Backsliding, also known as falling away or described as “committing apostasy”, is a term used within Christianity to describe a process by which an individual who has converted to Christianity reverts to pre-conversion habits and/or lapses or falls into sin, when a person turns from God to pursue their own desire.

 

 

 

Backsliding is a sliding back. Though it is not sudden in onset, it may escalate rapidly.

Backsliding is different from falling away or apostasy, which is the extreme end of backsliding. Apostasy or falling away is the act or state of rejecting the Christian Faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

How do I deal with backsliding?

There are events in life, such as the death of a loved one, that may cause us to question God. This is understandable, as long as we go to God with those questions rather than using them as excuses to live in rebellion.

 

 

The result of a crisis of faith is often that we come to know God more intimately than before. In times of trial, we should delve into the Word, pray with persistence (Luke 18:1), and surround ourselves with those whose faith is strong.

Accept your backsliding as a mistake that happens to many people. Acknowledge that the Lord is forgiving and ask for forgiveness. Instead of running away from God, draw near to Him and find peace and comfort in Him. See it as part of your human fallibility, but don’t give up on the Lord. He hasn’t given up on you!

Start anew! Begin attending church or return to the church you left, read your Bible, listen to Christian music, and hang out with Christian friends or join a Christian group. Abide in the wholesome atmosphere and good company of Christians.

 

 

Featured Photos by Karsten Winegeart , Annie Spratt , Nathan Dumlao and Ahtziri Lagarde on Unsplash