Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8707 apostasy, dealing with personal

8707 apostasy, dealing with personal

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8704 apostasy » 8707 apostasy, dealing with personal

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.

Warnings of the dangers of personal apostasy

2 Corinthians 11:2-3 See also Psalm 125:4-5; Luke 9:59-62; Galatians 3:1-3; Galatians 4:8-10 Those who return to strict observance of Jewish days and festivals have not understood the gospel.

Warnings against leading others into apostasy

Matthew 18:6 See also Proverbs 28:10; Galatians 5:7-10

Encouragements to guard against personal apostasy

1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Hebrews 3:12-14 See also Psalm 85:8; Matthew 24:10-13,24-25 pp Mark 13:22-23; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 12:1-8; 2 Peter 3:17-18; Revelation 13:5-10

Dealing with apostate believers

Galatians 6:1 See also 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; James 5:19-20; 1 John 5:16-17

Examples of those who were restored from apostasy

Samson:

Judges 16:20,28-30 Psalm 51:1-17 David

Peter:

Matthew 26:74 pp Mark 14:72 pp Luke 22:61-62 pp John 18:27 for the account of Peter's reinstatement see Jn 21:15-17 Acts 15:37-38 for evidence of John Mark's recovery see 2Ti 4:11

The punishment of apostates

Isaiah 65:12-15; Ezekiel 3:20; Ezekiel 18:24-26; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 2 Peter 2:17

Punishment through misfortune

Deuteronomy 28:63; Amos 2:4-6

Punishment through defeat

Numbers 14:43; Judges 2:12-15

Punishment through rejection

2 Chronicles 24:20; Hosea 4:6