THE GREAT APOSTASY

 

THE GREAT APOSTASY For rebellion is like the sin of divination and witchcraft, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23 The term "end times rebellion" refers to a significant event prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 that will occur before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This rebellion, also called the great apostasy or falling away, is described in the Bible as a widespread turning away from the Christian faith and the truth of God. This rebellion will happen during the Tribulation. FOR THE WORLD: We can see in the news how any kind of authoritarian action on the part of leaders is met with strong resistance. The mantra of our generation is "Nobody tells me what to do." Unfortunately, because of their deceptions, people will not recognize evil when it appears. The widespread end-times rebellion will set the stage for the antichrist. FOR CHRISTIANS: As worldly people have thrown off all restraints, Christians have tried to turn the world back to Biblical values. But there is danger in this, also. Christian nationalism is a distraction from the message that Christians are supposed to be proclaiming, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of us have forgotten entirely what our Christian priorities are: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15 For the past 60 years the world has been able to march it's radical agendas forward at an incredibly fast pace; but to try to force our culture back by any degree will not change the hearts and lives of people who need Christ. Attempting to force moral values on the population will not work. THE BATTLE IS BROADCAST What is fascinating is that the moral battle is being slugged out in national headlines for all the world to see. The issues are front and center. They're hot topics in our discussions. This too, is by God's design; as people listen, judge, and make their choices. WHAT IS MISSING? But what is missing from all of this is the GOSPEL. There's been an awful lot of use of the word LOVE. However, love is also a distraction from the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Love by any definition does not replace the person of Jesus, who ought to be the MOST important person in our lives. Jesus should be the MOST beloved name on our lips. And He absolutely is the most important, most loving good news that this sorry old world needs to hear. THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST The Jewish people expected their Messiah to be a warrior King who would defeat enemies and set up His Kingdom. In other words, they expected a mighty, charismatic REBEL who would set them free from their oppressors. Instead Jesus obeyed the Roman laws, he obeyed the Jewish laws, and he submitted in every way to his heavenly Father who required really difficult obedience from him. Jesus fulfilled all the law and the prophets... he was absolutely sinless. And it was because of his obedience that Jesus WON. It was through obedience that he defeated the greatest Enemy of mankind. It was through obedience that he won custody of the keys of Death and Hades. The supernatural overcoming power of Christ was acquired through obedience! So let's not follow the world into their rebellions. Let us follow our Good Shepherd in obedience, wherever he leads us.