Prophet Jeremiah spoke to the Nation of Israel: “You shall say to them, thus says the Lord: When men fall, do they not rise again? If one turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people been turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return.” (Jeremiah 8:4,5) It is possible for the people of God to fall or go astray temporarily, but they would repent and get back. However, the Israelites did not do that.
Fall: When a person walks, they may slip and fall. Mostly, they try to get up as quickly as possible, even before other people notice the fall. Traps could be laid for righteous people, stumbling blocks could be put in their way, and landmines could be placed. A righteous person could fall into trouble because of wicked schemes of evil people, even violence and loss of property, or commit sin. It can happen even seven times. But each time he rises again. He is not righteous because he falls, but righteous because he rises again and again. (Proverbs 24:16) The righteous will rise again is comfort and assurance to the righteous, warning to the wicked.
Astray but back: The Younger son who went astray for a short while, repented, and returned home. He did not harden his heart and lose the capacity to repent. He was accepted and restored as a son, not to an inferior status of a slave. (Luke 15: 11-32)
Perpetual backsliding: However, Jeremiah brings to focus the irreversible backsliding. That means the hearts are hardened beyond repair. There is no humility, remorse, or repentance.
Deceit: They hold fast to deceit, and falsehood, obviously mesmerized by the father of lies. (John 8:44) When the truth is not loved, lived; a person is entangled in the fatal embrace (bear hug) of Satan.
Refuse to return: The Prodigal Younger son knew the way to return, hence his father did not go in search of him. Israelite know the Truth, and the Law and have Promises, have an obligation to return. Alas, they refused to return.
Am I vigilant that I do not fall into perpetual backsliding?