Topical Bible: Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names) of Apostasy

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Definition and Overview:

Apostasy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of falling away or turning away from the faith. It is a deliberate abandonment or renunciation of one's religious beliefs, particularly in the context of Christianity. The concept of apostasy is a significant theme in biblical prophecy, where it is often depicted as a sign of the end times and a challenge to the faithfulness of believers.

Biblical Context:

The Bible contains numerous warnings and prophecies concerning apostasy, emphasizing its seriousness and the need for vigilance among believers. Apostasy is not merely a passive drifting away but is often portrayed as an active rebellion against God and His truth.

Old Testament Prophecies:

In the Old Testament, apostasy is frequently addressed in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against turning away from the covenant and worshiping other gods. For instance, in Deuteronomy 31:16-18, God foretells Israel's future apostasy: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, you are about to rest with your fathers, and this people will rise up and prostitute themselves with the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I have made with them.'"

The prophets, such as Jeremiah and Hosea, also spoke against the apostasy of Israel, calling the people to repentance and warning of the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

New Testament Prophecies:

In the New Testament, apostasy is a prominent theme in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself warned of false prophets and the love of many growing cold in the last days (Matthew 24:10-12). The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently cautioned against falling away from the faith. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul writes, "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed."

The Apostle Peter also addressed the issue of apostasy, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In 2 Peter 3:17, he warns, "Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing."

Theological Implications:

Apostasy is a grave concern within Christian theology, as it challenges the perseverance of the saints and the assurance of salvation. It serves as a call to self-examination and spiritual vigilance, urging believers to remain rooted in the truth of the Gospel and to guard against deception.

Practical Application:

For contemporary Christians, the prophecies concerning apostasy serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong and active faith. Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in Scripture, engage in regular prayer, and participate in the life of the church community to safeguard against the dangers of falling away.

Conclusion:

Prophecies of apostasy underscore the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers and the necessity of remaining faithful to God. As the church awaits the return of Christ, these warnings serve as both a caution and a call to perseverance, urging Christians to hold fast to their faith amidst the challenges of a world that often opposes the truth of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
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Jude 1:17,18
But, beloved, remember you the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
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Library

The Mystery
... Respecting the great city, then, the meaning is plain ... of things predicted is a
commentary on the prophecy. ... to be found, singly of individuals, unless twice only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Mystery
... we must not understand this of individuals, (many of ... observed, in order to connect
the prophecy of the ... passage from the same prophet, respecting the cherubim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... For if private individuals are permitted, in a grave ... consummated until the fulfilment
of the prophecy of Isaiah ... except those restless men, does not see what the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... whatever might happen by the act of the individuals is sought for ... The argument from
prophecy. ... in the twenty-third book of the Exegetics, respecting those that ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... preached, says that therein was fulfilled the prophecy concerning the ... we hear nothing
of this kind respecting him ... when we hear of a few individuals having been ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... but of the tortures and murders of individuals. ... the existence of great disputes
respecting the second ... Prophecy is not yet silenced, though greatly diminished ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... not rain in the days of their prophecy: and they ... hundred persons, the majority,
principal individuals of the ... It is that respecting which they inquired, as the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

[Endnotes]
... 3. See also some singular speculations respecting it in ... authority conferred on him
"by prophecy," or in ... 23:7. There were probably more individuals present at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... work in Rome: he drove out prophecy and he ... in his more rigoristic period under the
influence of Montanism he denounced most vehemently; see preceding extract ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... that time consisted of these two individuals, it is ... Of the same import is the prophecy
in Revelation ... We are farther informed respecting Noah's preaching, which ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm