Apostasy is a word I am hearing more and more these days. Honestly, I had to look up the definition again to get a good grasp of its meaning.
Have you heard someone describe themselves as being an apostate?
I have known a young man for years, and one day I asked him where he stood regarding God. His response after careful thought? “I am an apostate.”
We are seeing apostasy more and more in our nation today. So, what is apostasy? What is the growing phenomenon that is moving across the United States?
The simple definition?
Rebellion against God.
In the Old Testament application, it referred to the Israelites rebellion against God.
The New Testament application generally refers to one abandoning Christianity, perhaps on the part of those who never really believed.
Satan’s devices for Apostasy?
Let’s look at the various ways Satan drags people away. There are so many ways; I will split the list into two posts.
Counterfeit gods – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, “. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the son of destruction,[b] 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
Counterfeit Jesus(es) – 2 Corinthians 11:4, “4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”
Counterfeit Christs – Matthew 24:24, “24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Counterfeit spirits – 1 John 4:1, “ Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Counterfeit apostles – 2 Corinthians 11:13, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”
There’s more.
Satan’s ways don’t stop there. Next time we’re together, we will look at the other ways Satan deceives, which leads to Apostasy. We have a lot more to talk about regarding Apostasy. I hope you stick around.
In the meantime, do what Peter reminds believers in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Blessings!
The Teaching Lady
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