Apostasy Study
2 Thessalonians 2 King James Version (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Peter 2 King James Version (KJV)
2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Jude King James Version (KJV)
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
Luke 8:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Matthew 24:5 King James Version (KJV)
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:9-12 King James Version (KJV)
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Luke 21:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
John 6:66 King James Version (KJV)
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Galatians 1:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 2:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
1 Timothy 1:18-19 King James Version (KJV)
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Timothy 3:1-5 King James Version (KJV)
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables
2 Thessalonians 2 King James Version (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Peter 2 King James Version (KJV)
2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Jude King James Version (KJV)
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
Luke 8:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Matthew 24:5 King James Version (KJV)
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:9-12 King James Version (KJV)
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Luke 21:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
John 6:66 King James Version (KJV)
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Galatians 1:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 2:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
1 Timothy 1:18-19 King James Version (KJV)
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Timothy 3:1-5 King James Version (KJV)
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables
APOSTASY
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition
What Is Apostasy and How Can We Combat It?
Kyle Blevins |
Sunday, June 9, 2019
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The term “apostasy” as we use it today comes from the Greek word “apostasia”, which means departure, revolt or rebellion. In terms of religion, apostasy is the abandonment of, or a willful falling away from, the faith. It can be defined as the departure of religious practices, a rejection of beliefs once agreed upon, or even mockery of the religion. Apostasy is considered illegal in over a dozen countries dominated by the Muslim faith, some of which even bring about the death penalty. In America, this may not be a term we see very often considering we have the freedom to practice any religion we choose. Is this something that still goes on today in Christianity or even behind church doors?
What does apostasy mean in the Bible?In Christianity, apostasy is the rejection of the faith by someone who formerly was a Christian. It is a conscious abandonment of faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. B.J. Oropeza, an author and assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University, says that there are three dangers that could lead a Christian to commit apostasy: temptations, deceptions, and persecutions. Below we will look at scriptures that support each of these, and scriptures you can use to encourage those at risk of leaving the faith.
Further definition of apostasy can be found in this BibleStudyTools.com resource. It elaborates on the ways that apostasy manifests. These are important to be aware of as they help us define it, see what it looks like, and more importantly, how to avoid it. These themes are consistent with Oropeza’s theory, but some specific causes include wordliness, moral lapse, forsaking spiritual living, and unbelief. Some examples of biblical characters that committed apostasy include Saul (1 Samuel 15:11), Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25: 14,27) and many disciples (John 6:66).
Examples of apostasy in the BibleThe first example of temptations leading to apostasy is found in the story of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3:3-4, we read of the serpent tempting Eve with what might be: “...but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” The serpent replies with, “You will not certainly die. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Temptation always finds us adding to our current state. What could be? What more can I become? This particular temptation is an example of apostasy as we fall away from our dependent nature on God and believe we can do life without him. We know what happens next as Eve passed this temptation onto Adam, leading to the fall of man.
The second example in relation to deception, or false teaching, can be found in Jeremiah 23:13: “I saw that the prophets of Samaria were terribly evil, for they prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people of Israel into sin. But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” These scriptures show us the power of deception, as some teachers disguise the truth for their own greed or gain, be it more friendships, power, or influence of any kind with no regard to the influence Christ had on people.
Another example of apostasy in relation to persecution is the story of Judas. Luke 22:47 says, “...a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ” Judas was afraid of the persecution that he was seeing develop around Jesus and his followers. That fear led him to betray Jesus, demonstrating his allegiance to avoid persecution. His guilt was so deep afterward that he ended his own life, despite the wealth he received for his revelation of Jesus’ location.
Does apostasy exist today?In Acts 15:1 we read that “While Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, some false teachers came from Judea to trouble the believers. They taught, ‘Unless you are circumcised, as the law of Moses requires, you cannot be saved.’ ” This is similar to what we still see today. There are groups of well-intending people spreading the message of sin and hell as a means to scare people into changing. On the contrary, this can actually discourage people becoming believers in Christ, or turn them away from their hope in him because they are not perfect or holy.
In contrast, another theme we see running rampant today is a perverted application of grace and forgiveness. The message that you should “be yourself” has taken an evil twist into the realm of gender or physical identity. The beautiful message of “you are enough” has been perverted to mean you can be or do whatever you want to be, and that is ok. It's true that there is no sin that God’s love cannot cover and there is no confusion that God’s grace and wisdom cannot reach. But the message that you should be content with abandoning the pursuit of your true identity in God is nothing short of a grand deceit. You should “be yourself” but you should be it in Him. “You are enough” and that is because of Him.
John Cooper of Skillet recently posted an opinion piece, “What in God’s Name Is Happening in Christianity?” on his Facebook that went viral. In this post, he states a big reason we continue seeing apostasy today is because we have positioned influencers and talented musicians, speakers, or entertainers at the forefront of our attention rather than Jesus and the principles of God. This is another great form of deception as people are led astray by those they follow. If we are not following God, we easily sway as “waves in the ocean.” As we see more and more headlines of popular pastors denouncing their faith, it is evident that Cooper is speaking truth about the negative swing these departures cause.
How should Christians think about apostasy today?We must be aware of these great temptations, deceptions, and fears of persecution and partner both with other believers and God in prayer to combat it. As we become full ourselves with the life-giving truth that Jesus spoke, we can begin to share it more freely and make the difference we hope to make.
To combat temptations:
-“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). This verse teaches us to be disciplined and apply a hand to our faith.
-“Ask and it will be given to you...” (Matthew 7:7). This verse, though seemingly contradictive to the above, intends to remind us that we can toil ourselves to death in pursuit of something. It helps balance us by making us decide if what we are working so hard towards is truly worth it. It also reminds us to involve God in what we do.
-“Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). A temptation, as we discussed above, is a lure leading us to what else could be, or what else we might become if we just had this other thing or trait. This is a humbling reminder that no matter what we obtain, be it material or intellectual, apart from Christ, it will be useless.
To combat deceptions:
-“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). This verse is powerful to share with those who have been deceived that they must perfect themselves before approaching Christ, or that they should be punished by their guilt when they first face the light.
-“The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). The perspective of this verse helps equip the people to see for themselves what a leader seeking their best interest will look like.
To combat the fear of change or persecution:
-“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Sharing this will ease the minds of those who are afraid of change, which in their minds is persecution.
-“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This verse comforts those afraid to share their new or revamped faith as it reminds us that by doing so, we are spreading the power of faith, hope, and love.
These are key truths that Jesus spoke. If we allow them to resonate in our own hearts, we allow ourselves to get out of the way and truly be the hands and feet of Jesus as we carry on the principles of his teachings. If we are to combat the issues that keep people from the true love of God – which leads to true development – we must also be aware of our own actions and intentions. If we are to share the truth that God’s love is redeeming, we cannot also spread the message that God’s love is condemning. There is a fine line between leading someone to truth, versus leading them away from it or settling into their own sin. We must remember that while Jesus was tender, loving, and accepting, he also did not shy away from sharing wisdom and truth. The key to staying within the right intention is seeking counsel through prayer, a community of believers for various perspectives, and keeping in mind what is best for the person you are thinking of or approaching. You are loved.
Kyle Blevins |
Sunday, June 9, 2019
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The term “apostasy” as we use it today comes from the Greek word “apostasia”, which means departure, revolt or rebellion. In terms of religion, apostasy is the abandonment of, or a willful falling away from, the faith. It can be defined as the departure of religious practices, a rejection of beliefs once agreed upon, or even mockery of the religion. Apostasy is considered illegal in over a dozen countries dominated by the Muslim faith, some of which even bring about the death penalty. In America, this may not be a term we see very often considering we have the freedom to practice any religion we choose. Is this something that still goes on today in Christianity or even behind church doors?
What does apostasy mean in the Bible?In Christianity, apostasy is the rejection of the faith by someone who formerly was a Christian. It is a conscious abandonment of faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. B.J. Oropeza, an author and assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University, says that there are three dangers that could lead a Christian to commit apostasy: temptations, deceptions, and persecutions. Below we will look at scriptures that support each of these, and scriptures you can use to encourage those at risk of leaving the faith.
Further definition of apostasy can be found in this BibleStudyTools.com resource. It elaborates on the ways that apostasy manifests. These are important to be aware of as they help us define it, see what it looks like, and more importantly, how to avoid it. These themes are consistent with Oropeza’s theory, but some specific causes include wordliness, moral lapse, forsaking spiritual living, and unbelief. Some examples of biblical characters that committed apostasy include Saul (1 Samuel 15:11), Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25: 14,27) and many disciples (John 6:66).
Examples of apostasy in the BibleThe first example of temptations leading to apostasy is found in the story of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3:3-4, we read of the serpent tempting Eve with what might be: “...but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” The serpent replies with, “You will not certainly die. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Temptation always finds us adding to our current state. What could be? What more can I become? This particular temptation is an example of apostasy as we fall away from our dependent nature on God and believe we can do life without him. We know what happens next as Eve passed this temptation onto Adam, leading to the fall of man.
The second example in relation to deception, or false teaching, can be found in Jeremiah 23:13: “I saw that the prophets of Samaria were terribly evil, for they prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people of Israel into sin. But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” These scriptures show us the power of deception, as some teachers disguise the truth for their own greed or gain, be it more friendships, power, or influence of any kind with no regard to the influence Christ had on people.
Another example of apostasy in relation to persecution is the story of Judas. Luke 22:47 says, “...a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ” Judas was afraid of the persecution that he was seeing develop around Jesus and his followers. That fear led him to betray Jesus, demonstrating his allegiance to avoid persecution. His guilt was so deep afterward that he ended his own life, despite the wealth he received for his revelation of Jesus’ location.
Does apostasy exist today?In Acts 15:1 we read that “While Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, some false teachers came from Judea to trouble the believers. They taught, ‘Unless you are circumcised, as the law of Moses requires, you cannot be saved.’ ” This is similar to what we still see today. There are groups of well-intending people spreading the message of sin and hell as a means to scare people into changing. On the contrary, this can actually discourage people becoming believers in Christ, or turn them away from their hope in him because they are not perfect or holy.
In contrast, another theme we see running rampant today is a perverted application of grace and forgiveness. The message that you should “be yourself” has taken an evil twist into the realm of gender or physical identity. The beautiful message of “you are enough” has been perverted to mean you can be or do whatever you want to be, and that is ok. It's true that there is no sin that God’s love cannot cover and there is no confusion that God’s grace and wisdom cannot reach. But the message that you should be content with abandoning the pursuit of your true identity in God is nothing short of a grand deceit. You should “be yourself” but you should be it in Him. “You are enough” and that is because of Him.
John Cooper of Skillet recently posted an opinion piece, “What in God’s Name Is Happening in Christianity?” on his Facebook that went viral. In this post, he states a big reason we continue seeing apostasy today is because we have positioned influencers and talented musicians, speakers, or entertainers at the forefront of our attention rather than Jesus and the principles of God. This is another great form of deception as people are led astray by those they follow. If we are not following God, we easily sway as “waves in the ocean.” As we see more and more headlines of popular pastors denouncing their faith, it is evident that Cooper is speaking truth about the negative swing these departures cause.
How should Christians think about apostasy today?We must be aware of these great temptations, deceptions, and fears of persecution and partner both with other believers and God in prayer to combat it. As we become full ourselves with the life-giving truth that Jesus spoke, we can begin to share it more freely and make the difference we hope to make.
To combat temptations:
-“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). This verse teaches us to be disciplined and apply a hand to our faith.
-“Ask and it will be given to you...” (Matthew 7:7). This verse, though seemingly contradictive to the above, intends to remind us that we can toil ourselves to death in pursuit of something. It helps balance us by making us decide if what we are working so hard towards is truly worth it. It also reminds us to involve God in what we do.
-“Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). A temptation, as we discussed above, is a lure leading us to what else could be, or what else we might become if we just had this other thing or trait. This is a humbling reminder that no matter what we obtain, be it material or intellectual, apart from Christ, it will be useless.
To combat deceptions:
-“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). This verse is powerful to share with those who have been deceived that they must perfect themselves before approaching Christ, or that they should be punished by their guilt when they first face the light.
-“The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). The perspective of this verse helps equip the people to see for themselves what a leader seeking their best interest will look like.
To combat the fear of change or persecution:
-“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Sharing this will ease the minds of those who are afraid of change, which in their minds is persecution.
-“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This verse comforts those afraid to share their new or revamped faith as it reminds us that by doing so, we are spreading the power of faith, hope, and love.
These are key truths that Jesus spoke. If we allow them to resonate in our own hearts, we allow ourselves to get out of the way and truly be the hands and feet of Jesus as we carry on the principles of his teachings. If we are to combat the issues that keep people from the true love of God – which leads to true development – we must also be aware of our own actions and intentions. If we are to share the truth that God’s love is redeeming, we cannot also spread the message that God’s love is condemning. There is a fine line between leading someone to truth, versus leading them away from it or settling into their own sin. We must remember that while Jesus was tender, loving, and accepting, he also did not shy away from sharing wisdom and truth. The key to staying within the right intention is seeking counsel through prayer, a community of believers for various perspectives, and keeping in mind what is best for the person you are thinking of or approaching. You are loved.