Apostle, not Apostasy

“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” (Matthew 13:20-21 ESV)

One of the biggest things we hear about these days is “deconstruction.” This is the human effort to tear down one’s beliefs and restructure them the way one wants. In other words, take out the things you do not like and leave the stuff you do. This behavior is called apostasy. Apostasy comes from the Greek “apostasia” (αποστασία), which, as a verb, means to defect, withdraw or fall away. As a noun, apostasy means defiant or rebellion against authority.[1]

The deconstruction of beliefs has occurred throughout time. Paul dealt with this issue in his first epistle to Timothy, “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. (1 Timothy 4:1)” Judas Iscariot was the greatest example of apostasy in the New Testament. Having walked three years with Jesus, Judas fell away; he rebelled against Christ and betrayed him.

Today, apostasy is recognized as a form of Gnosticism. It is most readily found in the prosperity gospel—that thing I hate most every day. It is also found in deconstructionists, who teach people how to believe what they want to believe and question the Word of God. Scripture teaches us that this apostasy is not just a possibility but a certainty; it is, in fact, necessary. We must be vigilant and prepared. Be like the Apostles, not those in Apostasy.

Today, when we encounter those who do not know Christ, as Paul charged Timothy, I remind you to “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience.” (1 Tim1:18-19). We know spiritual warfare has endured from the beginning. It's our responsibility to reveal to others Jesus Christ and give them a fighting chance in the ethereal war. Help them to hear the gospel and find salvation in Christ through faith. Our role is crucial in this battle.

Grace and Peace!

[1] Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. J. Strong. [1890.] As found in the e-Sword Bible study software program.