Throughout the 2000 year history of the Church, we have seen a continual departure of people and churches from the faith of the apostles. As incredibly tragic as this has been, it should not surprise us because Paul warned: “The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). Shortly after our Lord began building His Church, the apostle John records one of the first occurrences of apostasy. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19). Since then, many other professing Christians, churches, denominations, and seminaries, who once upheld the truth and authority of God’s Word, have drifted into apostasy. One of the interesting characteristics of apostasy is that it does not happen overnight. It actually develops over a period of time through a process that can be categorized into four steps.
First Step into Apostasy
God’s word is neglected as the supreme authority for faith and practice.
Second Step into Apostasy
Scripture is twisted and distorted for self-serving agendas.
Third Step into Apostasy
Entertainment, idolatry, liturgy and rituals have replaced the Lord Jesus from the central focus of worship.
Fourth Step into Apostasy
Teaching is heavily influenced by doctrines of demons. Jesus has been removed from the church.
Examine the details here.