Before we can restore, We must understand why they left. Why People Fall Away Before we can restore, We must understand why they left.

Backsliding In the OT – backsliding There are many NT texts on this subject The issue is NOT: Can one fall way – It is possible The issue IS: Why are converts leaving the faith?

Assumptions We must begin with some assumptions: No convert PLANS to fall away Every convert is sincere and genuine They did not want to fall way SO – Why did they leave?

1 - Persecution Hebrews 6:4-6 - 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

2 - Overtaken Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Overtaken = Evil comes up from behind and “sneaks” up on us

3 - Distracted 1 John 2:15 – 17 - 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

3 - Distracted 2 Timothy 4:10 - for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

4 – False Teaching 2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. Galatians 5:3-4 - 3And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

5 – Not Converted Matthew 13:5 - Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. Matthew 13:20-21 - But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

6 - Neglect Hebrews 2:1 - Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 Corinthians 11:3 - But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Can they return? Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. James 5:19-20 - 19Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Can they return? Have you become discouraged? Have you left the church of your Lord? Are you ready to come back? You can come back today.