Apostasy: advocate to adversary
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first..."
In this verse, Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that the second coming of Christ has not happened yet. He tells them that Jesus will not return until first there is "THE falling away."
In the Greek language, the term "falling away" is the word apostasia which we translate "apostasy."
So, just before Christ returns, there will be a worldwide "falling away," the "great apostasy."
There are a variety of good definitions we can use, but my favorite definition is this: the falling away from biblical truth. In other words, it is when someone believed and lived by the truths of the bible, but no longer believes in them and lives by them anymore. They count these biblical truths as false. In fact, the word "apostasy" implies something much stronger; it implies "spiritual treason." Someone used to stand for God's Word but is now fighting against Christ and His biblical truth. In other words, an apostate is someone who went from advocate to adversary. They were once and advocate of the gospel, but have now become an adversary to the gospel.
When we take a close look at our world today, we plainly see the worldwide apostasy plaguing our earth today. We are there!
We see this apostasy on two levels.
1 National Apostasy. This simply means the nations that once passionately believed the gospel and made it their mission to spread the gospel is now most forcefully spreading antibiblical values in the earth. For example, take the United States of America. America once lived by biblical values more devotedly than any other nation in the earth, right alongside England. We had a passion to live out the "Great Commission," spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, seeing souls saved and making disciples for Christ. Now today, America is one of the nations warring fiercest against biblical truths. We are the strongest instigator and supporter of transgenderism, abortion, and same sex marriages. This is coming from a nation that once held fast to biblical teachings and was passionate about evangelizing the world with the gospel.
As Americans, nothing models more our American values than media. All one has to do is turn on the television and flip through the channels to see the perversion, violence, lust and greed that is plaguing our nation today. The greatest evils in the world are coming from a nation that used to be the greatest evangelizer in the world. Today we are a model of wickedness that so many nations of the world are modeling themselves after. Our nation is no longer that city on the hill pointing to the glorious Christ, but now an international model of evil the rest of the world is emulating.
2 Church Apostasy. Multitudes of denominations and churches are turning from biblical truth at an alarming rate. What we are seeing in so many denominations and churches is a bold rejection of biblical truth. Entire denominations have become "pro-choice" (supporters of abortion). Many of them are even funneling a lot of money to abortion providers. Growing number of congregations have ordained practicing homosexuals as Pastors and denominational leaders. Several denominations actively promote same-sex weddings and marriages. Many churches today have embraced "Universalism." Universalism says "that Jesus is not the only way to heaven. His claim, 'No one comes to the Father but by me' is false." They boldly declare, "If you are a Moslem, be a good Moslem and God will gladly receive you into His heaven."
Many churches today no longer believe in the accuracy of scripture. Let me share with you a story from a powerful eschatologist named Jimmy Evans, founder of "Marriage Today" and "The Tipping Point."
Jimmy Evans shared how some years ago one of the board members of "Marriage Today" attended a denominational meeting. At the meeting, one of the denominational leaders stood up and said this: "I will no longer define my lifestyle or sexuality by the four corners of the bible. It is time for another testament to be written that is more up-to-date for the times in which we are living." The crowd erupted into a thunderous applause. Jimmy Evans' friend said, "I was absolutely stunned that anyone would agree with that statement."
Apostasy is another "Primary Piece" of last day bible prophecy. Before our very eyes we are witnessing this "falling away" in our current times. What Paul said would come is now here! Another clear indicator of just how close we are to the return of Christ.
Great word!
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