Why Do Believers Fall Away?

I know that there are those that teach that once we “accept Jesus”, we can never fall away from God. I don’t see that fit with God’s word as God emphasizes over and over again that we are saved by faith. I was reading recently from Acts 3, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'” A couple of things stand out in these verses. In terms of salvation, we are told that anyone who does not listen to Jesus will be cut off from among his people. I don’t believe that God will cut us off from His people if He intends for us to be with Him in heaven. Not listening and unbelief go hand in hand and lead to condemnation. The other thing that strike me in this passage is the beginning that speaks of repenting, turning to God, having our sins removed, and experiencing times of refreshing. In other words, recognizing our sin, acknowledging that sin, and turning back to Him. This is God’s plan to rescue us. What we don’t always talk about is the times of refreshing. Forgiveness removes the sin that burdens us down. We don’t get weighed down overnight, but we can be renewed in an instant... after confession and repentance. It is as if we carry a backpack with us. Each day we sin and begin to carry that burden. It is not heavy at first, but it keeps piling up. We learn to carry it instead of removing it. It is after our confession and repentance that Jesus takes that burden from us and we experience that deep sense of relief and times of refreshing in the Lord. If we knew God and then fall away, it is either because of some great trial, or more likely because sin has gradually weighed us down to the point of giving up and walking away. It often starts with allowing little things to build up. Father, Help us not only to reach out to the lost and unbelieving, but help us to encourage and build up those of the faith. Amen