ALONE WITH GOD------

WILL THE BACKSLIDER EVENTUALLY COME BACK?

The issue here is not “can” or “may” he come back, but “must” and “will” he always come back before he dies? The Bible is the only answer. In the scriptures the statement is made, “That in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established”—Matt. 18:16. In answer to this question three Biblical examples will be considered.

1. One who fell and did comeback.

In Matt. 26:69–75 the record is given where Peter the apostle began following the Lord afar off, lost his experience of salvation, and was found warming by the enemy’s fire, in a backslidden condition.

He lied and swore to show others that he had backslidden. The crowing of the cock, and the look of Jesus convicted him. He went out and wept bitterly, and was reclaimed, and restored by the Lord.

2. One who fell and we do not know how he ended his life.

This one’s name was Demas. Demas “my fellow-laborer” (Philemon 24). He is saved at this time. Demas “greets you” (Col. 4:14). Nothing is said about his labor now. Demas, “hath forsaken me having loved this present world.”—2 Tim. 4:10. If Demas ever recovered himself from this world no record is found supporting it.

3. One who fell and we know did not come back.

Judas with the other eleven was called and commissioned to preach, heal the sick and to cast out devils (Matt. 10:1–5; Mark 3:13–19). Judas performed his work with the others (Mark 6:7, 12–13; Luke 9:1–6). If Judas had been a devil from the beginning, he would not have had the power to perform these works.

Christ said that God had “given” Judas to him once (John 17:12). This proves that he was one time saved. Peter said that Judas obtained “part in the ministry” (Acts 1:17). Peter also said that Judas by transgression fell (Acts 1:24–25). Jesus said that Judas was finally lost (John 17:12).

4. Steps that led to his downfall.

He murmured and found fault. “Then saith one of his disciples Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was therein”—John 12:4–6.

He trifled with the idea of selling out. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, what will you give me, and I will deliver him (Christ) unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him”—Matt. 26:14–16.

The decision was finally made, “And after the sop (not before) Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly”—John 13:27. This proves the devil was not in the heart prior to this time, but only preparing him so he could enter. The specific time of the devil entering is stated here.

The open act of betrayal was committed. “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve came and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders and people.

“Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him”—Matt. 26:47–50.

Note the awful consequences reaped. “Now this man (Judas) purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out”—Acts 1:18.

This makes it clear that one can be saved, mightily used of God, trifle with the devil, become ensnared by his power, and finally be lost for all eternity. John the beloved expresses a timely message (I John 2:1–2). “My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (to speak in favor of) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

This teaches that a Christian is not to sin, but if he is overtaken, backslides, and goes back into sin, he has the privilege of returning as Peter did, bitterly repenting and being restored to a biblical experience of salvation. The Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”—2 Peter 3:9. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely”—Rev. 22:17. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”—Rom. 10:13.

Dear sinner and backslider, God loves you, and wants you to return to him and receive his provision to save you and restore your soul to the high plain of joyful and holy living.