11. The Great Apostasy

Bob

The term apostasy (closely related to heresy) comes from the Greek word apostasia ("ἀποστασία") meaning "rebellion", "abandonment", or "defection." There is nothing new about apostasy. It is as old as the church, and it always starts with the clergy. The pastoral letters of the New Testament written by Paul, John, Peter, James, and Jude address apostasy and heresy in the newborn church. The risen Jesus also addressed apostasy and heresy in His messages to the church at Ephesus (Rev 2:6) and Pergamum (Rev 2:16). Specifically, Jesus says that He hates the practices of the Nicolaitans.

The Bible says that during the End Times there will be a final Great Apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3). This will be Satan’s final attempt to deceive and mislead Christians. Almost the entire planet will be in rebellion against God. The KJV calls it the “falling away.” The NIV and ESV call it “the rebellion.” This will be an unprecedented world-wide rejection of God's truth. Most contemporary Christian churches and denominations in America are already drifting toward the Great Apostasy. Their lifestyle is basically the same as that of their unsaved neighbors. This is particularly acute in the younger generation. According to the respected Barna Institute, only 10% of Americans who identify themselves as Christians actually have a Biblical worldview. Do you pass the test? The Barna Group defines a Biblical worldview as belief in the following 6 items:

  1. Absolute moral truth exists (not based on feelings or personal opinion).
  2. The Bible is completely inerrant.
  3. Satan is a real being, not a symbol of evil.
  4. A person cannot earn his way into the kingdom of God though good works.
  5. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth.
  6. God is the supreme Creator of the heavens and the earth and reigns over the whole universe today.