I recently finished reading Richard Baxter’s “The Reformed Pastor.” The title has little to do with the Reformed movement, although Baxter was identified as a Puritan minister. Rather, the book – one of the best books I have read on pastoral ministry and certainly one that every pastor should read – emphasizes renewal for pastors. Though he wrote in the 1600s, his words have been both arrows into and salve for my soul. 

At one point Baxter comments about the “backslider,” which generated the question for me: “is it possible for a true Christian to backslide?” 

The answer depends on our definition of the term. If by backsliding, we mean that our enthusiasm and vigor for Christ can begin to wane, then it is certainly possible. We see the church of Ephesus going through this in Revelation 2:4 where Jesus in rebuke says, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”  

However, I have at times heard backsliding explained in a way that is completely unbiblical: affirming someone as a Christian who has very little regard for God, simply because he or she “prayed the sinner’s prayer.” This individual is led to believe that he or she became a Christian by praying a prayer or walking forward at a church invitation. Although the person is living an outwardly sinful lifestyle or has very little use for Christ, they are told they are simply backslidden. 

The reason this person is certainly not a backsliding Christian is one who knows Christ will not stay backslidden forever. One will not remain in an endless downward spiral of sin. God has promised that he will chasten his children. Ultimately, you will either repent and follow Christ, or apostatize and walk away from Christ. Thus, Baxter insists that backsliding is a natural road to apostasy, and that a backslider is in a dangerous and vulnerable position. 

My friends, if we see or know such a backslider – someone whose walk is losing its fervor for Christ – we must encourage and bolster his or her faith, before it is too late. Or maybe your fervor for Christ is waning at this moment. What are we to do? Jesus gives the remedy in Revelation 2:5 saying, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” In other words, Remember, Repent, and Repeat. Remember the sweetness of Christ before you began sliding back. Repent of your waywardness. Repeat the actions that flowed from a heart of love in your more enthusiastic days. 

If we were to add another "R" to the list we could also say, "Rest." Rest in the fact that as a child of God, He has promised to accomplish the work of salvation that He has begun in you. Rest in that truth weary Christian friend. Soli Deo Gloria!