The Falling Away: Apostasy 2

There will come a time close to the end of this age known as "The Great Apostasy."   This will happen right before the time the man of sin- the Anitchrist- is revealed.  (2 Thes. 2:3)  We can see apostasy creeping into the Church today.  Apostasy is Chuck Missler's "biggest worry" for the Church in America specifically.  Apostasy is essentially turning away from Jesus.

To understand this 'falling away', 'the great apostasy' better I looked at the translation of the Greek word 'apostasia'.  It's literal meaning is 'defection-revolt.'  (Strongs)   I think we can its meaning better by looking at several Bible translations.  Apostasia is translated:

 'the rebellion' (NIV, ESV, ISV) 

'a great rebellion against God' (NLT)

'apostasy' (NASB, HCSB)

 'a falling away' (KJV, NKJV)

'a definate rejection of God' (Phillips)

'the Apostasy' (Message)

'people will rebel against God' (CEV)

'the predicted great falling away of those who profess to be Christians' (AMP)

'revolt' (Aramaic Bible, GWT)

Apostasy is defined by the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:  "Apostasia, "a standing away from": I.e. a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection.  In the Greek original, to express abandonment of the faith.  Paul predicted the great apostasy from Christianity, foretold by Jesus (Mt. 24:10-12) which would precede "the day of the Lord" (2 Thes. 2:2).  Foretold, with warnings, as sure to abound in the latter days. (1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Thes. 2:3,  2 Pt. 3:17)"

 Apostasy will come to fruition and culminate at the end with the Antichrist, the "lawless one" (2 Thes. 2:8aNIV).   HE WILL  OPPOSE AND WILL EXALT HIMSELF OVER EVERYTHING THAT IS CALLED GOD OR IS WORSHIPED, SO THAT HE SETS HIMSELF UP IN GOD'S TEMPLE, PROCLAIMING HIMSELF TO BE GOD. (2 Thes. 2:4 NIV)  .. WHOM THE LORD JESUS WILL OVERTHROW WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH AND DESTROY BY THE SPLENDOR OF HIS COMING. (2 Thes. 2:8b)  Praise God, Jesus will come again and destroy the Antichrist.  This is called 'Armageddon', that great battle that occurs at Jesus second coming.  Jesus will bring back the Truth of God to the earth.  Jesus is the Truth!  He is God, and every eye shall see Him coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory! (Rev. 1:7, Lk. 21:27)  

What are we to do in the light of this apostasy in our face?  Endure!   Above all, guard our hearts.  Keep our hearts hot for Lord Jesus.  Jesus says: "BUT THE ONE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED. AND THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE KINGDOM WILL BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD, SO THAT ALL NATIONS WILL HEAR IT; AND THEN THE END WILL COME." (Mt. 24:12,13 NLT)  Let's tell the whole world about Jesus.  

What's the bottom line?  "BUT WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO TAKE PLACE, STRAIGHTEN UP AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR." says our Redeemer.  (Luke 21:28 NASB)   I like the way J. B. Phillips puts it in his translation:  "BUT, WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO HAPPEN, LOOK UP, HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH, FOR YOU WILL SOON BE FREE."  (Lk. 21:28)