What Does the Bible Say About Backsliding?
What Does the Bible Say About Backsliding? The Bible warns that believers can drift from faith and calls backsliders to return to God, who is always ready to restore.
Key verse: Jeremiah 3:22 (KJV)
The Bible warns that believers can drift from faith and calls backsliders to return to God, who is always ready to restore.
The Bible warns that believers can drift from faith and calls backsliders to return to God, who is always ready to restore.
"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." — Jeremiah 3:22 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jeremiah 3:22 records God's invitation: 'Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.' Proverbs 14:14 warns, 'The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.' Hebrews 2:1 cautions against drifting: 'Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.' Peter's denial of Jesus is a vivid example of backsliding, yet Jesus restored him completely (John 21:15-17). Revelation 2:4-5 warns the church at Ephesus that had 'left thy first love' to 'remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.' The causes of backsliding include neglecting prayer, tolerating sin, worldly distractions, and discouragement. The remedy is always repentance and return — God promises restoration to those who humble themselves.
Key Scripture References
"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings."
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
The Bible teaches that genuine believers are eternally secure — kept by God's power, not human effort.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Can You Lose Your Salvation?
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Jeremiah. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Jeremiah on day 222 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Backsliding?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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