apostasy in the church

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (JDV)

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the lawless human is revealed, the son of destruction.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.

apostasy in the church

Paul was attempting to deal with a false teaching that had infiltrated Thessalonica. Some in the churches there were beginning to teach that Jesus had already come. No, Paul says. One of the evidences that Paul brings forth in support of his claim is this prophecy. Before Jesus returns, there will be apostasy in the church. The church be taken over by someone who does not belong in its leadership. That someone will sit in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Lots of people today think that prophecy is still to be fulfilled, although many of their ancestors were convinced that the apostasy already happened, and that it took a Reformation to get us out of it.

Fortunately, for both of these groups of Christians, the main thing is that we are all looking for the coming of Christ.

Come, Lord Jesus.