Apostasy
Apostasy - apostasia /ap·os·tas·ee·ah) to rise up in open defiance of
authority, with the presumed intention to overthrow it or to act in
complete opposition to its demands—‘to rebel against, to revolt, to
engage in insurrection, rebellion a falling away, defection,
rebellion.
It reveals a heart condition whose state is unregenerate and in revolt
against God. It demonstrates that one’s commitment to former beliefs
where superficial at best but there was no true surrendering to the
authority of God in the heart. This is borne out when their faith is
put to the test and their true condition is made manifest.
Apostasy should be distinguished from error being taught in ignorance
or heretical doctrine where one has an opinion or teaching contrary to
scripture. One must understand that a continuation in heresy after being
shown the truth places a person in a position of rebellion against God.
Apostasy is an ongoing danger to the church starting from the church's
inception until now, The NT contains many warnings against it (1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Pet. 3:17;
Acts 20:29-31). Its' arena of operation is
within the walls of the church which makes it particular dangerous
because of its inside mode of operation.
Apostasy In The Old Testament
In the Old Testament unrepented apostasy had become widespread in
Israel as denoted by Jer. 2:19; 5:6; cf. Josh. 22:22; 2 Chron. 33:19.
OT descriptions of spiritual rebellion include departure from the law,
forsaking temple worship, and willful disobedience toward God himself
(Jos 22:22; 2 Chr 29:19; Jer 2:19).
The prophetic writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah provide many examples of
Israel’s defections (Is 1:2–4; Jer 2:19). Israelite kings were often
guilty of apostasy: Rehoboam (1 Kgs 14:22–24); Ahab (1 Kgs 16:30–33);
Ahaziah (1 Kgs 22:51–53); Jehoram (2 Chr 21:6, 10); Ahaz ( 2 Chronicles 28:1–4 ); Manasseh (2 Chr 33:1–19); Amon (2 Chr 33:21–23)
Apostasy in The End Times
Apostasy is given an eschatological (end times) significance in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Christians were warned not to be carried away and deceived in the widespread apostasy to come in the end times before the Lord’s return. That apostasy is linked to the rise of a man of rebellion who will be Satan’s tool ( Ps 2:1-7; 2 Thess 2:3–12; cf. 1Timothy 4:1–3).
Demonic Activity in Apostasy
Apostate behavior not only demonstrates the rebellious nature of humanity but also has a demonic element as well. Notice what Paul says in 1 Tim 4:1-3.
4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
cf 2 Thess 2:3ff; (2 Tim 3:1-5; 2 Pet 3:3; Jude 1:18)
The Spirit of Christ leaves no doubt as to deceitful spirits and
teachings of demons, invading the church. In this case it was around the
ultimate origin of asceticism—“some will abandon the faith and follow
deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” Asceticism is demonic in origin and diabolical in its intent. It is natural for us to think,
“What’s so bad about self-denial, even abstaining from good things? After all, we live in an age that insists on being denied nothing.” But the reality is, those
who introduce a contrived holiness are acting at the instigation of the devil. God is never properly worshiped by a denial of his gifts. And self-denying
asceticism, especially in its external, public display, moves one away from worshiping God “in spirit and in truth” (cf. John 4:24).
Hughes, R. K., and Chapell, B. (2000). 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (pp. 98–99). Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Books used a base
The following articles reflect apostasy that has invaded the modern church
Related Videos
In the opinion of the website owner the following videos provide a
balanced and biblical understanding of our current world for the category
of apostasy. Therefore, they are not chosen according to popularity or
large number of views but according to how they align with the biblical
world view. The intent of focusing on these videos is to provide an aid to
the Christian as they obey the Biblical mandate of “be end time discernment
(1Pet 5:8-9)”, as we approach the end of the church age.
As in all
things, remember, “examine all things (1 Thess 5:21; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)” and be discerning as you
watch the videos, using the Bible as the primary source of truth.
Disclaimer: This doesn’t imply universal agreement to all points within the
videos but there is general agreement as to their overall message.