God's Word pronounces severe judgment on backsliders---those who, like Peter, are guilty of spiritual betrayal. Over and over, the Bible warns us against neglect, fear of persecution or taking up the love of the things of this world. The danger is real and no different in principle fro the days of Peter or Lot or any of the other failures in scripture. But God also assures backsliders that they need not despair. Over and over he offers to reinstate the failed and the fallen: "I will heal your backslidings" (Jer. 3:22)