Turning away from God and the faith, choosing to reject Him.
About Defection
Turning against God by abandoning or rejecting former beliefs. The term refers to a deliberate rejection of the faith by someone who used to believe. It does not refer to not understanding or being mistaken. Apostasy is different from heresy (denial of a part of the faith) and from changing denominations. Also, it is possible to deny the faith, as Peter once did, and reaffirm it later.
Originally, apostasy meant literal rebellion. So, the Jewish people were described as “rebels” against King Artaxerxes (1 Esdras 2:23). Also, Jason was described as a “rebel against the laws” (2 Maccabees 5:6–8). The Old Testament lists many examples of spiritual rebellion:
Sadly, opposition to God is not limited to those outside the community of faith. The Bible tells of many who seemed to know God but turned away (see Numbers 16 ; Deuteronomy 13...
Apostasy and Renewal ThemeDuring the time of Israel's divided kingdom, people often considered the northern kingdom of Israel as unfaithful and the southern kingdom of Judah as faithful. When Jeroboam...
Key References
Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.
She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.
Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever.
My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them.
All Scripture References (12)
Proverbs (1)
For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
Jeremiah (9)
Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.
She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.
And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah.
Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever.
“Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God.
Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.
Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.
Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.
Hosea (2)
My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them.
I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.