Backsliding


Introduction

Backsliding is the decline of the soul from the love, zeal, and obedience once known, into coldness, neglect, or sin. Richard Baxter treated backsliding with great seriousness, calling it “a dangerous disease of the soul” that, if unchecked, may harden into apostasy. He recognised that believers may experience temporary falls, dullness, or decay of zeal, but he urged them not to remain there. Baxter distinguishes between a stumble (from weakness) and a wilful turning back (from hardened rebellion). Soul care in backsliding requires both warning and encouragement: warning of the danger of spiritual decay, and encouragement that Christ restores the penitent wanderer.


Scripture Focus

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” (Revelation 2:4–5, KJV)
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” (Hosea 14:4, KJV)
“For the just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 24:16, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Jeremiah 2:13 – Forsaking the fountain of living waters.
  • Jeremiah 3:12–14, 22 – Return, backsliding children, saith the Lord.
  • Matthew 26:69–75 – Peter’s denial and repentance.
  • Luke 22:31–32 – Christ prays that Peter’s faith fail not.
  • Galatians 5:7 – “Ye did run well; who did hinder you?”
  • Hebrews 10:38–39 – Warning against drawing back to perdition.
  • James 5:19–20 – Restoring those who err from the truth.
  • 2 Peter 2:20–22 – The danger of returning to former sins.


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

Scripture shows that backsliding is both common and perilous. Israel often turned aside from the Lord, yet God called them repeatedly to repent and promised healing. Believers, too, may fall into sin or lose their first love, but Christ intercedes for His own. The Bible distinguishes between the temporary fall of saints (as in David or Peter) and the final apostasy of those who never truly belonged to Christ. The remedy for backsliding is repentance, renewed faith, and a return to the means of grace. God is rich in mercy and delights to restore His wandering children.


Pastoral Guidance

Baxter’s Counsel:

  • Diagnose the decline: Baxter urges self-examination to detect spiritual coldness early: loss of delight in prayer, neglect of Scripture, love of the world, or indifference to sin.
  • Remember former zeal: “Call to mind the days of your first love, and compare them with your present state, that you may be humbled and provoked to return.”
  • Beware of secret sins: Small, cherished sins are often the root of greater backsliding. Mortify them quickly, lest they grow into habits.
  • Use the means of grace afresh: Baxter directs backsliders to return to earnest prayer, diligent hearing of the Word, and fellowship with the godly, as the ordinary channels by which God rekindles faith.
  • Seek accountability: He counsels openness with faithful friends or pastors, since secrecy allows decay to deepen.
  • Take comfort in Christ’s intercession: Like Peter, the fallen may be restored: “It is not falling into sin, but lying in it, that is the undoing of the soul.” Christ prays that His people’s faith will not utterly fail.


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, ch. xi (“Directions for Weak Christians” — warnings against backsliding).
  • Richard Baxter, The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (contrast between heavenly hope and worldly decline).
  • Jeremiah Burroughs, The Saints’ Treasury (on recovering from spiritual decay).
  • Thomas Brooks, The Privy Key of Heaven (on persevering in prayer).
  • John Owen, On the Perseverance of the Saints.
  • John Flavel, Navigation Spiritualized (sermons warning against drifting from Christ).