Can A Chrisian Backslide? Calvanism-Once Saved Always Saved Is A Lie

We come across many people who claim the concepts of Calvinism (once saved always saved/predestination/damnation) but they will shy away from admitting it and do what they can to dodge the following verses, twisting them to suit their own flawed theology in order to cover for their sinful and disobedient life. 

Here we will look at one point of their false theology (that a Christian cannot backslide) and see what God's Word says.   

Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.


The Hebrew word for backslider is:
 sûg:   
A primitive root; properly to flinch, that is, (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize): - backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back).

Can a Christian turn away from God?

See a few of the many verses that say…yes. 

John 6:66 From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.

Jeremiah 2:19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.

Luke 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:   But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren

1 Timothy 4:-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron

1 Timothy 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan

2 Tim 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.


Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Jeremiah 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.

Luke 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.   For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.   But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Matthew 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matt 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Revelation 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

1 Corinthians 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Romans 11
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Unfortunately many people are falsely teaching that believers are eternally secure no matter what. This is a lie because God’s Word clearly shows us MANY warnings about backsliding, turning or falling away. 

Heed this warning:
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 

We encourage you to stand strong, hold fast in the faith and follow nothing but the Word of God, not taking salvation for granted.


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