Biblical Causes & Solutions to Backsliding / Apostasy / Leaving the Church
Biblical causes of backsliding & apostasy:
- doesn't understand doctrine. Matthew 13:19 "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path."
- not enough root in the Word. Matthew 13:20-21 "The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away."
- worries of life and deceitfulness of wealth. Matthew 13:22 "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful."
- miscomputation of benefits. Matthew 19:21-22, 29 "Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.". "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother [h]or wife or children or [i]lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
- doesn't understand doctrine, lusting after wrong ideas. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
- contrary doctrine. Romans 16:17 "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
- distorted gospel. Galatians 1:7-9 "Not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."
- immorality. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11. "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one."
- neglecting church. Hebrews 10:25 "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
- pride. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."
- disobedience
"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them."23The Great Controversy, 608.
Biblical Solutions:
- Holy Spirit. John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
- understand doctrine. Matthew 13:23 "But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
- study. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
- listen to preaching. Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
- ask for wisdom. James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
- replace sin w/ God's Word. Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
- obedience
"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them."23The Great Controversy, 608.
Some EGW Quotes
- Those who have drawn away from us, who have not remained in the truth, will talk, they will fabricate reasons as to why they did not remain steadfast. They will do just as Satan did, cast reproach upon some one else. God will be accused of unfairness.—Letter 126, 1897, pp. 4, 5, 7. (To Brother and Sister John Wessels, May 18, 1897.)
- Christians who are constantly growing in earnestness, in zeal, in fervor, in love,--such Christians never backslide. --Review and Herald, June 7, 1887. {ChS 107.4}
- There is but one genuine cure for spiritual laziness, and that is work,--working for souls who need your help.-- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 236. {ChS 107.2}
EGW Affirmations
Backsliding, among Friends 2SM 473 | 
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Backsliding, among God's people, astonishing TM 450 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, among God's people, astonishing TM 450, discord a result of 1T 246-7 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, before second advent, Christ foretold GC 309 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, among college students 4T 425 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, lack of watchfulness and prayer as LS 220 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, love of dress 4T 647 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, ministers' influence as 2T 620 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, sometimes concealed 4T 31-2 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, tampering with tea and coffee Te 80 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, children's, parental neglect causes 5T 38 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, church leavened with her own 8T 250-1 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, confession of, needed 6T 408; 8T 11-2 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, constant brooding over, no spiritual strength in 5T 741 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, continual, re health reform CH 578 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, evidence of, desire to urge men into public notice is 5T 75 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, first step in, often leads to complete apostasy 2BC 1000 | (0 Likes) pts
Backsliding, from health-reform principles 9T 153 | (0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, be surprised at nothing in line of 4BC 1170; 2SM 147 | 
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Apostasy, Future, deepest, God's people as lights during PK 189 | (0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, among God's people, astonishing TM 450 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, among God's people, astonishing TM 450, discord a result of 1T 246-7 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, before second advent, Christ foretold GC 309 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, among college students 4T 425 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, lack of watchfulness and prayer as LS 220 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, love of dress 4T 647 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, ministers' influence as 2T 620 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, sometimes concealed 4T 31-2 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, cause of SD 89; Te 19, tampering with tea and coffee Te 80 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, children's, parental neglect causes 5T 38 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, church leavened with her own 8T 250-1 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, confession of, needed 6T 408; 8T 11-2 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, constant brooding over, no spiritual strength in 5T 741 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, continual, re health reform CH 578 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, evidence of, desire to urge men into public notice is 5T 75 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, first step in, often leads to complete apostasy 2BC 1000 |
(0 Likes) ptsBacksliding, from health-reform principles 9T 153 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, be surprised at nothing in line of 4BC 1170; 2SM 147 | (0 Likes) pts (0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, leaven of, to work with increasing power 7BC 910 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, national, by Sunday law 5T 451 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, national, by Sunday law 5T 451, signal for national ruin 2SM 373 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, national, by Sunday law 5T 451, will end in national ruin 7BC 977; Ev 235 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, ringleaders in 5T 212 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, test will bring FE 460; 6T 132 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, till conflict ends there will be PK 83 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, way for image to beast prepared by GC 444 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, will be seen in our ranks Ev 593; 6T 400-1 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, will develop into darkness deep as midnight PK 717 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Future, will increase Ev 363; 2SM 383 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, In early church, aid of civil government sought during GC 443 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, In early church, gradual, led to establishment of papal power GC 49-0; GC 443 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, In early church, great, Paul foretold GC 49; GC 444 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, In early church, in first centuries EW 210-3; EW 226-7; GC 42-9; GC 298; GC 384-5; GC 551; SR 322-4; SR 354-5; 8T 26; 8T 241-2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, after rending of kingdom of Israel PK 109 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Ahab's reign marked by PK 116; 3T 273-86 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, at Sinai PP 315-30; TM 98-102 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Bible presents results of PK 668 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, blessings of God's presence lost by PP 343 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, deeper, followed every reformation DA 28 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, developed gradually PK 55; PK 147; PK 296 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Elijah stood grandly alone amid 5T 526 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, gathered strength with passing years PK 384 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, God bore long with 3BC 1132 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, heathen abominations prevailed during PP 337 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, inquiry by many people during PK 326 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, in reign of Ahaz PK 322; PK 331-2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, in Solomon's time 2BC 1026; 2BC 1028; 2BC 1032-3; FE 499; PK 47; PK 51-8; 4aSG 100-1 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Isaiah saw, in vision DA 590 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Jeremiah labored in time of PK 408 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Jews subject to Rome because of DA 602 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, laws given as safeguard against PK 620 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, leaders of, death penalty for PP 455 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, marriage and mingling with heathen led to PK 620; PP 171; PP 544-5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, more dreadful than famine PK 127; 3T 276 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Moses foretold results of PK 295 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, results of, in kingdom of Israel PK 281 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, speedily brought punishment PP 557 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, unparalleled, in Habakkuk's time PK 387 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Israelite, Zephaniah's warnings re results of PK 389 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, call, by its right name 1BC 1114; 2SM 393 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, complete, backsliding often leads to 2BC 1000 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, fanciful views of God lead to 8T 292 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, God willing to hear and forgive in time of PK 334 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, honest souls led away by, will be rescued 2T 111 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, hosts of, we cannot avoid conflict with SD 41 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, how believers may fall into 5T 537 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, least deviation from right may end in 4T 578 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, minister's, does not change truth into lie 4T 595 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, minister's, does not change truth into lie 4T 595, neglect of light leads to 2T 627 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, obedience to God keeps men from PK 83 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, open, not more offensive than hypocrisy PP 523 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, Satan works to exalt, as truth TM 16 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, sign of, disobedience is 7BC 908 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, slight difference should not lead to CW 31 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, speak courage in time of 2T 515 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, those choosing, will perish with Satan 6T 407 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, through eternity all will be secure from DA 26 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, to enter new organization would mean 2SM 390 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, when light is not security against PK 83 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, why God permits 4BC 1152; 2SM 394-5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, why many go off into rebellion in 1BC 1114 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Miscellaneous, widespread, not yet universal PK 171 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, among: God's people before Flood 5T 93 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, among: God's people before Flood 5T 93, Noah's descendants 1BC 1091-2; PP 118; 2SM 412; SR 72; 8T 213 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, ancient, recorded as warning to us 3SG 5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, centuries of, treasure up wrath GC 286 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, church often afflicted by 5T 688 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in 1844 LS 61-2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in Abraham's time PP 125 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in England GC 388 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in every age of, people true to God PP 338 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in Galatia, how Paul dealt with AA 383-8 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, in some churches in Paul's time AA 296 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, judgment will reveal heinous character of DA 58 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, man alienated himself from God by 5T 230 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, man's, has brought discord, wretchedness, and ruin 2BC 999 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, man united with Satan in FE 199 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, martyrs refused deliverance on condition of 4T 336 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, original, deplorable effect of MH 129 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, sad history of, exploited by infidelity 3SG 5-6 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, Satan and man became evil by GC 505 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, universal, how world was to be kept from PK 687 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Past, universal, how world was to be kept from PK 687, in Christ's time 5T 421 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, almost universal TM 151 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, almost universal TM 151, who will be able to stand in 6BC 1106 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, among God's people FE 197; LS 326; 5T 72 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, characteristic PK 185 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, encouragement to stand for right during PK 177 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, general, promise to the obedient amid 4BC 1148 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, God's judgments invited by PK 305-6 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, great, will develop into darkness deep as midnight COL 414 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, in air we breathe 1BC 1114; 2SM 58; 2SM 394 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, met everywhere 4T 448 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, only obedience to God's requirements will keep man from PK 83 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, prevailing spirit of PK 178; 5T 79 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, prevailing spirit of PK 178; 5T 79, in religious world PP 166-7 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, prevailing spirit of PK 178; 5T 79, promises for the faithful amid PK 427 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, prevailing spirit of PK 178; 5T 79, similar to that of Elijah's time PK 170 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, regarding iniquity in heart leads to 5T 680 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, Satan diligently works to win men to TM 163 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, work of, culmination not yet reached in GC 389 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Present-day, world lies in Ev 18 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, abhor evil if you dislike the thought of TMK 254:5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, acceptance of, to get revenge 3SM 397:2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, begins in secret rebellion against God's law OHC 347:3; TMK 254:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, character of some we trusted will develop into 3SM 411:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, cleansing of soul (from adultery) to avoid TSB 193:1 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, confederacy of, tries to divert allegiance of faithful Mar 204:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, darkness of, coming; use any method PM 324:5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, end of, after apparent success of Satan 3SM 393:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, expected in last conflict 3SM 425:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, first step in, is losing faith in writings of Ellen White PM 360:1 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, harm not to be feared because of 3SM 37:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, humility is antidote to Satan's type of TDG 16:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, illiterate safe from, with evidence of truth in heart 3SM 400:0 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, increasing, adds to accumulation of ages TDG 84:2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, increasing, until the Lord comes UL 352:2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, instruction in Rom. 12:9 for those who find, grievous OHC 347:5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, light and blessings no security against UL 310:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, national, God will work for His people in time of 3SM 388:5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, national, registered in heaven when religious liberty sacrificed Mar 216:2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, national, ruin follows LDE 134 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, nominal Christianity in time of, is greatest fear 3SM 399:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, now is time of, with seducing spirits (1907) 3SM 408:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, obedience keeps people from UL 318:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, others led astray by those in; we are not to join them 3SM 412:0 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, prevailing spirit of our time TMK 206:2 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, rapid descent in, after believer listens to temptation OHC 347:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, rebellion against God's law begins AG 333:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, replacement of ones leaving because of Mar 200:6; 3SM 422:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, rise of, known from beginning by God and Christ LHU 74:6 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, safe in time of, by living experience 3SM 399:3 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, security from, light does not provide, unless received UL 318:4 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, Solomon's, misusing talents caused CC 193:5 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, stopped if ministers studied character of Christ 3SM 187:1 |
(0 Likes) ptsApostasy, Supplement, truth held too lightly prepares for 3SM 415:4 |
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