Spiritual Restoration – Reading Ps 51

How many people in the Bible fell into a backslidden state?

David, Jonah, Abraham, Prodigal Son, Peter...................................

How can or may the Christian in a spiritual decline be restored?

The Christian in spiritual decline may be restored when he comes to himself, realises the seriousness of his position and fulfils carefully the conditions in scripture.

1. The restoration of the Christian whose life is in spiritual decline is taught in scripture.

The backslider’s state is not hopeless. Ps 37:24

Nothing can be done for the backslider until they are pricked in their heart. Mark 14:72; John 21:15-17

You are exhorted to return to the Lord. 2 Chron 30:6; Isa 3:12, 14, 22; Hos 14:1-4

The Lord uses Chastisement to bring the backslider back to Himself. Hosea 2:6, 5:15, 6:1

A Christian may also be used in their restoration. Gal 6:1; this can be done through direct questions Gal 4:15 or by direct accusation 2 Sam 12:1-13

Restoration can only take place when they come to themselves. Luke 15:17; Jonah 2:2-4

2. The Lord promises to pardon the backslider and revive the Christian in Spiritual decline.

There are conditions. 2 Chron 7:14

The RECONITION that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Jon 2:9

The REMEMBERANCE that God is a jealous God. Ex 34:14

All arrogance, self-assurance and pride must put to the side but there must be submission and humbling before God. James 4:6

Hosea 5:5-7 5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them. 6They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. 7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

There must be RESISTANCE to the devil. James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Eph 6:16

Draw near to God. James 4:8

The sin of backsliding is to be confessed as we depend on the atoning work of Christ. 1 John 1 :7-9

We must turn away from the things that have led us astray. Isa 1:16-20

3. What will be the results of the restoration of a Christian

THINK!

The joy of God’s salvation. Ps 51:12

The desire for witnessing. Ps 51:13

There will be praise. Ps 51:15

There will be humility Ps 51:17

There will be acceptance of God’s will. Ps 51:8