Is there going to be a great apostasy / falling away in the end times?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible speaks of a great apostasy, or rebellion, in the end times, where many will turn away from the truth. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, Paul warns that the "man of lawlessness," the Antichrist, will emerge after this falling away. Jesus also predicted that many would fall away, betray one another, and follow false prophets, as seen in Matthew 24:10–14. This great apostasy will be a global event, and the rise of deception will increase lawlessness and cause love to grow cold. For today, this calls us to be vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and actively guard against spiritual compromise.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The great apostasy in the end times is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Paul talks about a great apostasy—a rebellion or abandonment of truth—during the end times in 2 Thessalonians. The believers in Thessalonica had been exposed to false teachings and feared that "the day of the Lord has come" (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Paul corrected these teachings and allayed their fears, in part by telling them that a rebellion as well as the revealing of the Antichrist would occur before the tribulation and final judgment. Paul had already addressed the issue of the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18.
• Second Thessalonians 2:3–4 warns us of what to expect with the great apostasy: "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, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God."
• The "rebellion" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, as the ESV and NIV term it, is the great apostasy of the end times. The KJV calls it "a falling away." The original Greek is apostasia, meaning a defection or intentional turning away. This will be a turning away from God, the Bible, and Christian faith. Though many have turned away from God, or rejected Him, throughout the ages, this final rebellion will be worldwide and the "man of lawlessness" will take control. This is a massive falling away, and it will require a leader. The "man of lawlessness" who steps in is the Antichrist. We believe the global apostasy and revealing of the Antichrist will occur after the rapture of the church.
• Jesus told His followers about the signs of the end of days, both "the beginning of the birth pains" (Matthew 24:8) as well as the final times. In Matthew 24:10–14, He says, "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. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The warning about the great apostasy in the end times should serve as a wake-up call for us today. In a world where false teachings and distractions are prevalent, we can see how people are being led astray from the truth of God's Word. For example, the rise of popular ideologies that promote self-centeredness or relativism clash with biblical teachings but seek to seep into our lives. Many may even embrace spiritual practices that deviate from the gospel, like new age beliefs or moral relativism, unknowingly participating in the "falling away" prophesied in Scripture. This is a reminder that standing firm in our faith is not a passive action but an active pursuit of truth. As believers, we must ensure that we are grounded in Scripture, cultivating a love for God’s Word and discerning between truth and deception. We can actively guard our hearts by holding fast to the gospel, sharing it boldly with others, and being alert to the signs of compromise that creep into our lives and communities. Just as Jesus warned, the challenge is great, but those who endure in faith will find salvation.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible warns of a global apostasy in the end times, leading to the rise of the Antichrist.
• This apostasy will involve widespread deception, lawlessness, and love growing cold toward others.
• The great apostasy will happen to unbelievers.

REFLECT

• How can you personally guard against spiritual compromise in a world full of false teachings and distractions?
• How can you actively stay grounded in Scripture and avoid being led astray by deceptive ideologies?
• How can you encourage others to stand firm in their faith and help them discern the truth in a time of increasing deception?

ENGAGE

• What specific signs do you think we should be aware of in recognizing the great apostasy in today's world?
• How can we support one another in remaining faithful and resisting the pressures of lawlessness and false teachings?
• What role does sharing the gospel play in resisting the spiritual falling away, and how can we make this a priority in our lives?