p. 82 | BACKSLIDING by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1879

BACKSLIDING

By M. Wood

The definition of the word backslider, as given by Webster, is, one who backslides; a renegade. Such an epithet is not desirable, even to those who are living in open rebellion against God's authority. But are we not justly entitled to the name when we apostatize from God, and go over to the ranks of the enemy? Most assuredly we are. He who deserts his post of duty in time of war is looked upon as a mean, cowardly fellow; and frequently the poor creature forfeits his life for deserting the banner under which he enlisted.

What is it to backslide? An inspired definition of the term backslide may be found in numerous places in the Bible. Take, for instance, the case of Solomon. His heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel,—he kept not the commandments of God,—and for that reason the kingdom was not established in his family. With all his wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of things human and divine, he was unable to keep himself a single hour without that help which comes alone from God. He trusted in his own heart; but the heart, the Bible tells us, is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.

Christ says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Rev. 2:4. To leave our first love, when founded upon Christ and his truth, is to depart from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. Such a course invariably brings leanness and barrenness to the soul, and causes the just displeasure of God.

When Israel turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers, they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. God was wroth on account of this, and greatly abhorred Israel. Ps. 78:57, 59. God is the same yesterday to-day, and forever; and when his people are so unmindful of their obligations to him as to slight proffered mercy and reject the true light which now shines upon them, they are in a deplorable condition.

I have lately conversed with an individual who a few years since fully indorsed and embraced the truth as taught by S. D. Adventists; but when the straight testimony, which cuts like a two-edged sword, was given, it stirred up the unsanctified heart, the door was left unguarded, Satan came in, Jesus went out, and the person backslid from God. But why was he reproved? Because God loved him, and wanted to save him, he sent his Spirit to enlighten him; but he would none of God's counsels. His light became darkness, and he seems to be given over to hardness of heart. Solomon says that the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.

What excuse can those render who once loved the truth, and believed the testimonies to be a part of the third angel's message, and then rebel against them if they in God's providence are reproved by them. And what better position do those occupy who profess to believe the testimonies until their wrongs are pointed out, and then simply acknowledge them to save their reputation, while by disobedience they show no practical faith in them? Surely such are in a backslidden condition. May God pity them, and permit the scales to fall from their eyes, that they may see their true condition, and repent ere the Spirit of God ceases to strive with them. M. WOOD.