Joe Thorn: 25 Marks of a Backslidden Christian

Joe Thorn has a good post up today about backsliding, how it's not something we talk about much nowadays, and what are the marks of it. Here are some of the marks (from Richard Owen Roberts) that Joe lists. Read the whole post.

3. When the biblical knowledge possessed or acquired is treated as external fact and not applied inwardly, backsliding is present.

9. When aspirations for Christlike holiness cease to be dominant in your life and thinking, backsliding is there.

15. When the slightest excuse seems sufficient to keep you from spiritual duty and opportunity, you are backslidden.

18. When there is no music in your soul and no song in your heart, the silence testifies to your backsliding.

25. When your tears are dried up and the hard, cold spiritual facts of your existence cannot unleash them, see this as an awful testimony both of the hardness of your heart and the depth of your backsliding.

Go read 25 Marks of a Backslidden Christian

Comments

[Steve Martin]

We are all "backslidden"...all the time.

Sin is not something that we step around, or step into...it is our condition.

While we might be able to avoid certain 'sins'...it is impossible for us to avoid 'sin'.

"If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Thanks.

[Steve McCoy]

Steve,

1. It's not that simple. But I'm not really wanting a conversation about it. I know this list will be helpful for many, and it's good for my soul and points me to the gospel. But if you don't like the list, feel free to not read it.

2. You are basically commenting the same thing on my blog and Joe's blog. That's bad blog etiquette. So I deleted your second mirrored comment. Thanks for understanding.

[rob]

Is the word "backslidden" used by any other culture groups besides Christians?

The word has many negative connotations ( I know it IS a negative word ) but it makes me think about people judging people.

What are some other ways to communicate this concept?
"Off course"?

[Steve McCoy]

Rob, I don't think "off course" communicates the same thing. I'm also not sure we should look for other language as it's communicated to an in-house group. We should have our own language, our own terminology. Every tribe does (religious, business, sports team, etc). A part of what makes us a tribe is that we have specific terms that describe realities the larger culture would need explained.

[rob]

Good points Steve. I think the word has been abused in the past - but that doesn't make it inherently bad.

[Steve Martin]

Steve,

I always look for opportunities to speak about how the Scriptures view us (humans) and what we are capable of. And then I look to share the gospel in the face of those law passages.

How could sharing it be bad etiquette in sharing one's thoughts about law and gospel? Does he not have some different readership than you, and vice versa?

For what it is worth, you or any reader of your blog or Joe's blog are always welcome to voice your opinions and make comments on my blog. We love the freedom in Christ to do so.

I appreciate you giving me the chance to chime in over here, Steve.

[Steve McCoy]

Steve, I'm not against discussing it. But I'm following the conversation at Joe's blog (as he's the one who posted it) and I don't have anything to add to what Joe said. Thanks for your comment.