An apostate's defection from the faith may be intellectual, as in the case of Ernst Haeckel, who, because of his materialistic philosophy, publicly and formally renounced Christianity and the church. Then, there is Dr. Bart D. Ehrman who has rejected Christ because of his doubt in the trustworthiness of the Bible and the problem of evil, and so he has actively worked in opposition to Christ for 20+ years. It may also be moral and spiritual, as with Judas, who for filthy silver pieces basely betrayed his Lord.
DRIFTING AWAY: Avoid an Evil, Unbelieving Heart, in Falling Away from the Living God!
The truths of God’s Word will not benefit us unless we give heed to them. It will not save us that the Lord Jesus has come and spoken to people unless we are disposed to listen. It will not benefit us that the sun shines unless we open our eyes. Books will not help us unless we read them; medicine, unless we take it; nor will the fruits of the earth sustain our lives, however rich and abundant they may be, if we disregard and neglect them. So with the truths of God’s Word. There is truth enough to save the world - but the world ignores and despises it. Many Christians barely study it.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Apostasy? What Are Some Identifying Characteristics of Apostates?
Approaching the close of the first century A.D., a grave and treacherous, deceptive danger threatened early Christianity. Was it persecution from those outside Christianity? (Emperor Nero 64 AD., Domitian in A.D. 81, Trajan in A.D. 108) No, the greatest danger came from within the Church. The lurking enemy was apostasy.
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Apostasy: (Gr. apostasia)
Apostasy: (Gr. apostasia) The term literally means “to stand away from” and is used to refer to ones who ‘stand away from the truth.’ It is abandonment, a rebellion, an apostasy, a refusal to accept or acknowledge true worship. In Scripture, this is used primarily concerning the one who rises up in defiance of the... Continue Reading →