Definition and Etymology
Apostasy, derived from the Greek word "apostasia," meaning "a defection" or "a revolt," refers to the act of abandoning or renouncing one's faith or religious beliefs. In a biblical context, apostasy is often associated with a turning away from the truth of God's Word and the Christian faith.

Biblical References
The concept of apostasy is addressed throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is often depicted as a serious spiritual failing, with dire consequences for those who turn away from God.

In the Old Testament, apostasy is frequently associated with Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Israelites repeatedly turned to idolatry and abandoned the covenant established with Yahweh. For instance, in Jeremiah 2:19 , the prophet warns, "Your own wickedness will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me," declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

In the New Testament, apostasy is a concern for the early church. Jesus Himself warns of the dangers of falling away in Matthew 24:10-12 : "At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold."

The Apostle Paul also addresses apostasy in his epistles. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 , he 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." Here, Paul speaks of a future apostasy that will precede the return of Christ.

Characteristics and Causes
Apostasy can manifest in various forms, including doctrinal error, moral decline, and outright rejection of the faith. It often begins with a subtle departure from biblical truth, leading to a complete renunciation of one's beliefs.

Several factors can contribute to apostasy, including:

1. Deception by False Teachers: The New Testament warns repeatedly about false teachers who lead believers astray. In 1 Timothy 4:1 , Paul cautions, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

2. Persecution and Trials: Difficult circumstances can test a believer's faith, leading some to abandon their commitment to Christ. Jesus speaks of this in the Parable of the Sower, where the seed sown on rocky ground represents those who fall away when trouble or persecution arises (Matthew 13:20-21).

3. Worldly Temptations: The allure of worldly pleasures and materialism can draw believers away from their devotion to God. In 2 Timothy 4:10 , Paul laments, "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica."

Consequences
The Bible presents apostasy as a grave sin with severe consequences. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame."

Prevention and Response
Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith to prevent apostasy. This includes:

1. Grounding in Scripture: Regular study and meditation on God's Word help believers discern truth from error. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

2. Community and Accountability: Fellowship with other believers provides support and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

3. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit is crucial in maintaining faithfulness. Ephesians 6:18 advises, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints."

Apostasy remains a significant concern for the church, emphasizing the need for vigilance, sound doctrine, and a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.The Apostasy

1. Its Cause. The marriage of the sons of God and the daughters of Men (Genesis 6:1,2).
2. Its Effect on the Human Race. Men forgot God and became giants In wickedness (Genesis 6:3,4).
3. Its Effect on the Creator. "And the LORD repented that he had Made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart" (Genesis 6:6). The word "repent" always describes a change in something. There is a sense In which God cannot change (Matthew 3:9; James 1:17). He is always God, omnipotent and eternal. There is a sense in which He changes His Purposes toward us, otherwise forgiveness would be impossible (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12). God has declared that the soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4), but the sinner who turns from his sins and obeys the Lord, has the promise of salvation (2 Peter 3:9). God therefore changes His purposes toward men, but He is always God!

646. apostasia -- defection, revolt
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apostasia Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-os-tas-ee'-ah) Short Definition: defection, apostasy Definition: defection ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/646.htm - 7k

4348. proskomma -- a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling
... offense, stumbling block. From proskopto; a stub, ie (figuratively) occasion of
apostasy -- offence, stumbling(-block, (-stone)). see GREEK proskopto. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4348.htm - 6k

4624. skandalizo -- to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to ...
... to cause to stumble. From skandalon; to entrap, ie Trip up (figuratively, stumble
(transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure) -- (make to) offend. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4624.htm - 8k

2692. katastrophe -- an overthrowing
... overthrow, subverting. From katastrepho; an overturn ("catastrophe"), ie Demolition;
figuratively, apostasy -- overthrow, subverting. see GREEK katastrepho. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2692.htm - 6k

5289. hupostole -- a letting down, a shrinking back
... draw back. From hupostello; shrinkage (timidity), ie (by implication) apostasy --
draw back. see GREEK hupostello. (upostoles) -- 1 Occurrence. 5288, 5289. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5289.htm - 6k

4878. meshubah -- turning back, apostasy
... meshubah or meshubah. 4879 . turning back, apostasy. Transliteration: meshubah
or meshubah Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-oo-baw') Short Definition: faithless. ...
/hebrew/4878.htm - 6k

5627. sarah -- turning aside, defection, apostasy, withdrawal
... 5626, 5627. sarah. 5628 . turning aside, defection, apostasy, withdrawal.
Transliteration: sarah Phonetic Spelling: (saw-raw') Short Definition: rebellion. ...
/hebrew/5627.htm - 6k

The Apostasy.
... 3. THE APOSTASY. [Illustration: Chapter header.] The apostle Paul, in his
second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /3 the apostasy.htm

Whether Apostasy Pertains to Unbelief?
... OF APOSTASY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether apostasy pertains to unbelief? Objection
1: It would seem that apostasy does not pertain to unbelief. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether apostasy pertains to unbelief.htm

The Apostasy which Prepares the Way for the Antichrist.
... Chapter Six The Signs of the Redeemer's Return 2. The Apostasy which prepares
the way for the Antichrist. The question has often ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/2 the apostasy which prepares.htm

National Apostasy
... From Strength to Weakness Chapter 8 National Apostasy. ... During the greater part of
this time of apostasy in Israel, Asa was ruling in the kingdom of Judah. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

Of Apostasy (Two Articles)
... OF APOSTASY (TWO ARTICLES). We must now consider apostasy: about which there are
two points of inquiry: (1) Whether apostasy pertains to unbelief? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of apostasy two articles .htm

The Apostasy in Two Days.
... Chapter I. The Apostasy In Two Days. ... The apostasy or dark noonday being
under two forms is marked in Bible history as two days. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the apostasy in.htm

Of the Metropolis of Christian Apostasy, the Mystic Babylon.
... NOTE. Of the Metropolis of Christian Apostasy, the mystic Babylon. The
metropolis of the apostasy, Babylon the mystery, or the mystic ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the metropolis of christian.htm

Apostasy in Galatia
... Lesson 36 Apostasy in Galatia. [This chapter is based on the Epistle to
the Galatians.] While tarrying at Corinth, Paul had cause ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 36 apostasy in galatia.htm

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... Chapter III. False Teachings Of The Apostasy. ... One command would be sufficient, but
we have none. Infant baptism originated in the confusions of the apostasy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii false teachings of.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... Chapter II. Scriptural Predictions Of An Apostasy. Who ... 31. Paul saw the
awful apostasy from the simple faith of Christ arising. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

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