Apostasy of the Christian church—How would one know?
Apostasy means to “fall away”. Is there a “falling away” from the primary tenants of the faith in your church?
Definition of Apostasy: The term apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia (“ἀποστασία“) meaning defection, departure, revolt or rebellion. It has been described as “a willful falling away from, or rebellion against the core truths contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Apostasy, thus means “to fall away” or to leave the Christian faith. In order for a church or individual to be in Apostasy they must first have been a believer in Jesus Christ.
Paul warned the church in 2 Thessalonians about the Apostasy. Here are two bible translations of that verse.
2 Thess 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it Jesus’ return will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,” nkjv
2 Thess 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the [a] apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, nasb
Apostasy means to fall away from the truth and thus An Enduring faith. Therefore, an apostate is someone or a denomination who has once believed in and then rejected the truth of God. Apostasy is a rebellion against God because it is a rebellion against His truth.
God warned the Jewish people about their idol worship, their unfaithfulness to the commandments and their lack of trust in Him in the old testament. In the New Testament the epistles warn us to not fall away from the truth of the faith. The true faith. But, it plainly states that the falling away will happen. Apostasy is a very real and present danger to the body of Christ today.
Is there Apostasy in the church today? You judge.
2 Thess 2:3 tells us that there will be an apostasy that is associated with the appearance of the Antichrist. Most Christians are alert for the possible arrival of the Antichrist on the scene. But very few have their radar up for “the apostasy” that must come first. The apostasy of the church. The arrival of the Antichrist cannot occur until sufficient apostasy has happened in the world. The Antichrist, who is the great deceiver, cannot sell his lies in a world where the truth of the Word is widespread. This is why the Bible says that the apostasy will come first and then the Antichrist will be revealed.
Therefore, we as Christians, must ask ourselves, “Is there an apostasy occurring in the Christian church today?” How about in my church? Is my church leading its members into “the falling away”? Are there church leaders in America today leading parts of the church of Christ into Apostasy? How many souls are going to be lost because of Apostate teachings?
The only way we can definitely determine that an apostasy is occurring in any Church is by comparing what is being taught within a particular church or denomination to God’s Word. The Bible or Word of God contains all the major teachings that we have incorporated into the Christian Faith over the last two thousand years. I refer to the major teachings of the Bible as “major tenants”. The tenants or doctrines which form the rock upon which our faith is built.
The following is a list of the major tenants of our Christian Faith that the Joseph Plan believes one cannot deny and be Christian. Since they are explicitly stated as required in scripture.
I use the following criteria in determining if a concept or teaching in the bible is a primary doctrinal issue or not. Primary doctrines or tenets of the Christian faith are those teachings in the Word of God that are necessary for salvation and those that we can stake our very lives on that they are truths from God. In order for a teaching to fall into that category may I suggest the following test. A teaching should be:
- Stated clearly in the old testament.
- Preached by Jesus.
- Explained in one of the Epistles.
We believe that all of these should be at the heart of ones belief system to have a Christian Faith that Endures! There are doctrines that are held in the highest esteem by differing denominations that may not be mentioned here. It is my prayer that this list is one most of us can agree to as a minimum baseline. But I am just one small voice in this vast religion and am not infallible.
False teaching on any of the following doctrines or tenants can be a symptom of church or teacher going into Apostasy. They are all key tenants or precepts of the Christian Faith. The emerging One World Faith will convince many that these tenants are false or incomplete teachings. The false prophet and leader of this faith will probably claim some sort of “higher knowledge” or supremacy.
- Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. John 1:1,14;8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4.
- Jesus rose from the dead in His physical body. Luke 24:34, 1CO 15:7, John 2:19-21, John 21:14
- Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 1:4, Gal. 5:1-5, Romans 5:15,
- The gospel is the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9. Eph 2:8,
- There is only one God. Exodus 20:1-3; Exodus 20:23, Deuteronomy 4:35, 4:39, Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8 Zech 14:9
- Inerrancy of Scripture, Spirit inspired Word of God. 2 Titus 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, Rev 22:18-19
- God exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-“the Trinity”! The word Trinity does not appear in the Bible. It is an English language Faith created word. The meaning of which encompasses the following verses. Gen. 1:1-2, 26-28, Mat 3:1,11, 16-17, 12:31-32, 28:19, Luke 1:12, John 1:1, 1:3, 1:14, 5:23, 26, 14:9, 16, 16:7, Acts 2:17, 5:3, Rom 1:4, 5:12-21, 8:9, 1Cor 3:16, 8:6, 12:4, 15:24, 28, 2 Cor 13:14, Eph 3:9, 1Thess 3:11, Hebrews 1:5, 14, 9:14, 11:3, 1 Peter 1:2, 3:18, 1 John 5:7, Rev 1:4, 7:5-8, 9:20,21.
- Virgin Birth of Jesus – establishes the birth and incarnation of Christ as God and man. Rom 1:3, Col 1:15, Matt 1:18, 23, Mat 2:2, Luke 1:27
- All have sinned and are in need of Repentance and Salvation. 3:23, Rom 5:12, Jeremiah 2:29, Matt 3:11, Matt 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 3:3, 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Peter 3[space size=10 sc_id=”sc1″]
The above list is not meant as a representation of official church doctrine. It may be incomplete. It is simply the fruits of my bible study, schooling and understanding. The above list is an accumulation of learning from the men I have studied under and the bible. If you believe there are others, please send them in.
Can anyone be lead into Apostasy?
The true saints do not depart from us. They cannot. They are slaves of Christ. But they can become involved in a church that is in Apostasy. Causing all kinds of confusion and keeping them from growing and realizing all the fruits and rewards of our faith. One can be involved in a church that does not provide the full teachings of God. Thus, leaving one open to unnecessary or preventable demonic attack. The truth sets us free! Through false or incomplete teachings a true Christian can also be deceived into believing that certain lifestyles or life habits may not be sinful. If sin is allowed to exist in our lives we can develop a stronghold from where the demonic is given permission to operate.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they were of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out so that it might be revealed that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
1 John 2:21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and know that no lie is of the truth.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He who denies the Father and the Son is antichrist.
1 John 2:23 Everyone who denies the Son neither has the Father. The one confessing the Son also has the Father.
1 John 2:24 Therefore what you heard from the beginning, let it abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you will abide in both the Son and in the Father.
1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that He has promised us: everlasting life.
1 John 2:26 These things I have written to you concerning those leading you astray.
1John 2:27 But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and no lie, and as He has taught you, abide in Him.
and….
1Tim 4:1 But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
1Tim 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, being seared in their own conscience,
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There is only one way to know and be assured– Ask our Father in heaven in Jesus Christs’ name in prayer today!
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Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
When we ask the Lord, in Jesus Christ’s name, He assures us with His peace and understanding. If for any reason you question your salvation, go to a quiet place, alone, and talk to Jesus. Repent of your sins and commit your life to Him. Then go to a bible believing church and get baptized.
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May God Bless You and keep you safe from the evil one!
Pastor Thomas Holm
The ministry of The Joseph Plan
There is only One who has the power to reconcile our hearts and spirits with God. That One is Yeshua, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And Paul wrote in Col 1.
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
To the believer, our need to be reconciled to Him is self evident. Praise Jesus. He and only He is our answer.
God Bless,
Pastor Thomas
I think that you meant to say that spelling and math weren’t my long “suits” not “suites,” but I understood what you meant. This is what I would truly like to understand, and maybe you can help. In Colossians 1:20, we are told that God was pleased “to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” With what, or whom, did God reconcile (i.e., make peace) in heaven through the blood shed on the cross by Christ?
You are very welcome Gabe. When I first read your original post I thought it was in jest. But thought the issue was due an explanation anyway. Terms can be very helpful. They can also be stumbling blocks or confusing.Spelling and math weren’t my long suites in school.
So, welcome again Gabe. You are invited to bring your wonderful wit to any of the topics we cover.
God Bless,
Thomas
Thomas, thank you for your lengthy reply, in which you eventually got my “tongue-in-cheek” question about Biblical “tenants”: Do you mean to say that “doctrines which form the rock upon which our faith is built” are merely renting space in the Bible?
Thank-you Gabe, I was definitely remiss. I have alluded to the differences between how I interpret doctrine and tenets a while back. But I’m not even sure which post it is in now. So please forgive me.
When I first went to school for my ministerial degree I was taught a lot of “doctrine”. Over the years I have come to understand that doctrine can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. There is biblical doctrine, upon which the Christian faith lays its foundation. Then there is denominational doctrine, around which a denomination is formed.
I have thus been taught and try to be consistent in using that “a major tenet” of the bible is the same as “a major doctrine”. Or at least they should be.
The way I use both terms when stating a teaching of God, that we MUST consider as a foundational, core teaching of our faith, is that they should pass the test. The biblical test I use in examining if a teaching is a major biblical doctrine or tenet is:
1-It “must” be clearly stated in the Old Testament.
2-It “must” have been taught by Jesus.
3-It “must” have been explained in the Epistles.
That is my criteria Gabe. Other ministers or scholars may use the terms differently.
I hope this clears it up for you. But please remember Gabe. This ministry try’s to convey biblical lessons to help all grow in their faith and “Be spiritually fit” to live through the coming days ahead. I try very hard to not knit pick and pay attention to the lessons, not whether or not the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed.
I interpret “biblical doctrine” and “biblical tenet” to mean the same thing.
I see I misspelled tenet in the above posting. Another revelation of my imperfections.
Thank-you again Gabe! Stop back often.
God Bless,
Thomas
In your article, I read the following:
“I refer to the major teachings of the Bible as ‘major tenants’. The tenants or doctrines which form the rock upon which our faith is built.”
Do you mean to say that “doctrines which form the rock upon which our faith is built” are merely renting space in the Bible?
Gabe
Judi, Thank-you for your input and question. Interesting, very interesting question. Magic and magicians in church.
It is one where I do not have a lot of learning or experience. I will do my best to give some guidance.
First off Satan is the “Great Deceiver”. He is the source of all lies.There are many good lessons onsite about deception.
In the word we are told: Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
If a magician is “fooling people” to deceive them and simply make them laugh, I believe that does not belong in church.It is a wrong message. Deception, of any kind, does not belong in church.
Now having said that, I once saw a pastor use supposed magic tricks to explain deception and it was very effective. “He exposed the deceptions” by explaining that the supposed magic tricks weren’t magic at all. But simple man made deception. His lesson was biblical. “Do not be Deceived!”
His lesson was that God does not deceive. Who He is and what are His ways are all in plain view for those with eyes to see.
In other words, when you ask about whether or not a magician belongs in church, all kinds of bells a whistles go off. Alert, alert.
Deception does not belong in church. But maybe that is the lesson the pastor is trying to make.
The leaders are defending this with the accusations of being religious. Religion is man made. Our faith is from God and is defined in the Word. The Word of God. The Holy Bible. It’s OK to use the Bible as your sword.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for Judi?
Blessings,
Pastor Thomas
We have just had a christian magician at our church, fully backed by our leadership and if anyone stood against them they said we were religious.
Can I have your thoughts please.
Judi