APOSTASY

What Is the Biblical Definition of Apostasy?
Apostasy is an English term based on the Greek apotasia. Originally, it meant to desert one's post; it was used for political revolt.

In the Old Testament, the word implies a turning away from God's way (see Josh. 22:22 -- LXX; see LXX entry).

In the New Testament, apostasia describes a massive "falling away" from the truth of the gospel, resulting in the revealing of the "man of sin," who is also the "son of perdition" (2 Thes. 2:1ff). This opposing force was already beginning in Paul's day. The apostasy would exalt itself mightily against God. Though it will continue until Christ returns, it will be destroyed by Christ at that time. 

Though widespread in the community of "Christendom," the idea that a child of God or a conglomerate of Christians can never sin in such a way as to be lost is without biblical substance and terribly dangerous (see Gal. 5:4; 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 2 Tim. 4:1ff; Heb. 3:12; 2 Pet. 2:1).

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Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson