p. 16 | 74. HOPE FOR BACKSLIDERS by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 23, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 12.

74. HOPE FOR BACKSLIDERS.

By Editor

Will you be so kind as to give the evidence in the Scriptures of the chance for a backslider's being reclaimed after the crucifixion or ascension of Christ? And should they be baptized again? MRS. S. T.

We have considerably condensed our correspondent's questions, who seems to be troubled over Heb. 6:4-7. That text has no reference to the time of the crucifixion, but to what the crucifixion does for one. God is always the same, after the crucifixion as before. The text simply teaches what Heb. 10:26-29 and other scriptures teach, that when a man willfully rejects all the means ordained of God to save him, his case is hopeless; there is no way to reach him. He has closed his heart to the grace of God, and God will not force anyone. There is always hope for the backslider as long as he longs to be freed from sin and willingly submits to God's will. Read 1 John 2:1. James 4:1-10 was written for backsliders; so also was Rev. 2:5, 14-16; 3:1-3, 14-21. As to whether a backslider should be rebaptized or not depends on the extent of the backsliding. If they have become dead in trespasses and sins, and through Christ are brought to life, we do not know why the marriage symbol of the believer with Christ should not be renewed. Much more might be said, but this states it in brief. God's mercy is over all, and there is always hope for the greatest sinner if he will but choose God and his ways.