The Great Apostasy precedes the Great Tribulation in Scripture 1.2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” •The Great Apostasy (or rebellion) refers to a massive falling away from faith, truth, and godliness. This event precedes the revelation of the Antichrist and the Tribulation. 2.1 Timothy 4:1 “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.” •Paul warns of a departure from biblical truth, as people embrace false doctrines and worldly ideologies. 3.Matthew 24:10-12 “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” •Jesus speaks of increasing lawlessness, false prophets, and a widespread abandonment of love and faith, indicating spiritual decay before His return. Signs of Apostasy Today 1.Rejection of Biblical Truth •Many churches and individuals are abandoning clear biblical teachings to align with cultural trends, redefining doctrines on sin, salvation, and morality (e.g., sexual ethics, gender identity, and exclusivity of Christ). 2.Rise of Secularism and Spiritual Apathy •A growing number of people identify as “nones” (no religious affiliation), with an overall decline in church attendance and interest in spiritual matters. 3.False Prophets and Doctrines •Popular teachings emphasize self-help, prosperity, or universalism, denying foundational truths such as sin, judgment, and salvation through Christ alone. 4.Global Lawlessness and Moral Decay •The normalization of violence, corruption, and immorality reflects the “increase in lawlessness” mentioned in Matthew 24:12. 5.Persecution of Christians •Around the world, hostility toward biblical Christianity is intensifying, fulfilling Jesus’ warning in John 15:18-20 and Matthew 24:9. Are We Seeing the Great Apostasy? While the current trends align with the spirit of apostasy, it is not certain that we are in the final Great Apostasy described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. 1.Global Scale: •The Great Apostasy seems to suggest a global turning away from Christ, possibly coinciding with the rise of the Antichrist, who will demand worship (Revelation 13:8). While apostasy is growing, it may not yet have reached this culmination. 2.The Restrainer: •2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 speaks of a “restrainer” (the Holy Spirit) who is currently holding back the revelation of the Antichrist. As long as the restrainer is active, the full apostasy may not yet be realized. 3.God’s Work in the World: •Even amidst growing apostasy, many are turning to Christ in global revivals, especially in regions like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. What Should We Do? 1.Stay Watchful and Faithful •Jesus commands His followers to remain vigilant (Mark 13:33-37). We must guard our hearts and persevere in faith, even as the world turns away. 2.Proclaim the Gospel •In times of apostasy, the need for bold evangelism is critical (Matthew 28:19-20). We are called to share the truth with love and urgency. 3.Cling to Scripture •Paul advises Timothy to hold fast to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:14-17), a crucial defense against deception in these times. 4.Pray for Discernment •As we approach the last days, discernment is vital to distinguish truth from deception (1 John 4:1).