If Youve Been Born Again and Then Backslide Later Do You Need to Be Baptized Again
CBN.com -Life as a Christian can be quite an adventure. It is like the astonishing journey that Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee went on in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Y'all may progress from hiking forth a treacherous mountain trail, to braving a fierce storm, to battling the enemy, to sailing on a placid lake or strolling through a pleasant field.
There are ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Though you may become back along a trail you take been traveling, the one thing y'all don't want in your Christian walk is to get backwards spiritually.
Backsliding refers to going backwards spiritually and morally. When a believer backslides, he falls back in some mode into a less desirable condition. His lapse may be a relatively minor 1 and unintentional. He may only fall back through neglect by not praying, reading the Bible, and keeping his focus on living for God.
On the other paw, a laic may backslide by deliberately choosing to indulge in this life's sinful pleasures. This type of backsliding can carry disastrous consequences. It tin bring dishonor to the Ane who laid down His life for us, Jesus Christ. It tin as well sadden and bring grief to the lives of loved ones. Of course, backsliding can bring turmoil into the believer'south own life. He may exist plagued by guilt or even a feeling of despair or condemnation.
Just at that place is skillful news for the backslider! God does not condemn him. God'southward loving concern for the backslider is steadfast and certain. The Lord calls that person back to Himself through the work of the Holy Spirit. We can see this clearly in the parable of the prodigal son. In the parable, the father saw his son returning while he was however far off. But the begetter did non lock the doors or demand that his son leave. Instead, the father welcomed his render.
Only while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt pity for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke xv:xx)
And then the son confessed to his father:
Father, I take sinned against sky and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to exist called your son. (v. 21)
The begetter's relief and joy at seeing his son was so dandy that he did not fifty-fifty reprove him or rebuke him. Instead, the male parent instructed his slaves:
Quickly bring out the all-time robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let the states consume and gloat; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. (vv. 22-24)
The father showed that the son's return was not a time for condemnation, just for commemoration.
And they began to celebrate. (v. 24)
If y'all are backslidden.
Like the parable of the dissipated son, know that the Heavenly Father truly cares nearly yous and wants you to return. He does not post an angelic baby-sit to go along out your prayers and your heart'southward cry. When the Lord hears you lot calling out to Him, He volition reply positively to yous.
Draw virtually to God and He volition draw near to y'all. (James four:eight)
Practise not allow annihilation hold you lot back from God and His forgiveness and grace. Don't let the pleasures of sin deceive y'all. In time, sin will bring yous pain. Likewise, do not let doubt or guilt hold you back, for He promises you:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive usa our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (i John one:nine)
The Lord's mercies are new every forenoon, merely do not assume that you lot are promised tomorrow. Pray to the Lord now.
Later on you have called upon the Lord and asked for His forgiveness, believe His promise to forgive you lot. He volition surely cleanse you of your sins and restore yous to fellowship with Him. Let His Spirit bear on your heart and bring healing to your soul.
If you injure people while you were backslidden, so ask them for forgiveness. Do what you can to repair any damage you may have caused in other people's lives. Seek healing and reconciliation of cleaved or injured relationships.
Learn from the mistakes you made that led to backsliding, and determine to not repeat those mistakes. Enquire the Lord for wisdom in how to live faithfully as an overcomer.
If someone you know is backslidden.
It tin exist disappointing or even heartbreaking when someone close to y'all backslides. But exist encouraged and do not give up on him or her.
First, intercede for the one y'all are concerned about. Bind the piece of work of the enemy in that person's life. Exist true-blue to pray for him every 24-hour interval.
Ask the Lord if y'all are to say something to the person, and if and then, what you should say and how you should say it. E'er keep a loving and humble attitude toward the backslidden person. Y'all don't want to push button him farther away.
Brethren, even if anyone is defenseless in whatsoever trespass, you lot who are spiritual, restore such a 1 in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, then that you besides will not be tempted. (Galatians 6:i)
In that location may be a fourth dimension for tough dearest, just brand sure that you are being led by the Lord and that you lot are not reacting out of your hurt, frustration, or anger.
How to keep yourself from backsliding.
Pay close attention to matters of the heart. The Christian life is most having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Avoid focusing primarily on a list of dos and don'ts. Stay close to the Lord throughout each day. Go on your heart and mind upon the kingdom of God.
Above all else, guard your centre, for information technology is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4:23, NIV)
Beware of the enemy's schemes. Abscond from situations that tempt you. Rebuke Satan when he attacks y'all. Take a trusted prayer partner that you lot tin can share your personal struggles with.
At present flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Finally, let the Holy Spirit atomic number 82 y'all, fill you, encourage y'all, and empower you every bit y'all go through the day.
If nosotros alive past the Spirit, let united states also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
Do You lot Desire a Relationship with God?
If y'all desire this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer correct now:
Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own style and accept washed incorrect. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Assist me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thanks, Lord Jesus. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are at present a child of God. The things of your old life accept passed away and He has fabricated all things new.
We want to join you in celebrating your new life. Please transport us an e-mail to permit us know that you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. Or you can phone call our Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. A caring friend is available to talk with you and ship you some resources to help you lot brainstorm your walk with the Lord.
Acquire more most new life in Jesus Christ
Gordon Robertson: What does it mean to be 'born again?'
A College Calling: Guide to Christian Life
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Observe a church near you lot
Living by the Book: Acquire more about existence a Christian
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Learn more about the Bible at our Spiritual Life section
All Scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 update.
Source: https://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/evangelism/halter_backsliding.aspx
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