The Great Apostasy
Paul foretold a falling away from the faith before the day of the Lord.
Paul told the Thessalonians that the day of Christ would not come except there came a falling away first, and the man of sin be revealed. The Spirit also expressly warned of latter-day departures from the faith.
The Prophecy
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come...Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
A departure from the faith
The Greek word apostasia describes a deliberate forsaking. Scripture warns of professing Christians abandoning sound doctrine for seducing spirits.
A precursor to the man of sin
Paul ties the apostasy to the revealing of the antichrist — religious decline preparing the way for political-religious deception.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the great apostasy?
A foretold falling away from biblical Christianity in the last days, opening the door for the man of sin.
What is the 'falling away' of 2 Thessalonians 2:3?
A widespread departure from the faith in the last days, preceding the revelation of the man of sin (antichrist).
Is the apostasy happening now?
Many see it underway in the rise of false teaching and abandonment of biblical doctrine, but the final climactic apostasy awaits.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Antichrist and the Man of Sin
A final lawless one to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming.
False Christs and False Prophets
Jesus warned of deceivers who would arise showing great signs and wonders.
Signs of the End of the Age
Wars, famines, earthquakes — Christ's foretold birth-pangs of the end.
The Abomination of Desolation
Daniel's sign, partly fulfilled in history, awaiting final unveiling.
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