What is a "backslider"?

[Soutane]

This is a question for my seperated brethren,but I encourage anyone to contribute.What is a backslider and does it have any implications for OSAS(or non-implications)I do realise that not all non-Catholic Christians subscribe to this belief.Thanks.

 

[Publisher]

As I understand, it’s a term many Evangelicals use for those not living a Christian life…for those who believe in Eternal Security, a “backslider” is a Christian living in a state of sin, their sins are still forgiven as Christ is continuously advocating for them before the Father…some believe that God will “bring them home” if they don’t quit living a sinful life to not allow them to continue in their sinful ways.

For Arminians, backsliding typically means one has turned from God to sin again…much like living in “mortal sin” is to a Catholic…when a “backslider” returns through repentance he is forgiven his sins.

 

[Soutane]

As I understand, it’s a term many Evangelicals use for those not living a Christian life…for those who believe in Eternal Security, a “backslider” is a Christian living in a state of sin, their sins are still forgiven as Christ is continuously advocating for them before the Father…some believe that God will “bring them home” if they don’t quit living a sinful life to not allow them to continue in their sinful ways.

For Arminians, backsliding typically means one has turned from God to sin again…much like living in “mortal sin” is to a Catholic…when a “backslider” returns through repentance he is forgiven his sins.

Thanks very much.When you say that some believe that God will bring them “home” are you referring to premature death?Also Publisher,who are the Arminians and why are they called that?If the backslider does not repent in this instance prior to his death is he damned/Please forgive me my ignorance.

 

[mabibleteacher]

The term 'backslider" refers to someone who was once demonstrating their faith though the works of their life but now is no longer doing that.
Simply said, they used to act like a “good” Christian and now that don’t.

I has nothing to do with the condition of their heart or the status of their salvation. In fact, in order to be considered a “backslider”, you must have already turned your life over to God and accepted Jesus as your savior. Once you do that and receive complete forgiveness for all sins (past ,present and future) you have salvation. In theory your outward behavior should then demonstrate the change in your heart. But as well all know, old habits die hard and that is not always the case.

I dislike the term because I feel it is judgemental and we cannot judge the heart of men, only God can do that.

 

[Soutane]

The term 'backslider" refers to someone who was once demonstrating their faith though the works of their life but now is no longer doing that.
Simply said, they used to act like a “good” Christian and now that don’t.

I has nothing to do with the condition of their heart or the status of their salvation. In fact, in order to be considered a “backslider”, you must have already turned your life over to God and accepted Jesus as your savior. Once you do that and receive complete forgiveness for all sins (past ,present and future) you have salvation. In theory your outward behavior should then demonstrate the change in your heart. But as well all know, old habits die hard and that is not always the case.

I dislike the term because I feel it is judgemental and we cannot judge the heart of men, only God can do that.

Thanks for the information.While I do not subscribe to OSAS as my Faith teaches that we must cooperate with the graces God has given us and that God has given us the Free Will to accept or reject His freely offered gift of Salvation, I certainly agree with your last sentiment

 

[jakasaki]

OK, I had to look it up because I’ve never heard of the word…

• to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities
• To revert to sin or wrongdoing, especially in religious practice

 

[Publisher]

Thanks very much.When you say that some believe that God will bring them “home” are you referring to premature death?Also Publisher,who are the Arminians and why are they called that?If the backslider does not repent in this instance prior to his death is he damned/Please forgive me my ignorance.

I believe some Calvinists do believe that a “backslidden” Christian will suffer a pre-mature death to insure their salvation…it’s a bit over the top for me…but many of my beliefs are not accepted by Calvinists either…I’m ok with that.

There was a debate between I believe Jacob Arminian and John Calvin about free will and irresistable grace…those who accepted the ideas of John Calvin including the “perseverance of the saints”…aka “eternal security” can be found among most Baptists and Presbyterians…those who believe in free will and the possibility of “loosing ones salvation through sin” are found among those groups with beliefs similar to Methodists, Nazarenes, Free-will Baptists etc.

Some Arminians do believe if a person dies in sin they suffer judgement…I choose to believe…“I am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him against that day.”…those who walk in newness of life with Christ are “kept” secure by faith…God is the “Keeper”…we are the “kept”…a godly life is the signature of one who has been redeemed.

 

[mabibleteacher]

Thanks for the information.While I do not subscribe to OSAS as my Faith teaches that we must cooperate with the graces God has given us and that God has given us the Free Will to accept or reject His freely offered gift of Salvation, I certainly agree with your last sentiment

Can I ask why you don’t subscribe to the idea of OSAS?