Apostasy is the act of abandoning one’s faith or beliefs.
It’s a serious spiritual matter that can have devastating consequences.
In 2 Peter 2:20, Peter warns us about the dangers of apostasy and the possibility of a worse outcome than if we had never believed at all.
If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
2 Peter 2:20
Warning of Apostasy
Peter’s warning is clear: if someone has escaped the corruptions of this world through knowledge of Jesus Christ and then returns to it; their last state is worse than the first.
This means that falling away from the faith after having experienced salvation can be more harmful than never having believed at all.
Reasons for Apostasy
There are many reasons why people may fall away from their faith.
Some may become discouraged or disillusioned. Others may be tempted by worldly pleasures or the desire for approval.
Still others may simply drift away from the church and their spiritual practices.
Consequences of Apostasy
The consequences of apostasy can be severe. It can lead to spiritual emptiness, guilt, and shame. It can also have a negative impact on our relationships with others.
Moreover, the Bible warns us that those who reject Jesus Christ after having believed in Him will face eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:4-6).
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6:4-6
This is a sobering reminder of the importance of persevering in our faith.
How to Avoid Apostasy
To avoid falling away from your faith, you must be diligent in your spiritual practices. You should regularly attend church, study the Bible, pray, and participate in fellowship with other believers.
You need be mindful of the temptations that can lead to apostasy, and should seek to develop a strong relationship with God, relying on His strength to help you overcome those temptations.
The warning about apostasy in 2 Peter 2:20 is a serious one. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and persevering in our faith.
By being diligent in your spiritual practices and seeking God’s strength, you can avoid the dangers of apostasy and experience the joy and peace that comes from a deep relationship with Him.
Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
- Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
- Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
- Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!