with God? The question that one might ask is, “What happened?” “I thought they had gotten back with God.” The painful truth of the matter is, not everyone who attempts to return to God really gets back to God.
Five possible reasons why some backsliders have not been restored to a right relationship with God
There may be many reasons why some backsliders are not restored in the same way that the Prodigal son was restored. Though the following reasons may not be all-inclusive, let’s look at five possibilities, based on Scripture.
Number 1. God may have rejected the Backslider
Isaiah 55:6-8 is a beautiful passage that speaks directly to the Backslider. It invites the Backslider to return to God while the opportunity is provided. (Emphasis added by the author).
6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
In this passage, God is searching for those who have walked away from Him. He is a God of abundant love, grace, and mercy. But please note that the emphasized words imply that His words are conditional. They suggest that there may come a time when the Backslider has stepped over the line of no return. On the other side of that line is “He can’t be found” and “He is no longer near”. Exactly where that line is drawn lies within the province of God. We should never assume that God must take us back if we leave Him. Remember, He is sovereign.
Some backsliders may be “turned over”
We use an expression that some backsliders were “turned over”. It means that a backslider who may be trying to get back to God has crossed the line of no-return.
In John 6:37, Jesus promises that He will not cast anyone out that He receives, but He is speaking of those individuals who He has received from the Father.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
God is not obligated to give us a second chance
God tells us in 1 John 1:9 that He has committed to saving us:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
However, we have no Scriptural support for believing that He has obligated Himself to save us more than once.
Romans 9:18 King James Version (KJV) says:
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
God has criteria that we don’t always know about
God looks at things that we cannot see. Consider the fact that God can assess the sincerity of a man’s repentance and decide whether or not the repentance is real. An individual just cannot run a game on God.
In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel,
Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Intercessors, keep praying
Although intercessors should never give up on anyone, we must realize that the final decision about an individual’s salvation is up to God. Some people just might have crossed a line or performed an offense that God told them not to cross.
Samuel, in 1Samuel 16:1 (KJV), continued to pray concerning Saul until God told him to stop.
And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
We all must bow to the All-Wise and Sovereign Will of our God
Number 2. Leaving God strengthens the devil’s hand against the Backslider
We have an adversary called the devil who will do everything he can to damn a soul to Hell. When the Backslider walks away from God, he steps onto the devil’s territory. The Bible warns us in Matt. 12:43-45 that when we no longer have the Holy Ghost abiding within us, the devil comes back with seven devils worse than himself.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
If God does not choose to break that awful yoke of 8 devils, the Backslider is a goner.
Number 3. Some backsliders have hardened their hearts against the Word
The Bible says the day you hear His voice harden not your heart in Heb. 3:15. That tells us that men can harden their hearts against the Word so that it does not affect them.
I believe that we should pray with anyone up to the point that they close their eyes in death unless God says otherwise. As a nurse, as well as a minister, I worked at a hospital near my home. On many occasions, after I completed my tour of duty, God sent me back to pray with the dying. In most instances, He would assure me that the individual made it into the Kingdom of God; some of those people were backsliders.
There was one man, however, who was unable to forgive himself. He died saying that he had done too much and that God would not forgive him. He hardened his heart against the truth of God’s forgiveness. I pray that somehow he made it in.
Number 4. Some backsliders blasphemed against the Holy Ghost
To blaspheme against the Holy Ghost means that an individual afforded a move or action of the Holy Ghost to Satan. The Scripture relating to the danger of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is Matt. 12:31, which states:
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
There are many opinions about whether a person may lose his soul by blaspheming the Holy Ghost. (I believe the Word of God that says it is unforgivable). My recommendation, no matter what your opinion, is that you just don’t do it. It is just too risky. If you are foolish enough to walk away from God, don’t do anything that will hinder your return. Don’t burn your bridges.
Number 5. Maybe the “backslider” was never saved in the first place
1 John 2:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Whether or not an individual is saved is ultimately a matter between that person and God. As Saints, we can see and hear the Bible-identified evidence that a person is Holy Ghost-filled, such as speaking in tongues, exhibiting power over sin, and becoming an active witness for the Lord according to Acts 1:8.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We are also able to see the individual becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus according to 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
However, the bottom line is: an individual’s fitness for the Kingdom of Heaven is between that individual and God. There will be people in God’s Kingdom that we never expected to be there. We will look around for others who never made it. Our responsibility is to make sure that we are one of the ones who do make it in.
Hope for the backsliders
Apostle Peter sharply reprimanded Simon the (former) Sorcerer, who attempted to buy the Holy Ghost in Acts 8: 19-20. He told him that he needed to “repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”
Acts 8:22 Fearful of the Apostle’s words, Simon the Sorcerer pleaded with Peter to pray to the Lord on his behalf.
We have no scripture that tells us whether Simon was restored to a right relationship with God. But Simon was no fool. He was wise enough to cry out to the Apostles, pleading with Peter to pray for him.
There is hope for the backsliders that he/she can be saved again. Some may have to fight for it. Not everyone will be able to get back just because they go back. But the truth remains that while there is blood running warm in your veins, you have the possibility that you will be able to be saved again and make it into the Kingdom of God. It is so worth it that every Backslider must try, sooner rather than later. I would find every Scripture in the Bible that speaks of His forgiveness of backsliders. I would cry out to God, letting Him see that I have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Even if I had to beg, plead, wallow, or whatever, I would do whatever is needed to get back into His graces.
If you don’t go back, you can’t get back
Backsliders who refuse to repent and ask God to restore them are 100% guaranteed that they won’t be saved. Backslider, why not at least try to be restored? You’ve got to fight. Getting into the Kingdom of God is a tedious journey, though our Heavenly Father and Jesus bore the weight of our salvation. Here’s something else for the Backslider to consider.
A slow descent Into Hellfire
If you died and found yourself on a slow, twisting, turning, rolling descent into Hellfire, how would you scream, kick, beg, repent, pray and plead to keep yourself from hitting those flames? With that thought in mind, Backslider, cry out NOW! Act as though your descent is in the process (because it is) and do whatever you have to do before you hit the pits of Hell. Remember, once in Hell, there is no way out. And if God lets you back into His graces, Backslider, you’d better get a death grip on your salvation and never let go of it again.
Saints, stay with God
And to those of us who are saved, we know that we can make it. We have the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on our side. We must treasure our salvation and fight the good fight of faith to keep it once we have it. Salvation means everything! Stay with God!
I think I blasphemed the Holy Spirit through thoughts. I was so paranoid because God shown me I needed deliverance which led me to believe that the Holy Spirit can be in a person with demons at the same time because that’s what happened to me. I had both. Or the demonic was oppressing me. I was beckoned to repent but didn’t. I believed Hebrews 1026 applied to me. So I continued in sin with the attitude of well. I’m going to hell anyway. So I suppose that I’m done for.
Thanks for this though. It has shown me where I stand with God. Only he can bring me back. I can’t force repentance. He grants it. Keep fighting the good fight.
Hello Chris,
I am so glad that I am able to write to you directly. I pray that my latest post, which was a warning to the Saints, did not cause you to feel that your case is hopeless. It definitely is not! Let me address some of your statements specifically.
You: I think I blasphemed the Holy Spirit through thoughts.
Me: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a direct act of making statements against the Holy Spirit with a mean and hateful heart. Simply because you had thoughts that were confused does not mean that you spoke against the Holy Spirit. The devil is a lying wonder, Chris. He put the thought into your mind. Then he accused you of those thoughts. That was him and not you. My late Pastor used to tell us that thoughts are like birds flying over your head. You can’t do a thing about thoughts in the air but when the birds try to build a nest in your hair you have something to say about it. The Bible tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. I come against him now with the power and anointing if the word of God. Now you too must resist the devil.
You: I was so paranoid because God shown me I needed deliverance which led me to believe that the Holy Spirit can be in a person with demons at the same time.because that’s what happened to me.
Me: I disagree that both demons and the Holy Spirit can be in an individual at the same time. You would not be able to tolerate those two opposing forces. When the Holy Spirit fills a man the devil can not stand the presence of God. He immediately dispels the devil just as light dispels all darkness. Evil and the Power of Almighty God are not equal forces. When the power of God enters a man evil must go! Please tell me a little more about yourself. Have you received the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues? Acts 1:8 says 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
You: Or the demonic was oppressing me.
Me: If you have the Holy Ghost the devil can not possess you. He can only oppress you from outside.
You: I was beckoned to repent but didn’t.
Me: How were you called to repent? Was this from a Pastor or spiritual leader? Chris as long as there is life in your body there is hope for you. It is only after we have closed our eyes in death and are in Hell are we doomed. I am so encouraged to hear that God, whether to you directly or through someone else has called you to repentance. That fact that God is calling you says that you are one of the chosen ones and that He wants to forgive you. Please, Chris, don’t just roll over and let the devil take you out. All you have to do is ask God to forgive you. Open your mouth and say “Father forgive me of all of my sins. Save my soul and fill me with the Holy Ghost”. Even if you didn’t repent then, do it now. It’s not too late.
You: I believed Heb. 10:26 applied to me.
Me: Hebrews 10:26 (KJV) says 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, True but there are so many other Scriptures that I would choose to stand on.
Heb. 10:26 says that there is no more sacrifice for sin. Then just apply the sacrifice that has already been made. Repent quickly.
1 John 1: 9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
You: So I continued in sin with the attitude of well, I’m going to Hell anyway. so I suppose that I am done for.
Me: Oh no, not so. You are not going out like that. That again sounds like the devil talking. He wants you to feel that the blood of Jesus is not strong enough to save you. I don’t care what sin or sins you have committed Chris God loves you and he wants you back. Get up, dust yourself off like the Prodigal son and repent. Ask God for forgiveness.
You: Thanks for this though. It has shown me where I stand with God.
Me: It is my prayer that what I said to encourage the Saints to hold onto God is not being used by the devil to make you feel that you cannot come back to God. I perceive that if the enemy is fighting you this much God must have a powerful plan for you. Give it one more try Chris. Don’t just roll over and let the enemy trample you.
You: Only he can bring me back.
Me: It is a partnership Chris between you and God. If you will repent He will forgive you. He has extended His Hand towards you but He will not force you. I strongly encourage you to just say the words Chris and God will restore you.
You: I can’t force repentance.
Me: I believe that even your asking me the questions concerning the post is evidence that you love God and want to be back in fellowship with Him.
You: He grants it.
Me: He grants restoration in response to your repentance.
You: Keep fighting the fight.
Me: Thank you. And now I join you in your fight. You already have the victory if you will just reach out and receive it.
I know I was saved because I had feelings of guilt when I sinned which I never had before. Plus I felt the Holy Spirit when he entered my body. It was like meeting a spirit of pure love. I was penitent before and now I’m impenitent which I believe is because my heart has been hardened through wilful sin. I feel no hope because of that. My mind has changed from when I had the Holy Spirit. I just believed the lie of the devil which was that I had lost my salvation at the time which sent me on a downward spiral of depression and sin.
Chris, I’m going to do a new study concerning blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Will share it with you and other readers when done. God bless you.
8/8/2019 This is from Finis Dake’s in Dake’s Topics:
Matt. 12:32 (KJV) says And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Please note that it says SPEAKS, not THINKS so you didn’t blaspheme. The enemy just planted a thought that was not even your thought.
Blasphemy
Every kind and every single sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but one. (Matthew 1:21; Matthew 12:31; 1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 3:5).
Greek: hamartia (NT:266) (note, John 1:29).
Greek: blasphemia (NT:988), from blasphemos (NT:989), to:
1. Speak evil of (Jude 1:8; Ephes. 4:31)
2. Rail (1 Tim. 6:4; 2 Peter 2:11)
3. Revile (Matthew 27:39)
4. Defame (1 Cor. 4:13)
5. Slander (Romans 3:8)
6. Insult by blasphemy (Matthew 12:31)
Matthew 12:32
Explaining what blasphemy is. It is an insulting remark or curse, even attributing to Satan the works of the Holy Spirit. It is unforgivable if it is done maliciously and knowingly, as here and in Hebrews 6:4-9; Hebrews 10:26-31; 1 Tim. 1:13.
Hope this helps.
Found this in Dake’s Topical Index: Why Some Fail to Get Deliverance
Some seem to get immediate and permanent deliverance from sin, bad habits, sickness, and other troubles in life the first time they pray and turn to God. Others seem to have an indefinite struggle with certain conditions in their lives. Naturally, there is always a reason for this. The ones who get deliverance so easy simply believe the gospel and make a full and complete surrender of their lives to God. There is no reservation or holding back from God anything that they know should be given up for God. There is no hesitation concerning meeting the conditions that are plainly laid down in Scripture. They do not even think of holding on to some sin or bad habit and they do not concern themselves with desires to do so. They are completely submissive to the will of God. Therefore, their consecration is complete and definite enough to rid themselves of all that would hinder their getting from God what they want.
Those who are constantly struggling to get complete victory over sin will find that they are seeking to hold on to some habit, or that they are not willing to forgive someone and give up all for God. They have made certain reservations in their minds and have limited God and His promises in their own hearts. They think that it is going to be the hardest thing in the world to give up all the past sinful life in a moment of time. They are in a state of questioning and doubting to begin with. Their faith is not definite enough to make the full surrender all at once. They do not realize that surrender to God will be necessary before they do get full deliverance. When temptation comes they do not resist, boldly and vigorously enough to overcome. To some extent, they reason with the evil spirits who seek to overthrow them and gain possession of them again. The love of their former pet sins and bad habits has not been fully broken and they hesitate to make a total and eternal break with these things.
If they would resist when temptation first comes, then the victory would be won. The battle will never be fully won until they do renounce all sin and refuse to tolerate being bothered by demons. One cannot play around with sin and temptation and escape yielding to it for long. Temptation will grow stronger as thoughts are entertained concerning the former life. If one does have trouble with sin after he turns to God, he must go to God in earnest prayer. He must read the Bible and build up his spiritual life to the point of attaining a permanent and complete victory.
Concerning sickness, some get healed immediately and others do not. It is clear that there must be a cause if one is not healed for there is no respect of persons with God. He will heal and save any and all alike who come to Him with the whole heart. The cause of failure is not in God. It is the individual who is to blame. God has plainly stated what the cause is. That cause is always unbelief. This was the cause in Matt. 17:14-21. This is plainly stated to be the cause of failure in all prayer (James 1:4-8; Heb. 11:6).
Dake Topical Index.
When I repented. I didn’t know anything about the truth. The only truth I knew was the God of the bible was real and that I needed to be forgiven. I was in sin the next day. When I learned the truth I thought it was too late. I didn’t know Satan can put thoughts in your mind. I was listening to him. I believed what he said. I believed at a time I was God’s son. But I also believed I was done for. Satan has won the war for my soul. I’m just waiting for death now. Nothing interests me anymore. Iv gone beyond the point of feeling which the bible says some do. I can’t feel love anymore. Just bitterness. I’m very bitter. There’s a whole group of people like me on Facebook. We all fell away due to something.
GM Chris,
Thank you for your recent responses. May I ask a few basic questions? I know that you must be careful about putting personal info out so answer only what you are comfortable with. What is your age range? What country are you from?
Did you ever attend a church after you were saved? Do you have a spiritual leader such as a Pastor?
One of the responsibilities of the church is to act like a family for newly born Saints. Of course, you know nothing about God, how to live the Christian life or even the value of being saved and delivered if you have never been taught.
Please abandon the idea that you are lost forever. That’s the devil talking. If you want to be saved and set free you can be.
If you are American I might be able to direct you to a church where you can get the help that you need. If you are interested, I can direct you to information that will help you get delivered. It’s up to you, Chris.
GM.
I’m from the uk. I’m 29. Weren’t brought up knowing anything to do with the truth. I believe I’m done for because God’s word says I am. God’s word says the spirit doesn’t strive with man forever. The spirit doesn’t strive with me anymore. Plus. Hebrews 1026. I continued in sin with the belief I was doomed already and I fell away due to the continuance of sin. I became paranoid with my pastor because he knew I needed deliverance but didn’t deliver me. I suppose I didn’t give him time to because I became very paranoid. After knowing that I had demonic forces present in my life it just made me paranoid the thoughts I had were unbelievable. I didn’t know about the war between the old man and new man.
This is the website of the church that I attend. There is lots of information that should prove helpful to you. http://www.fght.org
Thank you I will check it out.
We’re also on YouTube. Full Gospel Holy Temple Church. Pastor: Apostle Herman L. Murray, Jr.
I’ve been a member for 44 years. I was filled with the Holy Ghost there and love my church. It is amazing that God meets us there every service night. It is a rare night that someone is not delivered and filled with the Holy Ghost. We also have many e-members.
Got your latest comment, Chris. In my post, I mentioned that God often sent me back into the hospital to help the dying, some of which were backslidden just before they died. I mentioned that one of my patients could not believe that God would forgive him. Deliverance was available for him but he refused to receive it and, I fear, died without forgiveness.
When one has made up his mind that he is a goner, there is nothing that anyone else can do. It’s similar to a starving man who sits at a table laden with all kind of good and nourishing food. If the person refuses to eat he will die of starvation. He can take a slab of roast beef, smear it on his face but never put it in his mouth. That man will die. As we say, Chris, come over here, the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on.
A drowning man will reach for a straw in an attempt to save his life. A lifeline is extended to you but you have to reach out and receive it.
I think I need deliverance. The bible speaks about seven more wicked spirits comin back to a person. I think this has happened with me. I needed deliverance beforehand when I was saved but couldn’t get it done.
What makes me think I’m a goner is my conscience has been seared. My mind doesn’t work properly anymore. Plus the Hebrews text. It’s hard to push beyond them because I see God as a black and white God. He’s put those verses in the bible so people know when they’re done for I believe. Otherwise why would he put them there. Plus I don’t feel guilty even though I know I am.
Surely there is a deliverance ministry in the UK. Have you checked?
As I recall, a few years back a Minister from London preached at our church. Will check with my FB family to see if I can find out where he is located. Are you anywhere close to London?
A lot of people don’t believe in deliverance here. I had a minister who knew I needed deliverance but I didn’t trust him. He does do deliverance though but I doubt he will work with me because he knows how my spiritual life has died away. I’m in Leeds which is about 5 hours drive from London but if there’s a proper deliverance minister there I won’t hesitate to go there. Thank you for your patience.
Chris, the name of the Pastor that an Elder at my church recommends is Andree’ Simms Morgan. He will get the name of the church as soon as he has time to research it. Meanwhile, perhaps you can look for the church’s name as well.
http://bramptonyouthconvention.com/PastorSimms.aspx
Hi. Is it this pastor?
Thank you
Chris, MyE lder thought the name of the Church was Greater Dimensions Worship Center but he is not positive. It is not in Canada but in London. Look up this one as well: Bishop John Francis at Ruach City Church.
I believe that it might be the Ruach City Church. There is a location in London. Their beliefs are very similar to those of my church.