Apostasy: Robb Moser
Genesis to Revelation Bible Blogs
The falling away or great apostasy prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is an end-times event where many in the church depart from biblical faith, deceived by false doctrines, seducing spirits, and the pursuit of sinful, worldly pleasure. It is characterized by lukewarmness, the love of many growing cold, and a widespread rejection of sound doctrine.
Characteristics of the End-Times Apostasy:
Departure from Truth: Many will turn away from the gospel and follow “doctrines of demons” and false prophets.
The “Love” Gap: The love of most Christians will grow cold, leading to increased hatred and betrayal within the church.
Deceptive Influences: People will stop enduring sound doctrine and instead follow teachers who satisfy their personal desires and itching ears.
Internal Corruption: The falling away involves not just leaving the church, but a “rebellion” within it, including moral compromise and a lack of holiness.
The “Man of Lawlessness”: This mass falling away is linked to the rise of the Antichrist (or man of lawlessness), who will be revealed before the final return of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Warnings and Context:
2 Thessalonians 2:3: States the Day of the Lord will not come until the “rebellion” or “falling away” occurs first.
1 Timothy 4:1-2: Warns that in latter times, people will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits.
Matthew 24:10-13: Mentions that many will fall away and turn against each other.
2 Timothy 4:3-4: Warns that people will turn away from the truth and turn to fables.
Causes for the Falling Away:
Deception: Many are led astray by lies and the abandonment of the gospel for false teachings.
Disillusionment and Sin: The temptation of sin and the world can make people turn away from their commitment to Christ.
Lack of Rootedness: A lack of consistent engagement with the Word of God makes believers vulnerable to the deception of the world, leading to a gradual drift away from the faith.
This period of apostasy is viewed by many as a current, increasing trend, characterized by a decrease in biblical literacy, a disregard for holiness, and a growing hostility toward biblical truths.