Falling Away

Before Jesus comes again, many converted people, that is, those who have had a connection with God, will fall away. People in the world cannot fall away from something they have not had, so these words apply to believers. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.

The spirit of the times is a manifestation of the old man and the area of his indulgence. It destroys church-life wherever it enters an assembly of believers. The requirement that every one must be a sac­rifice in his personal life, that every one must present himself as a member of the body of Christ, is completely taken away. One can have a biblical and strict doctrine, but in reality one looks up to what is fashionable and modern. People avoid everything that reminds them of the cover of reproach as much as possible.

The Spirit works in such a way that we want to have things sim­ple and proper, and be content with what we have. The prince of the power of the air is trying with all his might to lead Christians astray. He misleads them into possessing as many of the things of this world as possible, and leading a life of serving God that does not require a personal sacrifice. In this, he is successful with all those who have not crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The spirit of the times also leads one to believe that there is nothing that is holy. An astro­naut once said that he did not see God in the universe. The desire of mankind is that everything should exist for the benefit of those who mind earthly things.

Israel rejected God because they wanted to have a king and be like the other nations. Their wish was granted, but they had to reap very many fruits as a result. In these days, a large number of Chris­tians reject the laws and commandments of God concerning a holy conduct—a conduct that is decidedly different from the world; but they are continually reaping what they are sowing. Another fruit of falling away is: “They have an appearance of godliness, but deny its power.” 2 Timothy 3:5.

The church must be a bulwark against all backsliding so that none of this demonic deception can slip in. Babylon cannot be healed, and she will not be healed. We must flee Babylon and not touch anything unclean. In the church, the clear and unmistakable tones of the trum­pet of judgment can be heard concerning God’s righteous judgment over all sin and worldliness. Those who have an ear make themselves ready.

Antichrists spring up wherever the spirit of apostasy is prevalent. They have been in the church, for whenever one does not make a con­scious effort to be filled with the Spirit of God, one is driven into the spirit of antichrist. In this way, all those who have not loved the revelation of Christ are separated from those who do. God Himself allows all those who have not received a love for the truth to be de­ceived. This happens by means of signs, wonders, and smoke from the bottomless pit. Revelation 9:1-2. The smoke darkens both the sun and the air. Then it will be difficult for the eye to see something noble and pure, and for the heart to receive pure air so it can be renewed and strengthened. One does not need deep spiritual insight to realize that things have advanced quite far in this direction. We are now liv­ing in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5), and are in the midst of the falling away that “comes first.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Everything that is spoken and written is met by the smoke from the pit. The golden cup which the harlot offers is for the glorification of man; with it she ex­plains away everything that is godly. No one is spared—not even the children. They are attacked by deceiving spirits from the time they can hear and understand. The present generation is growing up un­der this kind of mass influence. It takes heavenly powers to stem this spiritual host of wickedness and fight against it. Can we keep our homes and the church pure so that none of this can find its way in?

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will de­part from the faith . . . .” 1 Timothy 4:1-6. Paul’s advice for counter­acting this was to nourish ourselves with words of faith and of the good doctrine. There is no other advice to be given in these days ei­ther. The church can only go through this time of apostasy if it has members who nourish themselves with words of faith and of the good doctrine. This is what strengthens us and preserves us until the end, because the word “commandment” embodies Christ Himself.

A falling away, with the resultant wrath of God, must come. Whatever has been sown, must be reaped. However, darkness will not gain power over the members of His body; that is, those who be­long to Him. Romans 8:9 and Galatians 5:24.

“‘They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘on the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.’” Malachi 3:17.