A Falling Away!

If we are to address a problem, we must recognize that the problem exists. Therefore, we must recognize and concede that there is a departure from the Truth. Paul prophesied it would happen and Jude wrote about it happening.

2 Thess. 2:1, “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;”

Paul’s reference in verse 1, “by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” is to the rapture of the church. Coming – (parousía) is used in the east as a technical expression for the royal visit of a king, or emperor. The word means literally 'the being beside,' thus, 'the personal presence.' hence, in the NT, specifically of the Advent or Parousia of Christ.

In verse 2, “the day of Christ” could be interchanged with “the day of the Lord” as in 1 Thess. 5:2, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” Some Bible Scholars say that “that day of Christ” should have been translated as “the day of the Lord. However, as you read both passages within their context you can see that they are both referring to the same occurrence.

In verse 3, back to our original text, Paul is saying that the “day of Christ,” “that day” will not come until after “a falling away.” This term is interpreted “apostasia” which means: apostasy, defection, revolt. Ryrie states that this apostasy is “an aggressive and climatic revolt against God which will prepare for the appearance of the man of sin, man of lawlessness.”

1 Timothy 4:1, “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, “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,3Without 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.”

Remember, Paul prophesied about “a falling away,” and Jude wrote about it happening. Jude 1:3, “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.” What faith is Jude speaking about? He was talking about the message that Jesus taught which command He had given to the Church. Matt. 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

If we look at these Scriptures with an open mind and heart, we must honestly concede that we are seeing these words fulfilled before our very eyes. The Holy Spirit warned the Church of Jesus Christ in the First Century that many would fall away from the Truth of the Gospel. It had begun then and it continues today. 

Why is it so important that we recognize what is happening? Because the warning was to alert all believers that this apostasy is “an aggressive and climatic revolt against God which will prepare for the appearance of the man of sin, man of lawlessness.” The stage is being set for the Anti-Christ of the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation to take the stage. The Word of God is warning us that it is just about time for the curtain to go up and the final act to play out. Are YOU ready?