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Getting Back in the Race: The Cure for Backsliding
The Christian life is a race. Through the gospel,God summons us to sustained and persevering effort. He empowers His children by grace—free and undeserved blessing through Christ. But He does not carry them to heaven on flowery beds of ease. Faith is a living, athletic grace. God’s mercy motivates Christians and energizes them to press on and overcome great obstacles. Christ blazed the trail before us. He now calls us to follow Him to the end (Hebrews 12:1–2). Looking unto Jesus—that is how we persevere. In Him is everything we need. But realistically speaking, Christians are not always pressing forward. Sometimes they wander off the narrow path, slip, and injure themselves. To the confused and injured runner, this book says, “God can help you. You can finish this race—and finish it well.” Drawing from the wisdom of the Scriptures and aided by the insights of godly Bible teachers through the centuries, Getting Back in the Race addresses the age-old problem of backsliding. Backsliding is a season in the life of a professing Christian when his sin grows stronger and his obedience to God declines. The beginning of the book uncovers signs of sliding into a spiritual rut, for this is often more subtle than falling into scandalous sins. The rest of the book shows that there is hope for the backslider. God is so amazing! Even though our backsliding insults Him, dishonors Him, grieves Him, and pushes away His love, still He calls us to return to Him. When you grasp hold of God’s methods by faith, you discover that Christ has grasped hold of you. Our spiritual Physician has potent medicines to heal His people from their injuries and get them back on track to finish the race. This book is a wake-up call to careless Christians and an encouragement to all believers to keep running to the Lord.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
39 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
445 books345 followersDr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 26, 2022
I have yet to pick up a book by Dr. Beeke that wasn't solid all the way through. This book touches on a topic that isn't well covered in the modern reformed community. Some don't have a category for backsliding in their soteriology, simply because of the abuse that the Arminians have done with it where one can backslide himself out of the salvation he once possessed.
That aside, there is no real reason to deny that Christians backslide, whether incrementally or all at once. In either case, Beeke lays out how a Christian can return to where they once were and does it in a practical sense. One thing that he mentioned that was poignant is that we often berate ourselves over our sins and backsliding, but this is not proper because if we are Christians, the work of sanctification in our lives is not only ongoing but it goes forth by the work of Christ. We too often forget that many are praying and striving to reach a point of sanctification that we are already at or have surpassed in a sense. This is not to puff ourselves up, but rather to not forget that God has already shown us tremendous grace in our own lives. It is similar to the man who owned a great amount of debt that was forgiven, and then proceeded to try and collect a small amount of debt from another. We are that man when we forget how much we have been forgiven in order to ruminate and be shackled by the sins we still struggle with. Both have the same cure.
That aside, there is no real reason to deny that Christians backslide, whether incrementally or all at once. In either case, Beeke lays out how a Christian can return to where they once were and does it in a practical sense. One thing that he mentioned that was poignant is that we often berate ourselves over our sins and backsliding, but this is not proper because if we are Christians, the work of sanctification in our lives is not only ongoing but it goes forth by the work of Christ. We too often forget that many are praying and striving to reach a point of sanctification that we are already at or have surpassed in a sense. This is not to puff ourselves up, but rather to not forget that God has already shown us tremendous grace in our own lives. It is similar to the man who owned a great amount of debt that was forgiven, and then proceeded to try and collect a small amount of debt from another. We are that man when we forget how much we have been forgiven in order to ruminate and be shackled by the sins we still struggle with. Both have the same cure.
May 11, 2024
A short, but heart-searching, book from Joel Beeke, today’s foremost Puritan scholar. If you find your heart “prone to wander…prone to leave the God I love,” this book (with God’s grace) can help.
September 25, 2017
Segunda leitura que faço dessa obra. Trata-se de uma joia!
February 22, 2023
This was my first time reading anything by Joel Beeke but it won't be the last. This little book was convicting, insightful, and encouraging. Highly recommend.
February 6, 2024
This book was extremely helpful to me personally in a period of spiritual crisis.
One critique of the Puritans is that they overdid a “morbid introspection.” I agree they did. But sometimes the introspection is warranted. When it is, the Puritans do it right. Count on Joel Beeke to faithfully channel the Puritans on any topic.
But he doesn’t just quote Puritans. Beeke’s touchstone is Scripture, in Hosea.
This book will describe your spiritual state, and show you what to do about it.
One critique of the Puritans is that they overdid a “morbid introspection.” I agree they did. But sometimes the introspection is warranted. When it is, the Puritans do it right. Count on Joel Beeke to faithfully channel the Puritans on any topic.
But he doesn’t just quote Puritans. Beeke’s touchstone is Scripture, in Hosea.
This book will describe your spiritual state, and show you what to do about it.
January 27, 2013
Joel Beeke has written a treatise for curing backsliding (defined as),
Backsliding is a season of increasing sin and decreasing obedience in those who profess to be Christians. Not every sin is backsliding. Christians must sadly expect their lives to consist of a continual cycle of sinning and repenting of sin by faith in Christ crucified (1 John 1:9–2:2). In backsliding, however, this cycle of repentance is broken and spiritual ground is lost. (Kindle Locations 220-223)
This cure is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ (see KL 147, 1082 & 1118 of 2383). Beeke unpacks Hosea 14:1-9 for his main points in each chapter (Runners Stumbling, Runners Returning, Runners Receiving, and Runners Recovering).
His exposition of this Old Testament text in a way which highlights Jesus’s saving work shines. He urges us Christ has gone before us in the race and he’s the Way that we run the race to God on. Christ is all in all during our pilgrimage. He exclaims,
Oh, for Christians who reject man-centered hope and live with a holy expectation in God and a proper sense of their own unworthiness! Holy expectation is built on the Word and worked by the Spirit. It looks beyond self and man. It sees that although our sins pile up to heaven, Christ’s substitutionary righteousness ascends still higher, to the very throne of God, with his Father’s stamp of approval. “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:6–7). (Kindle Locations 528-532)
Quite honestly, this book is ordinary. Here’s what I mean. I run and enjoy running races. I run a 10K race in Charleston, SC almost every years. A few years ago when I ran, I crested the steep bridge on the course and noticed a solitary runner nearing the end of the course. This was the winner of the race. He had finished the course far ahead of me. I might like to believe I could run that fast but it’s not possible. However, I did finish the race. To finish the race didn’t require anything extraordinary. It required running and eating well (relatively) for about 90 days before the race. And that is what Beeke provides here--ordinary means. He urges us towards repentance and an understanding of our sanctification, adoption, and justification (1286 of 2383). He recommends the ordinary means of grace. And all of this is rooted in Trinitarian delight (see especially 1024 of 2383). “In the deepest sense, God’s grace is Christ himself, for he came ‘full of grace and truth’” (1052 of 2383).
For those who are confused between the benefits and necessary difference between justification and sanctification (1656 of 2383 for a concise definition of sanctification), I would highly recommend this book. Beeke exposes both doctrines fully and provides a helpful compare and contrast (1286 & 1319 of 2383). Don’t be fooled. Again it’s all about Christ. “Christ is all. If you would make any progress in the Christian life, you must embrace him as the sum and substance of your salvation. He says to us still, ‘From me is thy fruit found.’” (1581 of 2383). Beeke writes in the pastoral style of the Puritans of old. He skillfully uncovers sin, knowledgeably recommends the Cure, and drives us closer to the Cross. These pages drip with pastoral care and love for Christ. If you know you’re love for Christ has waned, I urge you to read this book. And if you don’t think your love has waned but you want encouragement for your race and desire to protect your heart from forgetting your first love then I urge you to read this book.
Backsliding is a season of increasing sin and decreasing obedience in those who profess to be Christians. Not every sin is backsliding. Christians must sadly expect their lives to consist of a continual cycle of sinning and repenting of sin by faith in Christ crucified (1 John 1:9–2:2). In backsliding, however, this cycle of repentance is broken and spiritual ground is lost. (Kindle Locations 220-223)
This cure is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ (see KL 147, 1082 & 1118 of 2383). Beeke unpacks Hosea 14:1-9 for his main points in each chapter (Runners Stumbling, Runners Returning, Runners Receiving, and Runners Recovering).
His exposition of this Old Testament text in a way which highlights Jesus’s saving work shines. He urges us Christ has gone before us in the race and he’s the Way that we run the race to God on. Christ is all in all during our pilgrimage. He exclaims,
Oh, for Christians who reject man-centered hope and live with a holy expectation in God and a proper sense of their own unworthiness! Holy expectation is built on the Word and worked by the Spirit. It looks beyond self and man. It sees that although our sins pile up to heaven, Christ’s substitutionary righteousness ascends still higher, to the very throne of God, with his Father’s stamp of approval. “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:6–7). (Kindle Locations 528-532)
Quite honestly, this book is ordinary. Here’s what I mean. I run and enjoy running races. I run a 10K race in Charleston, SC almost every years. A few years ago when I ran, I crested the steep bridge on the course and noticed a solitary runner nearing the end of the course. This was the winner of the race. He had finished the course far ahead of me. I might like to believe I could run that fast but it’s not possible. However, I did finish the race. To finish the race didn’t require anything extraordinary. It required running and eating well (relatively) for about 90 days before the race. And that is what Beeke provides here--ordinary means. He urges us towards repentance and an understanding of our sanctification, adoption, and justification (1286 of 2383). He recommends the ordinary means of grace. And all of this is rooted in Trinitarian delight (see especially 1024 of 2383). “In the deepest sense, God’s grace is Christ himself, for he came ‘full of grace and truth’” (1052 of 2383).
For those who are confused between the benefits and necessary difference between justification and sanctification (1656 of 2383 for a concise definition of sanctification), I would highly recommend this book. Beeke exposes both doctrines fully and provides a helpful compare and contrast (1286 & 1319 of 2383). Don’t be fooled. Again it’s all about Christ. “Christ is all. If you would make any progress in the Christian life, you must embrace him as the sum and substance of your salvation. He says to us still, ‘From me is thy fruit found.’” (1581 of 2383). Beeke writes in the pastoral style of the Puritans of old. He skillfully uncovers sin, knowledgeably recommends the Cure, and drives us closer to the Cross. These pages drip with pastoral care and love for Christ. If you know you’re love for Christ has waned, I urge you to read this book. And if you don’t think your love has waned but you want encouragement for your race and desire to protect your heart from forgetting your first love then I urge you to read this book.
December 7, 2019
As in a military conflict, so in the ongoing war that is the Christian life: perseverance like that of a marathon runner is a neccessity--even, and especially, in the face of what seems to be daunting odds.--Joel Beeke, Getting Back in the Race.
Dr. Beeke, or Mr. Puritan as he is known around my living room, offers some great insight from Christian minds of the past, along with his own gems, on how the Christian is to run the good race. Specifically, in this book, he deals with the perils and the prescriptions for one who has fallen down during this race and even might be slipping backwards. To be a backslidden Christian is a terrible and dangerous place to be and Beeke does well to warn his reader.
What does Beeke mean by "backsliding"?
Backsliding is a season of increasing sin and decreasing obedience in those who profess to be Christians. Not every sin is backsliding. Christians must sadly expect their lives to consist of a continual cycle of sinning and repenting of sin by faith in Christ crucified(1 John 1:9-2:2). In backsliding, however, this cycle of repentance is broken and spiritual ground is lost.
Beeke outlines briefly the purpose of Getting Back in the Race.
The purpose of this book is to awaken Christians to the reality of backsliding, to help us recognize it when it starts, to show where it may leadand to empower believers--those who are in the grip of backsliding, or those in a postition to help the afflicted--to get back into the race by the grace of God.
Beeke does not discount the grace filled miracle that is the perseverance of a believer. He argues that perseverance is as mighty a miracle as conversion itself.
How do we do that? How do we keep up the pace? It's one thing to begin the Christian life, but quite another to persevere in it. It's one thing to repent and believe the Gospel, but quite another to go on repenting and go on believing. The miracle of Pentecost in Acts 2:4 is great, but in some ways, Acts 2:42 is even greater: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and in fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
After this brief introduction, Beeke asks the reader the permission to engage them directly, as if a pastor speaking to a backslidden brother or sister. The tone of the book is direct and hard but loving and not harsh. The use of second person is very effective in making the topics covered personal and cutting, not cutting like an assailant, but cutting like a surgeon wielding a scalpel to remove a cancerous tumor that promises to infect the entire body.
Beeke divides this book into 4 chapters plus an introduction and conclusion. He takes time to help the reader discern if they are backslidden, or simply a repentant sinner. He illustrates this as the difference between a runner stumbling and a runner falling to the ground and possibly not getting up. Getting Back in the Race is essentially an exposition of Hosea 14:1-9, specifically applying it to those of us who have begun the race, but at certain times have laid face-first on the ground, debating whether they can, or even desire to, return to their feet and finish the race.
Beeke's book is confrontational, loving and direct. He doesn't waste time tiptoeing around sensitive subjects, but dives headfirst into some tough waters. This is a quick, good read for anyone who feels they might be backslidden or has opportunities to minister to those who are.
Dr. Beeke, or Mr. Puritan as he is known around my living room, offers some great insight from Christian minds of the past, along with his own gems, on how the Christian is to run the good race. Specifically, in this book, he deals with the perils and the prescriptions for one who has fallen down during this race and even might be slipping backwards. To be a backslidden Christian is a terrible and dangerous place to be and Beeke does well to warn his reader.
What does Beeke mean by "backsliding"?
Backsliding is a season of increasing sin and decreasing obedience in those who profess to be Christians. Not every sin is backsliding. Christians must sadly expect their lives to consist of a continual cycle of sinning and repenting of sin by faith in Christ crucified(1 John 1:9-2:2). In backsliding, however, this cycle of repentance is broken and spiritual ground is lost.
Beeke outlines briefly the purpose of Getting Back in the Race.
The purpose of this book is to awaken Christians to the reality of backsliding, to help us recognize it when it starts, to show where it may leadand to empower believers--those who are in the grip of backsliding, or those in a postition to help the afflicted--to get back into the race by the grace of God.
Beeke does not discount the grace filled miracle that is the perseverance of a believer. He argues that perseverance is as mighty a miracle as conversion itself.
How do we do that? How do we keep up the pace? It's one thing to begin the Christian life, but quite another to persevere in it. It's one thing to repent and believe the Gospel, but quite another to go on repenting and go on believing. The miracle of Pentecost in Acts 2:4 is great, but in some ways, Acts 2:42 is even greater: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and in fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
After this brief introduction, Beeke asks the reader the permission to engage them directly, as if a pastor speaking to a backslidden brother or sister. The tone of the book is direct and hard but loving and not harsh. The use of second person is very effective in making the topics covered personal and cutting, not cutting like an assailant, but cutting like a surgeon wielding a scalpel to remove a cancerous tumor that promises to infect the entire body.
Beeke divides this book into 4 chapters plus an introduction and conclusion. He takes time to help the reader discern if they are backslidden, or simply a repentant sinner. He illustrates this as the difference between a runner stumbling and a runner falling to the ground and possibly not getting up. Getting Back in the Race is essentially an exposition of Hosea 14:1-9, specifically applying it to those of us who have begun the race, but at certain times have laid face-first on the ground, debating whether they can, or even desire to, return to their feet and finish the race.
Beeke's book is confrontational, loving and direct. He doesn't waste time tiptoeing around sensitive subjects, but dives headfirst into some tough waters. This is a quick, good read for anyone who feels they might be backslidden or has opportunities to minister to those who are.
January 28, 2016
Wonderful little book on an oft-neglected topic: backsliding. Recommended.
March 2, 2025
Written from the heart of a pastor for wayward sinners, Beeke excels as this short but powerful book encouraging believers to come back to Christ. Backsliding is something all believers are susceptible to and must take heed to avoid it. Beeke does not write a condemnation to those who have strayed, but writes reminding them of how great our God is and the promise of our Lord from the Scriptures that He will welcome us back and that He is currently working in us to make us more like Christ.
I’m not sure where I saw this book, but it came at an opportune time after a period of backsliding. I’m thankful to the Lord for His constant grace and for men like Beeke who don’t want Christians to miss out on how great God is.
I’m not sure where I saw this book, but it came at an opportune time after a period of backsliding. I’m thankful to the Lord for His constant grace and for men like Beeke who don’t want Christians to miss out on how great God is.
December 20, 2023
This is such a small and powerful book. It's dynamite! Though I do not understand myself to be backsliding, this book nonetheless provided serious heart work for me. I encourage you to take up the work as well.
August 29, 2020
Excellent, really encouraging and gloriously Christ-exalting.
February 24, 2021
Good for everyone who is a born again christian
May 31, 2023
A concise and well ordered book with plenty of good old fashioned Puritan advice on avoiding backsliding and re-ordering our lives with Christ at the center.
July 20, 2025
This book is a map that leads you back to the Word of God for anyone who has lost (or about to lose) their way from the narrow path!
September 21, 2016
“The purpose of this book is to awaken Christians to the reality of backsliding, to help us recognize it when it starts, to show where it may lead, and to empower believers…to get back in the race by the grace of God.” – Joel R. Beeke
Using Scripture as a scalpel, Beeke cuts through the smiling façade of backsliders, bringing to light what is on the inside. What he reveals is both appalling and accurate, as he diagnoses the predicament of one who has grown cold spiritually. While quoting philosophers and writers from centuries past, Beeke supports his analysis of a backslider with Hosea (particularly chapter 14), Jeremiah, and other writers in Scripture.
The truth that runs throughout his book is superbly summed up his statement that “God alone can reverse the damage done by backsliding”. The truth of backsliding is that it is ugly; it is a direct rebellion and rejection of God, and it is something that one cannot fight alone.
Using the title of “Great Physician” and the analogy of Christians as runners in a race, Beeke points out not only our need for healing, but that it can only come from God. As he continues his dissection of the backsliding Christian, he arrives at the heart of the issue.
“The essence of backsliding is a descent into the whirlpool of idolatry.”
Idolatry is the base of all sins, if we really take a moment to consider it, as Beeke argues. Pride, lust, lying, and so on—all of these emanate from idolatry. Whether we have set ourselves up as the idols or our stomachs or our sensuality, the heart of our sinning and consequential backsliding is idolatry.
Finally, Beeke implores the backsliding Christian, “Do not play with sin like a toy; cast it away like a deadly rattlesnake.”
In conclusion, though Beeke was repetitive at times over his 114-page challenge to backsliders, he peels back the disguise of the wandering and challenges them to press onward, returning to Christ with repentant hearts. So to the wandering, the backsliding, and the spiritually dormant—Beeke’s words are a wake-up call, a call to arms, and a torrent of cleansing and refreshing water.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.
Using Scripture as a scalpel, Beeke cuts through the smiling façade of backsliders, bringing to light what is on the inside. What he reveals is both appalling and accurate, as he diagnoses the predicament of one who has grown cold spiritually. While quoting philosophers and writers from centuries past, Beeke supports his analysis of a backslider with Hosea (particularly chapter 14), Jeremiah, and other writers in Scripture.
The truth that runs throughout his book is superbly summed up his statement that “God alone can reverse the damage done by backsliding”. The truth of backsliding is that it is ugly; it is a direct rebellion and rejection of God, and it is something that one cannot fight alone.
Using the title of “Great Physician” and the analogy of Christians as runners in a race, Beeke points out not only our need for healing, but that it can only come from God. As he continues his dissection of the backsliding Christian, he arrives at the heart of the issue.
“The essence of backsliding is a descent into the whirlpool of idolatry.”
Idolatry is the base of all sins, if we really take a moment to consider it, as Beeke argues. Pride, lust, lying, and so on—all of these emanate from idolatry. Whether we have set ourselves up as the idols or our stomachs or our sensuality, the heart of our sinning and consequential backsliding is idolatry.
Finally, Beeke implores the backsliding Christian, “Do not play with sin like a toy; cast it away like a deadly rattlesnake.”
In conclusion, though Beeke was repetitive at times over his 114-page challenge to backsliders, he peels back the disguise of the wandering and challenges them to press onward, returning to Christ with repentant hearts. So to the wandering, the backsliding, and the spiritually dormant—Beeke’s words are a wake-up call, a call to arms, and a torrent of cleansing and refreshing water.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.
November 22, 2011
Backsliding you hear it conversation but rarely as problem among Christians or for that matter among the church as a whole. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. It may be painful to read but we receive beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning. (Location 1293 kindle). As always the Cruciform series of books gets to the heart of man and to the glory of God. We cannot ignore backslidding in our walk. After reading this book, I am sure you will feel the same way. Your heart will be pulled, greived, and also encouraged as you prayfully read this.
April 30, 2012
Very good and very useful book; organized into four chapters. Beeke clearly defines backsliding in the first chapter, and then describes how to use the means of grace to battle back. Scripture reading, prayer, and meditation form the foundation, all examined through Hosea 14. Additionally, the endnotes provide a wealth of additional reading. This book is clear in its definition of backsliding and very clear in describing the path to take in coming back to the narrow way.
December 30, 2013
Even after becoming Christians, believers still often struggle with temptation and patterns of sin in their lives. Succumbing to such temptations is known as backsliding and in this brief book, Beeke explains the root causes of it and how to cure it. There is no shortcut or ‘quick fix’ for deep-seeded problems, but there is gospel-centered help and power available through Jesus Christ. Beeke offers a useful, highly-applicable tool in the Christian’s ongoing battle against sin.
November 16, 2015
The Cure, Indeed!
Christ is exalted everywhere in this book. God bless Joel Beeke and his Reformation Heritage Publishers—I am so very thankful for them. Mr. Beeke gives us true meat in all of his books and not the cotton candy that lines most Christian bookstores's shelves. If you feel yourself slipping or drifting away (or even if you don't but want to read a very edifying treatise), pick up this book!
Christ is exalted everywhere in this book. God bless Joel Beeke and his Reformation Heritage Publishers—I am so very thankful for them. Mr. Beeke gives us true meat in all of his books and not the cotton candy that lines most Christian bookstores's shelves. If you feel yourself slipping or drifting away (or even if you don't but want to read a very edifying treatise), pick up this book!
January 4, 2013
Good solid theology concerning the issue of backsliding. Also a good solid read concerning the practical aspects of backsliding and the path to restoration. Not a quick read, although the book is brief, very thought provoking and firmly centered on Christ.
September 4, 2013
Great book to read. We all do need to read this over and over again. I have this in e-book form and not in the book form. It is a must to have this in book form to mark and highlight to remind us to get back in the race again.
August 9, 2016
Clear. Helpful. Convicting. Worth the short time investment.
Recommended for all Christians.
Recommended for all Christians.
March 18, 2013
Great Little Book packs a punch - well worth reading and pondering.
February 8, 2016
I will hopefully be writing a review of this wonderful little book by Dr. Joel R. Beeke soon. I cannot recommend this enough!
January 21, 2016
Excellent! Easy read. Joel uses many quotes from puritan writers.
January 16, 2017
Great book for backsliders
This is a helpful book for those who have found d themselves lost in the fog of sin feeling far from God.
This is a helpful book for those who have found d themselves lost in the fog of sin feeling far from God.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews