Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit. – Jeremiah 2:11 NKJV

Throughout the entire book of Jeremiah we see a central theme – Israel’s backsliding. The dictionary definition of backsliding is ‘to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.’ Another prime example of backsliding is found in the Book of Hosea, which shows God’s relationship with Israel through the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer, a woman who had been a harlot and was continually returning to her former ways just as Israel was continually running after other gods.

But God loves the backslider.

Now that doesn’t mean He condones their backsliding, but He longs for them to come home just as The Prodigal Son’s father did. The story of The Prodigal Son shows us that God longs for His wayward children to come up over the horizon on our way back home. When we turn from our backsliding He runs to meet us. He doesn’t stand there tapping His foot with arms folded. He lifts up his garments, humbles Himself and runs with arms wide open!

Many people worry about “losing their salvation” by backsliding – which is something I personally don’t believe can happen to a true disciple of Jesus – but we should take heed to the many warnings within God’s Word of the consequences of backsliding. It is important that we are always taking inventory of our hearts to make sure that our repentance is genuine. You may or may not be able to “lose your salvation” but the repercussions of un-confessed sin and an unrepentant heart are felt not just in your own life but in the lives of those around you whether you like it or not. Heed the warning from Hebrews 6:6,

…if they fall away…they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

But also feel the love and acceptance from Hosea 14:4,

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.

If you feel that you have gone beyond the reach of your Heavenly Father, you haven’t. If you have been feasting on the pig slop of this world, and have been jilted by fickle idolatrous lovers, there is no need for you to stay where you are. The Father is right there waiting to return you to your inheritance in Him. Confess your backsliding to YHWH and He will heal you and will restore You.

“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
– Luke 15:21-24