Jesus is coming again.
For nearly two thousand years, believers have lived with that promise. Yet the Bible tells us that before the return of Christ, something deeply troubling will occur—not only in the world, but among those who profess faith in God.
Scripture calls it a falling away.
Paul wrote:
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:3
Those are serious words.
Paul wasn’t trying to frighten believers. He was warning so they would not be deceived.
And that warning may be more important today than many Christians realize.
What Is the Falling Away?
The expression translated “falling away” comes from the Greek word apostasia. It carries the idea of departure, defection, or rebellion.
This is where we get our English word apostasy.
In the biblical sense, apostasy is not simply someone missing church, becoming discouraged, asking difficult questions, or struggling through a season of doubt.
It is a departure from truth that was once professed or embraced.
And Paul wasn’t alone in warning about it.
He wrote to Timothy:
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
— 1 Timothy 4:1
Notice the words carefully: “Depart from the faith.”
Something once recognized as truth is abandoned.
And notice something else. Paul connects this departure with deception.
That is important.
The greatest spiritual dangers are not always truths openly attacked. Sometimes they are truths quietly altered.
A small portion of Scripture removed.
A difficult teaching of Jesus is softened.
Repentance becomes unpopular.
Holiness becomes unnecessary.
Sin is renamed or silently ignored.
Biblical authority is gradually replaced by cultural acceptance.
People may still use Christian terminology while moving farther and farther from what Jesus and the apostles actually taught.
Jesus Warned Us
Jesus Himself described conditions surrounding the end of the age:
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
— Matthew 24:10–12
Again, we see the word deceive.
Jesus did not merely warn that the world would become darker. He warned that deception would become powerful.
And He stated that offense would become more common.
Jesus continued:
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
— Matthew 24:24
That should get our attention.
The great spiritual danger of the last days may not always look evil.
It may look spiritual.
It may sound compassionate.
It may use religious vocabulary.
It may even quote Scripture.
But the question remains:
Is it true?
When People No Longer Want Sound Doctrine
Paul gave Timothy another remarkable warning:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires,”
— 2 Timothy 4:3
Apostasy is a more serious result than a Christian simply becoming discouraged or spiritually weak.
The New Testament describes an actual departure from sound doctrine that ultimately becomes a turning away from God.
Some especially useful companion Scriptures in the NKJV are:
- 1 Timothy 4:1: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
- 2 Timothy 4:3–4: People “will not endure sound doctrine,” but will turn their ears away from the truth and toward fables.
- 2 Timothy 3:1–5: “In the last days perilous times will come,” followed by a striking description of moral and spiritual deterioration—including people having “a form of godliness but denying its power.”
- Matthew 24:10–13: Jesus said many would be offended, betray one another, false prophets would arise, lawlessness would abound, and “the love of many will grow cold.”
- Matthew 24:24: Jesus warned that false christs and false prophets would arise with such deception that, “if possible, even the elect” could be deceived.
- 2 Peter 2:1–2: Peter warned that false teachers would secretly introduce destructive heresies and that “many will follow their destructive ways.”
- 2 Peter 3:3–4: “Scoffers will come in the last days,” questioning the promised return of Christ. Challenging the strength of God’s promise.
- Jude 17–19: The apostles warned that “there would be mockers in the last time” who walk according to ungodly desires.
- Revelation 3:14–22: The church at Laodicea provides a sobering picture of a church that believes itself rich and spiritually secure while Christ describes it as lukewarm and calls it to repentance.
Jesus is coming again. And He’s coming again soon!
OFF-GRID NEXT STEP: SAFE WINTER STORAGE
After renting a storage unit for some time, the decision has been made to vacate it, simplify, and prayerfully prepare for the coming days. Nearly half of our personal belongings—including family heirlooms and memorabilia—have already been sold in preparation for what’s ahead.
However, off-grid living requires certain essential supplies and equipment that must be protected from the weather. With winter approaching, a small storage shed is needed to safely house these necessities. We have located a good used wooden shed for approximately $1,450. which includes relocating it.
If the Lord puts it on your heart to help with this next step, any gift—large or small—would be deeply appreciated. We’re simply moving forward one practical step at a time as God provides. Thank you.
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strengthen faith, share biblical truth, and introduce others to saving power of Jesus Christ,
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By coming again, are you referring to a physical return, believers being led to what’s referred to as “Christ Consciousness”, or both?
Thank you for asking. I’m referring to the physical, visible return of Jesus Christ. He came physically before and He will return, the Bible says, in like manner as His disciples saw Him go. Jesus Himself will return—not simply as a higher state of consciousness. However, in the meantime, we are called to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV), knowing Him more deeply and becoming more like Him as we await His return. God bless you.
These truths are so needed in the days now and to come. So many are not in the Word and will not be ready. Keep sharing as God puts in your heart to write His truths.
Thank you for your faithful encouragement and support! You are so right. Staying grounded in God’s Word is more important than ever as we prepare for the days ahead. We’re grateful for those like you who recognize the urgency of sharing His truth. May the Lord continue to strengthen and bless you as you stand faithfully with Him!
This is a powerful message, Dale. Keep up the good work.
I expect my navel, Life in the 2030s, to illustrate manny of the things you have mentioned in a form that people can identify with and even see themselves being deceived. I have been discouraged lately but your message encourages me to get on with my writing. One of my discouragements is Kindle Direct Publishing says I have margins errors in My Freshman Year, Second Book, that I don’t see and I thin they are wring. But it is keeping me from publishing that novel. So what will happen to Life on the 2030s? perhaps I can give it to you, have you van maker changes and additions and publish it as a way of emphasizing the messages the Lord gives you. I am trusting Him to give me the same messages but in a form that resonates with people and makes them apply it to themselves.
You are right on. Satan’s deception is already making inroads in our society and some of the Church are being deceived. We need to wake up and stand with Jesus even when it makes us unpopular in the world. My novel ,Life n the 2030s, will attempt to bring all this you are telling us into a life-like situation that hopefully with resonate with readers in a way that takes them beyond clear teaching.
Thank you for sharing your heart. It’s encouraging to hear that this message has renewed your determination to keep writing. Your novel of your vision for Life in the 2030s is a powerful way to convey what we’re facing in the days ahead. We know the publishing challenges have been discouraging, but don’t lose heart. Your desire to help others recognize deception and stand firmly with Jesus is so important in these times. May the Lord give you renewed strength, wisdom, and perseverance as you continue the work He has placed on your heart. Please know that we continue to agree in faith for your healing. God bless you!