In the context of Christian theology, "shrinking back" refers to the act of retreating from faith, commitment, or obedience to God. This concept is addressed in several passages of the Bible, highlighting the spiritual and moral consequences of such actions.

Biblical References:

1. Hebrews 10:38-39 : "But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." This passage underscores the importance of steadfast faith. Shrinking back is associated with divine displeasure and destruction, contrasting with the preservation of the soul through faith.

2. Luke 9:62 : "Then Jesus declared, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of unwavering commitment to the kingdom of God. Looking back, or shrinking back, is portrayed as a disqualification from divine service and the blessings of the kingdom.

3. Revelation 3:15-16 : "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!" This passage from the message to the church in Laodicea illustrates the danger of spiritual complacency and half-heartedness, akin to shrinking back. The consequence is severe rejection by Christ.

Theological Implications:

The act of shrinking back is often seen as a failure to trust in God's promises and a lack of perseverance in the Christian walk. It is a spiritual regression that can lead to a loss of divine favor and the forfeiture of eternal rewards. The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of faithfulness, endurance, and courage, warning against the spiritual peril of retreating from one's commitment to God.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences:

1. Loss of Divine Favor: As indicated in Hebrews 10:38, shrinking back results in God taking no pleasure in the individual. This loss of divine favor can manifest in a diminished sense of God's presence and blessing in one's life.

2. Spiritual Destruction: The warning in Hebrews 10:39 about destruction for those who shrink back suggests a severe spiritual consequence, potentially leading to eternal separation from God.

3. Unfitness for Service: As Jesus states in Luke 9:62, those who shrink back are deemed unfit for the kingdom of God. This implies a disqualification from participating in God's work and receiving the fullness of His promises.

4. Rejection by Christ: The imagery in Revelation 3:16 of being "vomited out" signifies a strong rejection by Christ for those who are lukewarm or shrink back in their faith.

Encouragement to Persevere:

The Bible encourages believers to persevere in their faith, drawing strength from God's promises and the example of Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This call to perseverance is a reminder of the eternal rewards and the joy set before those who remain faithful.

In summary, the consequence of shrinking back is a serious theme in Scripture, serving as a warning to maintain steadfast faith and commitment to God. The Bible calls believers to a life of perseverance, ensuring that they do not fall back but continue to grow in their relationship with God.