Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” – 1 John 3:9

Devotional Thought

The word backsliding gets used often in church circles, but is it biblical? Scripture shows us that Christians do stumble, but there’s a difference between occasional sin and a lifestyle of unrepentant rebellion. John, Paul, and Peter agree—those who truly belong to Christ cannot remain comfortable in sin because the Spirit of God dwells in them.

Repentance isn’t a one-time act when we first believe; it’s a daily posture of the heart. A true believer may fall, but they will be convicted, disciplined, and drawn back by the Lord. What some call “backsliding” may actually reveal a deeper truth: either someone is in need of restoration as a believer—or they never truly knew Christ in the first place.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I view repentance as a one-time event or as an ongoing part of my walk with Christ?

2. When I sin, do I feel conviction and seek God’s forgiveness—or do I excuse it?

3. Am I truly living a life of righteousness, or just holding onto a profession of faith from the past?

4. How has God’s loving discipline shaped my walk with Him?

Closing Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal any sin I’ve grown comfortable with. Remind me that repentance is a daily part of following You. Thank You for the gift of Your discipline and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that calls me back when I stray. Keep me from living in deception, and help me walk in true righteousness, rooted in Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.