Frequently asked questions and answers

Question 346: Is There Any Hope For The Backslider?

Answer:

See Hebrews 10:26-29; John 6:37; Hebrews 6:4-6 and 1 John 1:9. The passage in Hebrews 10 refers to those who sin after receiving "full knowledge" of the truth (see 1 Timothy 2:4) and who after having been "enlightened" and tasting a certain measure of grace and the Spirit of Truth (see John 14:17-29), apostatize to Judaism or infidelity. Such is not a sin of ignorance or error, but the result of moral wickedness or a deliberate sin against the Spirit - a presumptuous sin against Moshiach's redemption for us and the spirit of grace in us. Having fully known the one sacrifice for sin and having a certain experience of the efficacy of that sacrifice, they have now rejected it. In Hebrews 6:4, 6, the same idea is emphasized. Such sinners crucify Moshiach anew, instead of crucifying the world (see Galatians 6:14). The passage in John 6:37 express the glorious certainty of eternal life to those who believe and stand firm - those who are given Him of the Father and come to Him with full surrender. Not the simply willing, but the actually faithful; not the waverers, but the true and abiding, are to realize the promise. In the backslider there has been no complete dedication, otherwise there would be no apostasy. 1 John 19 emphasizes the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance of the faithful ones. Concerning the possibilities of a return to Moshiach on the part of a backslider, we can only assert that what to man may and often does seem impossible, is possible with YHVH and that His grace is boundless. Peter backslid in a most grievous way and yet was forgiven. By a miracle of divine grace, the backslider, although beyond human hope of recall, may in YHVH's abundant mercy find refuge and forgiveness.