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What the Bible Says About Backsliding

Overview

The Bible addresses backsliding across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Matthew and Jeremiah. Closely related themes include Denial of Christ, Jesus, The Christ, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter and Paul.

Key Bible verses about backsliding

Old Testament

Isaiah

Isaiah 59:9

Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

Isaiah 59:10

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.

Isaiah 59:11

We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

Isaiah 59:12

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;

Isaiah 59:13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Isaiah 59:14

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

New Testament

People in the Bible and backsliding

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying backsliding for yourself

  • Begin with Isaiah 59:9, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Isaiah, Matthew and Jeremiah each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus, Peter and Paul and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Denial of Christ, Jesus, The Christ, Peter and Prisoners.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about backsliding?

The Bible addresses backsliding across 20 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Matthew and Jeremiah. Closely related themes include Denial of Christ, Jesus, The Christ, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter and Paul.

How many Bible verses are about backsliding?

The Bible references backsliding in 20 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention backsliding?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Isaiah 59:9: “Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with backsliding?

Jesus, Peter and Paul.

Preach & teach

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