Definition and Overview:
Turning our backs on God refers to the act of rejecting, ignoring, or abandoning one's faith and relationship with God. This concept is often associated with disobedience, rebellion, and apostasy. It is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the consequences of forsaking God and the call to repentance and restoration.

Biblical Instances:

1. Israel's Rebellion:
The nation of Israel frequently turned away from God despite His continuous guidance and provision. In the wilderness, they grumbled and longed for Egypt, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's promises (Exodus 16:3). Later, during the period of the Judges, Israel repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, crying out to God only after suffering the consequences of their rebellion (Judges 2:11-19).

2. The Golden Calf:
One of the most notable instances of turning away from God is the worship of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the Israelites crafted an idol, violating the first commandment (Exodus 32:1-4). This act of idolatry was a direct turning away from God, leading to severe consequences.

3. King Solomon:
Despite his wisdom, King Solomon turned his heart away from God by marrying foreign women who led him to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:1-4). This deviation from God's commandments resulted in the division of the kingdom after his reign.

4. The Prodigal Son:
In the New Testament, the parable of the prodigal son illustrates a personal turning away from God. The younger son demands his inheritance and squanders it in a distant land, symbolizing a life lived apart from the Father (Luke 15:11-13). His eventual return and repentance highlight God's readiness to forgive and restore.

Consequences:

1. Separation from God:
Turning away from God results in spiritual separation. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

2. Loss of Blessings:
The Israelites experienced loss and hardship when they turned from God. Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the tangible consequences of forsaking God.

3. Judgment and Exile:
The ultimate consequence for Israel's persistent rebellion was exile. The Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria, and the Southern Kingdom was taken captive by Babylon, fulfilling prophetic warnings (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 25:8-11).

Call to Repentance:

1. Prophetic Warnings:
Prophets like Jeremiah and Hosea called Israel to return to God, emphasizing His willingness to forgive. Jeremiah 3:12-13 urges, "Return, faithless Israel... I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt."

2. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues the call to repentance. In Acts 3:19, Peter exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

3. God's Faithfulness:
Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13 reassures, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."

Practical Implications:

1. Vigilance in Faith:
Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of turning away. Hebrews 3:12 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God."

2. Community and Accountability:
The Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging one another to remain faithful. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

3. Personal Reflection:
Regular self-examination and prayer are essential in maintaining a close relationship with God. Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to search our hearts and lead us in the way everlasting.

Turning our backs on God is a serious matter with profound spiritual implications. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings to guide believers in maintaining their faithfulness and seeking restoration when they stray.