APOSTASY Introduction How does one define apostasy Derived

APOSTASY

Introduction ■ How does one define “apostasy”? ■ Derived from the Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis [desertion], from apostanai [to stand apart from, desert], it refers to the “abandonment of one’s religious faith, party, a cause, etc. ” [Collins English Dictionary].

Definition ■ The Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary defines it as “renunciation or abandonment of one’s religious faith or of an object of one’s previous loyalty. ”

Synonyms ■ Synonyms of apostasy include “desertion, defection, treachery, heresy, disloyalty, backsliding, perfidy, unfaithfulness, falseness, faithlessness, etc. ” [Collins Thesaurus of the English Language].

Biblical Usage ■ In the New American Standard Bible [NASB], the word “apostasy” occurs three times (Jer. 8: 5; Hos. 14: 4; 2 Thess. 2: 3).

Greek Meaning ■ The Greek word that appears in 2 Thessalonians 2: 3 -4, when Paul affirms that apostasy will precede the Lord’s second coming, he uses the Greek word apostasia, derived from aphistēmi [to lead away, to depart from], which refers to “defection” or “revolt” [Thomas 646].

Greek Meaning ■ BDAG define it as a “defiance of established system or authority, rebellion, abandonment, breach of faith. ” ■ This Greek word occurs 2 x in the NT (Acts 21: 2021; 2 Thess. 2: 3 -4; cf. 2 Chron. 29: 18 -19).

Biblical Warning ■ Sadly, apostasy is a reoccurring failure of God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments.

Trend Toward Centralization: Give Us A King! ■ During the Mosaic age, apostasy was manifest in Israel’s trend toward centralization, their repudiation of God’s system of governance, and their demand, “Give us a king!” (1 Sam. 8: 4 -22).

Trend Toward Culture: Bowing Before Baal ■ Apostasy was also evident in their desire to be like the surrounding nations, bowing before Baal, and worshipping on every high place, and under every green tree (Lev. 17: 1 -7; 26: 27 -33; Deut. 12: 1 -2; 12: 13 -14; Ezek. 20: 27 -32).

Trend Toward Accommodation: Judaizing & Gnostic Heresies ■ In the first century, the spirit of apostasy was seen in the popularity of the Judaizing heresy (Acts 15: 1 -2; Gal. 2: 1 -5). ■ Among Greek converts, it was witnessed in the gnostic heresy (Col. 2: 6 -12, 16 -19).

Continued Compromises & Future Departures ■ Through the gift of divine prophecy, Paul warned of future departures that would threaten the church, and serve as a stumbling-block to many (Acts 20: 28 -32; 2 Thess. 2: 3 -4; 1 Tim. 4: 1 -5).

Conclusion ■ In future lessons, we will consider the history of the Christian church, noting the falling away that occurred, efforts at reform and restoration, and the repetition of this sad cycle. ■ This will serve as a broad overview, helping us understand how Christendom evolved to its present state, and how we should respond to the religious environment of the present day.