The Bible warns us that in the end times, right before the return of Jesus Christ, there will be a great falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3). This falling away refers to a massive rejection of Christianity and biblical truth by those who once professed to believe. It will be a departure from sound doctrine and godly living, led by false teachers and ungodly influences. This falling away is already underway to some extent, but will greatly accelerate as we approach the end times.
Let’s take a closer look at what 2 Thessalonians 2:3 teaches and what a “great falling away” might look like:
The Context of 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Paul wrote this letter to correct some misunderstandings the Thessalonian church had about the end times. Some thought the day of the Lord had already come, so Paul assured them that certain events must take place first (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). One key event is the great falling away. This will be a clear sign to believers that the coming of the Lord is not yet immediate.
Characteristics of the Great Falling Away
Based on this passage and the entire counsel of Scripture, here are some expected characteristics of this end-times falling away:
- Many nominal Christians will abandon the faith. Jesus said the love of many will grow cold in the last days (Matthew 24:12). These professing believers never truly accepted Christ’s lordship. They will fall away under pressure or persecution.
- There will be a rise in false teaching. Specifically, doctrines of demons will proliferate (1 Timothy 4:1), as well as ear-tickling messages (2 Timothy 4:3). This false teaching will lead many astray.
- Sexual immorality and other sins will be rampant. People will indulge the flesh and rebel against God’s moral commands (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).
- General lawlessness will abound. As in the days of Noah, wickedness and violence will increase all over the world (Matthew 24:12,37).
- There will be a worldly thirst for false signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Deception and demonic miracles will draw some away from God’s truth.
- Nominal Christians will become hostile toward true faith. Those who fall away will resent biblical doctrine and standard. They will ridicule and persecute faithful believers (2 Timothy 3:12).
Why Does the Great Falling Away Happen?
Why does the great falling away occur? Here are some explanations:
- Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy – Scripture has foretold this end-times rebellion against God. The seeds of falling away have already been sown and now await their full flowering (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
- Judgment for Rejecting Truth – Those who continually reject God’s truth are gradually given over to deception as a judgment (Romans 1:18-32; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). They fall away into even deeper darkness.
- The Rise of Evil – In the end times, the antichrist’s spirit will grow in influence leading to open defiance of God. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:3,7).
- God’s Sovereignty – Although tragic, this falling away fulfills God’s sovereign purposes. He is in control as the end draws near (Matthew 24:12-14).
How Should Christians Respond?
How should devoted followers of Christ respond to the great falling away?
- Do not be discouraged or afraid. Jesus predicted these things so we would be prepared (John 16:33).
- Focus on your own faith. Make your calling and election sure by pursuing closeness with Christ daily (2 Peter 1:5-11).
- Preach the Word boldly and truthfully (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Warn of false teaching and dangerous end-time deceptions.
- Call nominal Christians back to true faith. Exhort rebels to repent; don’t enable them (Titus 1:13; Jude 1:22-23).
- Trust in God’s power and sovereignty. Understand God will use even this dark time for His glory and purposes (Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 16:4).
Examples of the Falling Away Already Underway
While the great falling away will reach its zenith after the rapture of the church, aspects of this apostasy are already happening today:
- Mainline denominations are abandoning the authority of Scripture, allowing homosexual clergy, and denying fundamental doctrines like Christ’s deity.
- Prosperity gospel and emergent church movements grow in popularity, emphasizing self-centeredness over sound doctrine.
- Mass legalization of gay marriage shows the clear rejection of God’s moral commands by even whole nations.
- Youth are fleeing the church in droves, seeking spirituality without biblical truth.
- Churches preach watered-down, ear-tickling messages to appeal to changing cultural values.
- Laodicean spirit permeates the modern church – increased apathy, inactivity, and compromised holiness (Revelation 3:14-22).
These trends reveal how the groundwork for end times apostasy is already here. Truly the day of the Lord is drawing closer. We must be ready by clinging to Christ and His Word until the end.
Conclusion
The Bible warns a great falling away from the faith will be an indicator of the end times. This apostasy may be tied to the rise of the antichrist and will be fueled by false teachers and an escalation of wickedness. While this falling away will break our hearts, we must respond with resolve. Stay close to Jesus, preach the Word boldly, and contend for the faith amid growing deception. Christ will empower the faithful to stand firm, even in the darkest of days.