Subject: Flesh or Spirit |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, Would like your thoughts on, what I take as, the noticeable declension of the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4,5) compared to the so-called “backslidden” state. I’m really glad this subject came up. I’m currently studying 1 John and am having difficulties reconciling the fact that we do indeed sin, even with what the Holy Spirit does accomplish within us. From 1 John specifically, I come to an understanding that the Spirit of God works to the same result in all circumstances and that He can in no case produce un-holiness. Outside of this epistle you find reference to “quenching the Spirit” as in 1 Thessalonians 5:19. But even within the epistle I come to the conclusion that we receive a new nature at regeneration but keep remnants of the old. Could that, along with the rebuke given to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation, be indicative to the possibility of a backslidden condition within a Christian’s life? We are warned numerous times to beware of those who would lead us astray and arguably, it seems we can “forsake our first love” to a “degree” of falling away. Or is this a complete falling away from Christ? I get the sense, and I’m posting for the purpose of some sort of guidance here because I’m just really not sure, that there may be simply a temporary backslidden state to which we can repent of? Would really like to get everyone’s take on this. WOS |