We are now introduced to the Greek word, “apostasia,” which is translated as “falling away” in the King James Translation. The basic meaning of the word is “departure.” One cannot tell from the meaning of the word, itself, whether it is in reference to the departure, i.e., the Rapture of the Church; or, a “departure from the truth,” known as apostasy. “Apostasia” translated as “falling away” is quite misleading, as it does not incorporate the meaning “to fall” or “fell.” For example, check Matthew 10:29 (“fall”); Matthew 17:6 (“fell”); John 18:6 (“fell”), etc. These are translated from the Greek word “pipto,” not “apostasia.” Therefore, only by the context in which “apostasia” occurs can it be determined if it is in reference to a departure from the faith; or, the departure of the Church from the world at the Rapture . It should be noted, that to the best of my knowledge, all English translations prior to the King James Translation translated “apostasia” either as “departing” or “departure.” Also, the Bible known as the Vulgate, about 400 A.D., was Jerome’s Latin translation. Here Jerome uses the Latin word, “discessio,” meaning “departure” for “apostasia.” With this in mind, one can see that this is in perfect harmony with Verse 1, which ascribes to the Rapture. “Now we beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and BY OUR GATHERING TOGETHER UNTO HIM.” E. The Event of the Rapture. This is the same as Paul had previously spoken about in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 concerning the Rapture. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) In 1Thessalonians 4:13-17, Paul gives the principles of the Rapture; whereas, in 2 Thessalonians, Chapter 2, he gives the procedure concerning the Rapture, which is pre-tribulation. May we make a few more observations which lead us to conclude that the word, “apostasia,” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is speaking of the Church departing from the Earth, raptured to meet her Savior in the clouds; and not a departure from the faith. Notice in Verse 7, “For the mystery of iniquity doth ALREADY WORK.” Paul states that apostasy from the faith was already present. 1. Hymenaeus and Alexander were two of them. (1 Timothy 1:19,20). 2. There were false teachers of the law. (1Timothy 1:4-7). 3. False teachings concerning the Resurrection. (2 Timothy 2:16-18). 4. Read Jude; 1 John 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3. ...and we could go on and on
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 13:46:21 +0000
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