To delve into this topic, we must first recognize that only a true born-again Christian can be a backslider. This does not mean that the Christian became unsaved. It does mean that we all in our human flesh are subject to commit sins and as such do damage to our fellowship with God. There is a major difference between relationship with God and fellowship with God. My children are my children no matter what they do. Nothing can undo that kind of a relationship. So, it is when we ask Christ into our hearts to be born again as his child. However, we can and perhaps likely will do damage to our fellowship with God. With the same example, a child may create a situation in which their fellowship with a parent is harmed. So, it is with our ongoing experience with God.
It is difficult to enjoy any relationship when the fellowship has been injured. It is also unrealistic to expect extra benefits or blessings during that time the fellowship is broken. It is unlikely that the Holy Spirit will have free reign in a person’s thinking and behavior when that fellowship is alienated. This is the reason I am writing this article. We all must be weary of any factor that could injure our fellowship with the Almighty God. We should likewise be knowledgeable of how to remedy that injury. It is important that we take into consideration that God did not cause any type of injury to the fellowship. It is solely the responsibility and action of the believer.
The disciple Peter is a good example of this. He was an egotistical and boisterous person. His pride caused him to make outlandish statements even to Jesus himself. The Lord prophesied Peter would deny him in the near future when the cock crowed. He tried to counteract the prophecy of Christ by saying that would never happen. It was at that point he began his backsliding. Stop to think how outlandish it was for Peter’s pride to contradict the Divine Son Of God! Shortly thereafter Jesus was arrested and put on trial for phony reasons.
The Bible says Peter followed Christ far off to the high priest palace. That’s a prime example of backsliding and what it entails. We follow God far off .Outside Peter was warming himself by the fire and was confronted by three people who accused him of being a follower of Jesus. To these accusations he vehemently denied and at one point even swore and cursed. He was then a full-fledged backslider.
It is very profound that as Jesus was being led away, he looked at Peter. Can you imagine what that look must’ve been like from the Christ? Can you even imagine the effect it had on Peter knowing what he had just done? The realization of his betrayal of the Lord struck hard on to Peter. At that point Jesus looked at him causing him to run away weeping. How devastating this must’ve been to one of the closest disciples Jesus had! How crushing to his ego, it must’ve been to Peter. But we must say that it is likely his ego needed to be crushed. At that point Peter was missing from the occasion of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. At a time when Jesus needed the support of his friend, he was nowhere to be found. It was not until the resurrection of Christ Peter was back on the scene.
We must adamantly declare that Peter did not become unsaved or an un-disciple. He was always a child of God. However, he was a wayward child and needed to ask forgiveness and refresh his fellowship with the Lord. This is in direct contrast to the betrayal of Judas who when he realized the dastardly deed that he did, he committed suicide.
Ours is to follow the example of Peter that when we harm our fellowship with God, we must immediately and wholeheartedly repent. Thereafter, we are eligible to openly serve him again.
Christian Writer 