Apostasy is variously defined as a defection from the faith, an unpardonable act of rebellion against God and His truth, a willful falling away from Christianity and a rejection of Christianity by someone who was formerly a Christian. Then there are those who claim to be Christian, but were never really saved and thus have never been a Christian—yet boldly present false doctrines against biblical truth. Those people being fooled by these types of wolves in sheep’s clothing are a part of today’s widespread apostasy and don’t even realize it.
Ignorance is no excuse. We all have access to a Bible. It’s the responsibility of each one of us to know better, and we would if we approached God’s Word with the same passion as we do with our favorite sports team or television series. Friend, that football game on Sunday isn’t leading you to heaven. But if it serves as a distraction from God, it could well be leading you toward hell. Is that harsh? So be it.
For some, for many, apostasy is simply a case of itching ears:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
I am finding more and more of my family and friends have been influenced by the preachers, churches and ministries foretold in 2 Timothy. Besides all of the “feel good” ministries, there is an increasing focus on “God is Love” to the exclusion of His other attributes.
The Internet has not helped the Bible Believing Christian in many ways. While it is true that we can fellowship with like-minded believers, smooth talking wolves also swamp us. We are bombarded by pretty PowerPoint’s and posters that contain some truth but also some error. We have smooth talking preachers out there who can word craft an argument or sermon that sounds enticing at first listen,
One of my friends whom I have always thought to be biblically sound has started re-posting these pretty backgrounded religious sayings. They are appealing. But very often they are products of the feel good religion.
“God wouldn’t have allowed a CHALLENGE to happen if He didn’t plan for SOMETHING GOOD to come from it.” This quote is one of them. I crossed it out because I don’t want anyone to think I agree. I do agree and I don’t!
Truthfully all things do work for good, but not always yours! Sometimes the believer suffers, is imprisoned, or even dies. Now I know the argument that death for the believer is victory, but I don’t think the above quote was referring to that. My friend reposted it and was commenting that for the believer everything would work out ok. The intent was that if we just have enough faith, we will rise to be _________; (fill in the blank with) prosperous, healthy, victorious, etc.
We need to carefully examine who we are allowing to influence us in our Christian walk. The Bible teaches us that there will be greater and greater apostasy to the point that “Even the Elect” might be fooled if possible.
Find a good, sound, Scriptural fellowship and study the Word of God to uncover the counterfeits. Like with Money, you do not need to study the fake, you need to be totally grounded in the real thing.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Originally Posted 3/24/14