I find it necessary to encourage everyone reading this document to be careful to observe every biblical quotation within the context in which it is found. “Proof-texting” is a horrible way to read and study the Word of God.
From the early days of my walk in Christ the use of the word ‘backsliding’ has been utilized to describe so-called Christians who live in sin, they do not walk with Christ. However, this word is only used in the Old Testament mostly to describe Israel. Never is this word used in the New Testament. This fact alone should tell us something. “For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised. So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer. So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 NASB.
Jesus said this, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place. So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!” Matthew 5:17-20.
“So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I am speaking to thoughtful people. Consider what I say. Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all share the one bread. Look at the people of Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? Am I saying that idols or food sacrificed to them amount to anything? No, I mean that what the pagans sacrifice is to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot take part in the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we really stronger than he is?” 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.
“For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, and then have committed apostasy, to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt. For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned. But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints.” Hebrew 6:4-10.
The following statements contain ‘the line drawn,’
“Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and no town or house divided against itself will stand. So if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has already overtaken you. How else can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can thoroughly plunder the house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. For this reason I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Matthew 12:25(b)-32.
The Apostle Paul’s statement in Romans chapter 7:14-25, at least in my mind, is the pivotal point of influence for interpreting the remainder of the New Testament letters.
To say that Paul is speaking of himself as a Christian in vv 14-25 enables every Believer to say, “I am a sinner.” Sin and the old man are who I am and I cannot help myself. My backslidden condition keeps me from the righteousness provided by God. No, I am not lost, but I live as if I am.” Oftentimes the parable of ‘The Lost Son’ is cited when addressing the topic ‘backslidden.’
On the other side of the same coin, we find the Apostle addressing his life before his encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus. With this is the thought, “I occasionally sin, but do not ‘practice’ the same and ‘in Christ’ my struggle is with temptation coming from Satan’s minions outside of who I am. The indwelling Holy Spirit will not allow me to participate in the darkness because I am of the Light. For just as Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
Really, this is an ongoing discussion having been with the Church since Paul wrote Romans chapter 7. Where you stand is critical to understanding your walk with Jesus Christ. Be certain of who you are and Whose you are.
Jesus is Lord.
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