Dictionary Article

Turning against God, as evidenced by abandonment and repudiation of former beliefs. The term generally refers to a deliberate renouncing of the faith by a once sincere believer rather than a state of ignorance or mistaken knowledge. Apostasy is distinguished from heresy (denial of a part of the faith) and from transfer of allegiance from one religious body to another within the same faith. Also, it is possible to deny the faith, as Peter once did, and then at a later time reaffirm it.

Originally, “apostasy” meant literal rebellion. Thus the Jews were described as “rebels” against King Artaxerxes (1 Esd 2:23) and Jason as a “rebel against the laws” (2 Macc 5:6-8). OT descriptions of spiritual rebellion include departure from the law, forsaking temple worship, and willful disobedience toward God himself (Jos 22:22; 2 Chr 29:19; Jer 2:19). The prophetic writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah provide many examples of Israel’s defections (Is 1:2-4; Jer 2:19). Israelite kings were often guilty of apostasy: Rehoboam (1 Kgs 14:22-24); Ahab (1 Kgs 16:30-33); Ahaziah (1 Kgs 22:51-53); Jehoram (2 Chr 21:6, 10); Ahaz (2 Chr 28:1-4); Manasseh (2 Chr 33:1-19); Amon (2 Chr 33:21-23).

In NT times many disciples withdrew from Christ (Jn 6:66)—the most notorious example being Judas Iscariot. The Greek word from which “apostasy” is derived appears in only two passages. The apostle Paul was accused of apostasy for teaching others “to turn their backs on the laws of Moses” (Acts 21:21, NLT). And apostasy is given an eschatological (end times) significance in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Christians were warned not to be carried away and deceived in the widespread apostasy to come in the end times before the Lord’s return. That apostasy is linked to the rise of a man of rebellion who will be Satan’s tool (2 Thes 2:3-12; cf. 1 Tm 4:1-3).

Warnings against Apostasy

Many NT passages, using different words, convey warnings against apostasy. In the last days, tribulation and persecution will cause many to “fall away” (Mt 24:9-10); false prophets will arise and “lead many astray” (Mt 24:11). Other causes of apostasy include temptation (Lk 8:13) and unbelief (Heb 3:12). Paul cited Hymenaeus and Alexander as examples of those who had rejected the faith (1 Tm 1:20). The writer of Hebrews referred to those who had believed and then departed from the faith as being in a hopeless state—with no possibility of further repentance (Heb 6:1-6). The consequences of willful sinning after receiving Christ are terrifying (Heb 10:26-31). The apostle Peter said that, for believers in Christ who knowingly turned away, “they are worse off than before” (2 Pt 2:20-22). The apostle John addresses this same problem (1 Jn 2:18-19).

Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary