Individual believers can fall away from faith and be restored. Scripture gives examples of such falling away, and offers advice on how such people should be dealt with pastorally.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3

Warnings of the dangers of personal apostasy

See also

Psalms 125:4-5
Luke 9:59-62
Galatians 3:1-3; 4:8-10

Those who return to strict observance of Jewish days and festivals have not understood the gospel.

Matthew 18:6

Warnings against leading others into apostasy

See also

Proverbs 28:10
Galatians 5:7-10
1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Encouragements to guard against personal apostasy

Hebrews 3:12-14

See also

Psalms 85:8
Matthew 24:10-13,24-25
Colossians 1:21-23
1 Timothy 6:20-21

pp Mk 13:22-23

Hebrews 10:35-39; 12:1-8
2 Peter 3:17-18
Revelation 13:5-10
Galatians 6:1

Dealing with apostate believers

See also

1 Corinthians 5:4-5
James 5:19-20
1 John 5:16-17
Judges 16:20,28-30

Examples of those who were restored from apostasy

Psalms 51:1-17

Samson:

Matthew 26:74

David

Peter:

pp Mk 14:72

pp Lk 22:61-62

Acts 15:37-38

pp Jn 18:27

for the account of Peter's reinstatement see Jn 21:15-17

for evidence of John Mark's recovery see 2Ti 4:11

Isaiah 65:12-15

The punishment of apostates

Ezekiel 3:20; 18:24-26
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
2 Peter 2:17
Deuteronomy 28:63
Amos 2:4-6

Punishment through misfortune

Numbers 14:43
Judges 2:12-15

Punishment through defeat

2 Chronicles 24:20
Hosea 4:6

Punishment through rejection

See also

1462 truth, in NT
6250 temptation, sources
6732 repentance
6732 repentance
7027 church, purpose
7786 shepherd, king & leader
8774 legalism
8834 unbelief