The Falling Away

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first – 2 Thessalonians 2:3

The “Day” described here is the day that Jesus returns.  This section of this chapter in 2 Thessalonians is described in many Bibles as “The Great Apostasy”.  The translated term “falling away” comes from the Greek word apostasia which can be translated from apo, meaning to depart from, and stasis, meaning the stand or state of.  One can translate then that the falling away is a departing from the stand of faith or the stand of the Word of God.  One can also translate that the falling away is a departing from the state of something, such as the state of being of God.  This would be a departing from the state of being created by God. 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – 2 Timothy 3:1-4

To fall away from being a creation of God means that everything about you as you were born is in question.  Your gender: males will depart from their stasis or state of manhood, women will depart from their stasis or state of womanhood, fathers from their state of fatherhood , mothers from their state of motherhood, and humans from the state of humanity (life has less value).

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world – Philippians 2:14-15

That age will see a departure from the Word of God.  This means those who know Jesus must hold onto His Word with much more conviction, certainty, and steadfastness.  The effort will have to be intentional and it won’t be convenient. 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6:13

Today, let us be careful not to be falling away.  Let us be watchful for our stand on the Word of God and for our knowledge of being precious created sons and daughters of the Most High God.  Created in His image according to His good will and for His good purpose.