Apostasy in the Last Days: Recognizing the Signs and Staying Firm in Faith
With Bishop Ronald K. Powell
Introduction:
2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Characteristics of Apostasy in the Last Days:
- Christianity without Christ
- Forgiveness without repentance
- Salvation without regeneration
- Heaven without Hell
1. Deception and False Teachings:
Scripture unequivocally warns us that in the last days, there will be a surge of deception and false teachings that will deceive many and lead them astray from the truth.
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” Hence, it is incumbent upon us to be vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in testing everything against the plumb line of God’s Word.
2. Love of Self and Pleasure:
Another telltale characteristic of apostasy in the last days is the rampant love of self and pleasure that supersedes love for God and His righteousness.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of the moral decay that will mark the end times, with people becoming lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, unholy, without self-control, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This self-centered mindset poses a grave danger, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness and towards the precipice of apostasy.
3. Departure from Sound Doctrine:
Apostasy often manifests as a departure from sound doctrine and a veering away from the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, the apostle Paul issues a solemn warning, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
4. Persecution and Tribulation:
As the sands of time trickle towards the end, believers will increasingly find themselves in the crucible of persecution and tribulation for their unwavering faith in Christ.
In Matthew 24:9-13, Jesus prophesies about the trials that await His followers, promising both persecution and deliverance for those who endure to the end. He declares, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
5. Lukewarmness and Compromise:
Another perilous characteristic of apostasy is the insidious drift towards lukewarmness and compromise in matters of faith and obedience.
In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, admonishing them for their lukewarm state, saying, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
6. Signs and Wonders:
In the last days, there will be an increase in false signs and wonders performed by deceivers to lead astray even the elect if possible.
Jesus warns in Matthew 24:24, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Conclusion:
As believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires vigilance, discernment, and reliance on the power of God. By understanding the nature of spiritual warfare and equipping ourselves with the armor and weapons of God, we can stand firm against the schemes of the enemy and emerge victorious in Christ. Let us be alert, prayerful, and steadfast in our faith, knowing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
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