2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,
The word translated “falling away” in this verse is apostasy. This Greek word is defined as a condition of rebellion within the true religion resulting from changing loyalties. It is important to understand that this rebellion doesn’t come from outside, it comes from within.
We have a practical example of the use of this word. The translators of the Greek Old Testament used apostasy in 2 Chronicles 29:19, “the vessels which King Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression (apostasy),” King Ahaz mixed the worship of Jehovah with other gods. He set up idols throughout Jerusalem, and added pagan worship vessels to the Temple. He also modified the location, structure, and uses of the vessels ordained by God. In further rebellion he sent Temple vessels to be used in pagan temples in other kingdoms.
The NT usage would mean rebellion by openly professing Christians to the express will and doctrine of Jesus Christ. This apostasy will be so pervasive it will, in its final form, be clearly visible to faithful Christians who know the Word. While there have been apostasies in the past, this one will be more seductive than all the rest. It has been prophesied in other passages: 1 Timothy 4; 2 Timothy 3 & 2 Timothy 4. All of these passages describe various aspects of this end time apostasy. The only remedy to the apostasy is the “love of the truth.”
"a condition of rebellion within the true religion resulting from changing loyalties". Thx for the article... a very helpful clarification... thx!!
ReplyDeleteenough with the grandpa pictures, already!! hahaha
I had 20 more pictures to post tonight... but... now... I guess I'll wait at least a day or two. Cory was brought to church tonight so I got to hold him, at least 'till he started crying and then back to Nanna or his Mommy.
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