ApostacyI believe that the subject of the apostacy is of tremendous importance. It is imperative that we understand what it is as well as what it is not. What God has to tell us about it, must be taken heed to.
Begining with I Tim 4:1 ;
Here Paul warns Timothy about a departure from the faith that will occur in the end times. The phrase used here, according to the Vine's, is the same as "apostatize", which means to depart or revolt from one's faith. Paul also spoke of this in II Thess.
Again an indication that in the last days there will be a departure from the faith. Now do not make the mistake of thinking that this is a reference to the "backslider". It isn't. These folks are not "out" of the church, they are "in" it. They have a "form of godliness". What we are told is that the last days will be marked by people who have rejected the faith once delivered to them, and instead are teaching and believing doctrines that render God's Word non-effective. Indeed these doctrine's come from hell itself. But why would anyone listen to doctrines that contradict the Word and produce vain worship.
Here , plainly, is our answer. Just as the prophet Jeremiah said, the people want to hear smooth things. The false teachers have an eager audience. Todays churchman wants to hear a bless me, impower me message. Their ears are ready for anyhting that makes them feel good and the false teacher does exactly that with their pretrib rapture and prosperity doctrines. Peter spells it out for us, as he reveals the tactics of the last day false teacher. With gain in mind they use the people.
If Yeshua gives us a warning, it is something we should carefully and prayerfully attend to. In Matthew chapter 24, He began His instruction to His disciples for the last days with the forceful statement that they should "take heed" not to be deceived. Then in the book of Revelation, He gave John a look at a deceived assembly. These people, professing faith, are neither for the Lord, nor are they against Him. They are deceived, convinced, through their false teaching, that they are walking in companionship with Messiah. Let's look closer. Notice that this group views their possessions as a sign of spirituality. Their "material gain" has assured them that they are righteous. Yet the Lord has an entirely differant view. He sees then as poor, blind, miserable and wretched. Finally He beckons to them in verse 20, to open the door of their hearts so that He can truly fellowship with them. Sadly, these people did not even see their need for the Lord.
Remember what the Lord said, a little leaven, leavens the whole lump! Every time the chruch has embraced a teaching that has had no basis in scripture, they have travelled a little further away from truth. Now, as the final days of this age are upon us, the church is so full of non-scriptural beliefs that they are open to every doctrine of demons.
Paul instructed Timothy, to study the scriptures so that he could rightly discern what was truth and what was not. Today, we must, do same. Earnestly contend for THE FAITH brethren. Follow the Living Word of God. What condradicts the Holy Writ, must be repented of. We must walk as God commanded us to walk.
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