From: Marilyn Agee
> concerning the word apostasia in 2 Thess. 2: 3.
The argument is does > this mean a falling away from the
faith or does it mean a departure as > in a Rapture?
What the Lord has convicted me of concerning this passage is
that it is clearly speaking of a forsaking of the true gospel
and doctrine of Christ, and not a Rapture. A Rapture is coming,
but this passage of scripture is not about the Rapture, rather
is concerns itself why the man of sin, the son of perdition is
revealed when he is. So if it is permissible that I share what I
know is the truth concerning this passage, as I know I have the
Holy Spirit teaching me, this is what He has taught me
concerning 2 Thess. 2: 1-12 (KJV):
> Verse one: concerns itself with the entire body
of Christ in the air > (those saints who have died in
Christ and those saints still living on > the earth who
have survived the great tribulation, where they are caught
> up in the air just prior to His wrath).
> Verse two: this verse is understood that we are
not to be troubled in > mind or in spirit, but can you
imagine the fear in those that thought > they were to be
recipients of His wrath (the day of Christ). We are not >
to fear them that can kill the body, but rather Him that has
power to > throw both body and soul into hell. Yes, I say,
fear Him (Matt. 10: 28).
> Verse three: we are exhorted to not allow
anyone to deceive us by any > means, as "that day" (the day
of Christ; His wrath) will not come, > except there come a
falling away (forsaking/departing from the true > gospel
and doctrine of Christ) first, and that man of sin be
revealed, > the son of perdition (this is telling us that
when the churches in > Christendom have come to the full in
believing the corrupted gospel, > which Paul said would
happen, having forsaken or departed from the true > gospel
message, having turned the truth into a lie, then when God
> determines that it has come to the full, then that man of
sin, the son > of perdition would be revealed, as he was on
Jan. 20, 2009.
Hi:
I have some information you might want to consider.
In 2Th 2, verse 15 says to believers, "BRETHREN, STAND FAST".
And, yes, verse 3 says, "LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS".
The Thessalonians were in danger of being deceived. Since we do
not want to be deceived, we need to understand this too.
To understand the whole passage, we need to get this straight
first:
The DAY OF CHRIST is the day of the First-Trump Rapture. It
takes place in Rev 4:1 before Jesus is given the seven-sealed
book in Rev 5:7. The first Rapture must take place before the
DAY OF THE LORD can come.
The DAY OF THE LORD is the day of the Last-Trump Rapture and the
vengeance of the LORD. It starts when the SIXTH SEAL is broken
(Rev 6:12,17; 7:14).
THE DAY OF CHRIST IS THE COMING OF JESUS FOR THE BRIDE OF CHRIST
1Co_1:6-8 says, "Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed
in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for
THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: Who shall also confirm you
unto the end, that ye may be blameless in THE DAY OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST."
1Co_5:5 says, "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the
destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the
DAY OF THE LORD JESUS."
2Co_1:14 says, "As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we
are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the DAY OF THE
LORD JESUS."
Php_1:10 says, "That ye may approve things that are excellent;
that ye may be sincere and without offence till the DAY OF
CHRIST".
Php_2:16 says, "Holding forth the word of life; that I may
rejoice in the DAY OF CHRIST, that I have not run in vain,
neither laboured in vain."
The DAY OF CHRIST now seems to be right after Satan and his
fallen angels are cast out of Heaven about Mid-Trib.
Rev 12:6-9 says," And the woman fled into the wilderness, where
she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her
there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (i.e., the
duration of the Great Tribulation before it is shortened). And
there was WAR IN HEAVEN: Michael and his angels fought against
the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And
prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he
was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with
him."
THE DAY OF THE LORD IS THE DAY OF GOD'S WRATH
Isa_2:12 says, "For the DAY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS shall be upon
every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is
lifted up; and he shall be brought low".
Isa_13:6 says, "Howl ye; for the DAY OF THE LORD is at hand; IT
SHALL COME AS A DESTRUCTION FROM THE ALMIGHTY."
Isa_13:9 says, "Behold, the DAY OF THE LORD cometh, cruel both
with WRATH and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he
shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it."
Isa_34:8 says, "For it is the DAY OF THE LORD'S VENGEANCE, and
the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion" (i.e.,
Jerusalem).
Jer_46:10 says, "For this is the DAY OF THE LORD GOD OF HOSTS, A
DAY OF VENGEANCE, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and
the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk
with their blood: FOR THE LORD GOD OF HOSTS HATH A SACRIFICE IN
THE NORTH COUNTRY BY THE RIVER EUPHRATES."
Lam_2:22 says, "Thou hast called as in a solemn day my terrors
round about, so that in the DAY OF THE LORD'S ANGER none escaped
nor remained: those that I have swaddled and brought up hath
mine enemy consumed."
Eze_13:5 says, "Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made
up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in
the DAY OF THE LORD."
Eze_30:3 says, "For the day is near, even the DAY OF THE LORD is
near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen."
Joe_1:15 says, "Alas for the day! for the DAY OF THE LORD is at
hand, and AS A DESTRUCTION FROM THE ALMIGHTY SHALL IT COME."
Joe_2:1 says, "Blow ye the TRUMPET in Zion, and sound an alarm
in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land
tremble: for the DAY OF THE LORD cometh, for it is nigh at
hand".
Joe_2:11 says, "And the LORD shall utter his voice before his
army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that
executeth his word: for the DAY OF THE LORD IS GREAT AND VERY
TERRIBLE; and who can abide it?"
Joe_2:31 says, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the
moon into blood, before the great and the TERRIBLE DAY OF THE
LORD come."
Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the SIXTH SEAL,
and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black
as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood".
Rev 6:17 For the great DAY OF HIS WRATH is come; and who
shall be able to stand?
Joe_3:14 says, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of
decision: for the DAY OF THE LORD is near in the valley of
decision."
Amo_5:18 says, "Woe unto you that desire the DAY OF THE LORD! to
what end is it for you? the DAY OF THE LORD IS DARKNESS, and not
light."
Amo_5:20 says, "Shall not the DAY OF THE LORD BE DARKNESS, and
not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?"
Oba_1:15 says, "For the DAY OF THE LORD is near upon all the
heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy
reward shall return upon thine own head."
Zep_1:7 says, "Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD:
for the DAY OF THE LORD is at hand: for THE LORD HATH PREPARED A
SACRIFICE, he hath bid his guests".
Zep_1:8 says, "And it shall come to pass in the DAY OF THE
LORD'S SACRIFICE, that I will punish the princes, and the king's
children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel."
Zep_1:14 says, "The great DAY OF THE LORD is near, it is near,
and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the DAY OF THE LORD: the
mighty man shall cry there bitterly."
Zep_1:18 says, "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be
able to deliver them in the DAY OF THE LORD'S WRATH; but the
whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he
shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the
land."
Zep_2:2 says, "Before the decree bring forth, before the day
pass as the chaff, before the FIERCE ANGER OF THE LORD come upon
you, before the DAY OF THE LORD'S ANGER come upon you."
Zep_2:3 says, "Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which
have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: IT
MAY BE YE SHALL BE HID IN THE DAY OF THE LORD'S ANGER."
Zec_14:1 says, "Behold, the DAY OF THE LORD cometh, and thy
spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
Mal_4:5 says, "Behold, I WILL SEND YOU ELIJAH THE PROPHET BEFORE
THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD".
Act_2:20 says, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the
moon into blood, before that great and notable DAY OF THE LORD
come".
1Th_5:2 says, "For yourselves know perfectly that the DAY OF THE
LORD so cometh as a thief in the night."
2Pe_3:10 says, "But the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in
the night; in the which THE HEAVENS SHALL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT
NOISE, AND THE ELEMENTS SHALL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT, THE EARTH
ALSO and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
THE FIRST TRUMP IS ON THE DAY OF CHRIST
I Thess 4:13-18 says, "But I would not have you to be ignorant,
brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not,
even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you
by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto
the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (phthano, precede) them
which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with THE TRUMP of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 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. 18 Wherefore
comfort one another with these words."
Those caught up in the first Rapture are not yet made immortal.
All, including Paul, will become immortal at the last Rapture.
THE LAST TRUMP IS ON THE DAY OF THE LORD
I Cor 15:51-54 says, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not
all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at THE LAST TRUMP: for the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and THIS MORTAL MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY. 54
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and
this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory."
2TH 2:1,2: DAY OF CHRIST OR DAY OF THE LORD?
2Th 2:1,2 (KJV) says, "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the
COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, and by our gathering together
unto him (i.e., at the FIRST-TRUMP RAPTURE), 2 That
ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by
spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the DAY
OF CHRIST (i.e., it should be the day of the Lord, which is at
the LAST-TRUMP RAPTURE) is at hand."
In Tischendorf's New Testament, his note at 2Thess 2:2 says,
"SVA say 'DAY OF THE LORD'.
This means that the Sinaitic Codex, Vatican Codex, and
Alexandrine Codex all say "DAY OF THE LORD". The Sinaitic Codex
and the Vatican Codex were translated before the KJV of 1611,
but were discovered after the King James Translation was
published.
The Sinaitic Codex, found in 1844 and 1859, was probably one of
the 50 copies Constantine directed to be made in 331 AD. The
Vatican Codex dates back at least to 1475. The Alexandrine Codex
dates back to 1628. It was given to King Charles the First.
THE KJV SAYS
Continuing in 2 Th 2, verses 3-5 say, "Let no man deceive you by
any means: for that day (i.e., the DAY OF THE LORD) shall not
come, except there come a FALLING AWAY (i.e., DEPARTING, the
FIRST-TRUMP RAPTURE) FIRST, and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself
above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he
as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told
you these things?
THE FIRST SEVEN ENGLISH BIBLES OLDER THAN THE KJV SAID DEPARTING
1. Wycliffe Bible (1330) has "departynge first"
2. Tyndale Bible (1525/26) has "departynge first"
3. Coverdale Bible 1535) has "departynge first"
4. Crammer Bible (1539) has "departynge first"
5. Geneva Bible (1560) has "departing first"
6. Breeches Bible (1583) has "departing first"
7. Beza Bible (1583) has departing
Theodore Beza was the first to transliterate apostasia and
create a new word rather than translate it. The King James
Version was the first to pick up on that and render apostasia as
"falling away," ignoring what the English Bibles published
previously said.
For me, departing makes more sense than falling away. There has
always been apostasy. How could we pick out a certain period of
apostasy? I expect the Rapture soon. Is there any special
apostasy today that would show us that the Rapture is imminent?
When the Rapture takes place, the whole world will probably find
out about it right away. There will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth.
Luk 12:42-46 says, "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful
and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his
household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find
so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will
make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if
that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and
shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and
drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will
come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when
he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint
him his portion (i.e., of the Great Tribulation) with the
unbelievers."
Mat 24:51 adds, "And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his
portion with the hypocrites (i.e., pretenders): there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Mat 22:10-14 says, "So those servants went out into the
highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both
bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw
there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he
saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a
wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the
king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away,
and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. 14 For MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE
CHOSEN."
Of the time of the first Rapture, Rev 17:12-14 says, "And the
ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received
no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the
beast (i.e., the False Prophet). 13 These have one mind, and
shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome
them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: AND THEY THAT
ARE WITH HIM ARE CALLED, AND CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL."
The first Rapture, departure, is in I Thess 4:13-18.
The second Rapture, departure, is seen in I Cor 15:51-54 and Rev
18:4.
Rev 18:2-4 says, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is
become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul
spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed
fornication (i.e., joined) with her, and the merchants of the
earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT
OF HER, MY PEOPLE, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and
that ye receive not of her plagues."
There are two departures. Then the asteroid Wormwood (Rev 8:11),
Satan's home (Isa 22:16-19), will hit Babylon. Rev 18:21 says,
"And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and
cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that
great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at
all."
2Th 2:1-4 (KJV) says, "Now we beseech you, brethren (i.e.,
believers), by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our
gathering together unto him (i.e., in the First-Trump Rapture),
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled,
neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as
that the day of Christ (i.e., should be day of the Lord) is at
hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away (i.e., should
be departure) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all
that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God
sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."
COMING EVENTS
1. Satan and the fallen angels cast out of Heaven
2. First-Trump Rapture
3. False Prophet Revealed and indwelt by Satan
4. Last-Trump Rapture
5. God's Wrath, Destruction
THE FIRST DEPARTURE
2Ti 4:6-9 says, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time
of MY DEPARTURE (analusis) is at hand. 7 I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give
me at that day: and not to me only, but UNTO ALL THEM ALSO THAT
LOVE HIS APPEARING."
Rev 4:1-4 says, "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was
opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it
were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, COME UP HITHER,
and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And
immediately I was (lit., became) in the spirit: and, behold, a
throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And
he that sat was to look upon like a jasper (last stone in the
breastplate) and a sardine stone (first stone in the
breastplate, i.e., Jesus is both the first and the last): and
there was a rainbow (i.e., Saturn's rings) round about the
throne (on Saturn, Eze 1:1,26-28), in sight like unto an emerald
(Judah's stone in the breastplate, and Jesus is the Lion of the
Tribe of Judah). 4 And round about the throne were four
and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty
elders (12 patriarchs and 12 apostles of Israel) sitting,
clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads CROWNS of
gold."
Jerome's Latin translation known as the Vulgate from around the
time of AD 400 renders apostasia with the word discessio,
meaning "departure."
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Wycliffe Bible says, "But, brethren, we
pray you by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of our
congregation into the same coming [into the same thing], 2 that
ye be not moved soon from your wit, neither be afeared [neither
be aghast], neither by spirit, neither by word, neither by
epistle as sent by us, as if the DAY OF THE LORD be nigh. 3
[That] No man deceive you in any manner. For but dissension come
first [For no but DEPARTING away, or dissension, shall come
first], and the man of sin be showed, the son of perdition, 4
that is adversary, and is enhanced over [upon] all thing that is
said God, or that is worshipped, so that he sit in the temple of
God, and show himself as if he were God[a]. 5 Whether ye hold
not, that yet when I was at you, I said these things to you? 6
And now what withholdeth [And now what withholdeth him], ye
know, that he be showed in his time. 7 For the private of
wickedness worketh now [For why the mystery, or private, of
wickedness worketh now]; only that he that holdeth now, hold,
till he be done away. 8 And then that wicked man shall be
showed, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the spirit of his
mouth, and shall destroy with [the] lightening of his coming
[and shall destroy with the illumining, or shining, of his
coming]".
2Th 2:1-8 in the Tyndale Bible (1525/26) says, "We beseche you
brethren by the commynge of oure lorde Iesu Christ and in that
WE SHALL ASSEMBLE UNTO HIM (at the Rapture) 2 that ye be not
sodely moved from youre mynde and be not troubled nether by
sprete nether by wordes nor yet by letter which shuld seme to
come from vs as though the daye of Christ were at honde. 3 Let
no ma deceave you by eny meanes for the lorde commeth not
excepte ther come a DEPARTYNGE FYRST and that that synfnll man
be opened ye sonne of perdicion 4 which is an adversarie and is
exalted above all that is called god or that is worshipped: so
that he shall sitt as God in temple of god and shew him silfe as
god. 5 Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I
tolde you these thynges? 6 And nowe ye knowe what with holdeth:
even that he myght be vttered at his tyme. 7 For the mistery of
that iniquitie doeth he all readie worke which onlie loketh
vntill it be taken out of ye waye. 8 And then shall that wicked
be vttered whom the lorde shall consume with the sprete of hys
mouth and shall destroye with the apearaunce of his commynge".
2Th 2:1-8 in the Coverdale Bible (1535) says, 2Th 2:1 "We beseke
you brethren by the commynge of or LORDE Iesus Christ, and in
that WE SHAL ASSEMBLE VNTO HIM (i.e., at the Rapture), 2 that ye
be not sodenly moued fro youre mynde, and be not troubled,
nether by sprete, nether by wordes, ner yet by letter, which
shulde seme to be sent from vs, as though ye daye of Christ were
at hande.3 Let noman disceaue you by eny meanes. For the LORDE
commeth not, excepte the DEPARTYNGE COME FIRST, and that that
Man of synne be opened, euen the sonne of perdicion,4 which is
an aduersary, and is exalted aboue all yt is called God or Gods
seruyce, so that he sytteth as God in the temple of God, and
boasteth himselfe to be God.5 Remembre ye not, that whan I was
yet with you, I tolde you these thinges?6 And now ye knowe what
witholdeth it, eue that it mighte be vttered at his tyme.7 (For
the mystery of the iniquyte worketh allready, tyll he which now
onely letteth, be take out of the waye.)8 And then shal that
wicked be vttered, whom the LORDE shal cosume with ye sprete of
his mouth, & shal destroye with the appearaunce of his
commynge:"
2Th 2:1-8 in Cranmer's Bible (The Great Bible) (1539)
says, "We beseke you brethren by the commynge of or LORDE
Iesus Christ, and in that we shal assemble vnto him, that ye be
not sodenly moued fro youre mynde, and be not troubled, nether
by sprete, nether by wordes, ner yet by letter, which shulde
seme to be sent from vs, as though ye daye of Christ (should be
day of the Lord) were at hande. Let noman disceaue you by eny
meanes. For the LORDE commeth not, excepte the DEPARTYNGE COME
FIRST, and that that Man of synne be opened, euen the sonne of
perdicion, which is an aduersary, and is exalted aboue all yt is
called God or Gods seruyce, so that he sytteth as God in the
temple of God, and boasteth himselfe to be God. Remembre ye not,
that whan I was yet with you, I tolde you these thinges? And now
ye knowe what witholdeth it, eue that it mighte be vttered at
his tyme. (For the mystery of the iniquyte worketh allready,
tyll he (the Holy Spirit) which now onely letteth, be take out
of the waye [i.e., at the time of the Rapture].) And then shal
that wicked be vttered, whom the LORDE shal cosume with ye
sprete of his mouth, & shal destroye with the appearaunce of
his commynge".
2Th 2:2,3 in the Geneva Bible says, "That ye be not suddenly
mooued from your minde, nor troubled neither by spirit, nor by
worde, nor by letter, as it were from vs, as though the day of
Christ (should be day of the Lord) were at hand. Let no man
deceiue you by any meanes: for that day (i.e., the Day of the
Lord) shall not come, except there come a DEPARTING first, and
that that man of sinne be disclosed, euen the sonne of
perdition 4 Which is an aduersarie, and exalteth him selfe
against all that is called God, or that is worshipped: so that
he doeth sit as God in the Temple of God, shewing him selfe that
he is God." (emphasis mine).
ANOTHER TRANSLATION USED "DEPARTURE"
In "The New Testament - An Expanded Translation," Kenneth Wuest,
world renowned Greek scholar translates 2 Thess. 2:3 as follows:
"Do not allow anyone to lead you astray in any way, because that
day shall not come (Second Coming of Christ) except the
aforementioned DEPARTURE (rapture of the church to heaven) comes
first, AND the man of lawlessness is disclosed (in his true
identity), the man of perdition ..."
THE KING JAMES VERSION OF 1611 WAS THE FIRST TO MAKE TWO ERRORS
IN 2 THESS 2:3,4
Several modern translations followed in the KJV footsteps, but
the World English Bible corrected the second error.
2 Thess 2:3 (WEB) says, "Let no one deceive you in any way. For
it will not be, unless the DEPARTURE comes first, and the man of
sin is revealed, the son of destruction".
Why was the King James Version the first to depart from the
established translation of "departure"? Theodore Beza, the Swiss
reformer was the first to transliterate apostasia and create a
new word rather than translate it as others had done. The
translators of the King James Version were the first to
introduce the new rendering of apostasia as " falling away."
Falling away, or apostasy, does not make sense to me. There has
been apostasy the whole time. The verb form means separation as
in a divorce, i.e., when one person leaves.
The Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3,by Thomas Ice
http://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/TheRapturein2Thessalonians2_3.html
"The Meaning of Apostasia
"The Greek noun apostasia is only used twice in the New
Testament. In addition to 2 Thessalonians 2:3, it occurs in Acts
21:21 where, speaking of Paul, it is said, "that you are
teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake
(apostasia) Moses." The word is a Greek compound of apo " from"
and istemi " stand." Thus, it has the core meaning of " away
from" or " departure." The Liddell and Scott Greek Lexicon
defines apostasia first as " defection, revolt;" then secondly
as " departure, disappearance." [1] Gordon Lewis explains how
the verb from which the noun apostasia is derived supports the
basic meaning of departure in the following:
"The verb may mean to remove spatially. There is little reason
then to deny that the noun can mean such a spatial removal or
departure. Since the noun is used only one other time in the New
Testament of apostasy from Moses (Acts 21:21), we can hardly
conclude that its Biblical meaning is necessarily determined.
The verb is used fifteen times in the New Testament. Of these
fifteen, only three have anything to do with a departure from
the faith (Luke 8;13; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb 3:12). The word is used
for departing from iniquity (2 Tim. 2:19), from ungodly men(1
Tim. 6:5), from the temple (Luke 2:27), from the body (2 Cor.
12:8), and from persons (Acts 12:10; Luke 4:13).[2]
"The Use of the Article
"It is important to note that Paul uses a definite article with
the noun apostasia. What does this mean? Davey notes the
following:
Since the Greek language does not need an article to make the
noun definite, it becomes clear that with the usage of the
article reference is being made to something in particular. In
II Thessalonians 2:3 the word apostasia is prefaced by the
definite article which means that Paul is pointing to a
particular type of departure clearly known to the Thessalonian
church."
Dr. Thomas Ice also has said, "It is with full assurance of
proper exegetical study and with complete confidence in the
original languages," concludes Daniel Davey, " that the word
meaning of apostasia is defined as departure." [3] Paul Lee Tan
adds the following:
"What precisely does Paul mean when he says that " the falling
away" (2:3) must come before the tribulation? The definite
article " the" denotes that this will be a definite event, an
event distinct from the appearance of the Man of Sin. The Greek
word for " falling away", taken by itself, does not mean
religious apostasy or defection. Neither does the word mean " to
fall," as the Greeks have another word for that. [pipto, I fall;
TDI] THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE WORD IS "TO DEPART." The
apostle Paul refers here to a definite event which he calls "
THE DEPARTURE," and which will occur just before the start of
the tribulation. This is the rapture of the church.[4]
"So the word has the core meaning of DEPARTURE and it depends
upon the context to determine whether it is used to mean
physical departure or an abstract departure such as departure
from the faith." (
http://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/TheRapturein2Thessalonians2_3.html)
"Great Falling Away after the Departure of the Church"
By Prof. J.S. Malan, University of the North, South Africa
"The departure (Gr. apostasia) of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 will
precede the revelation of the Man of Sin (the Antichrist). The
rendering of "apostasia" as "rebellion", "apostasy" or "falling
away" in most English Bibles is unfortunate since these are
secondary or derived meanings of the word. Its primary meaning
is "departure" which, in this verse, refers to the rapture of
the church"....
"The Greek word apostasia means departure, withdrawal or
separation. A spiritual and moral falling away can be read into
this word only as a secondary meaning, deduced from its basic
reference to the departure of the truth. Apostasia is derived
from the particle apo which means off or away [from something
near], in various senses of place, time or relation. It denotes
separation, departure, or the cessation [of a relationship]. The
verb correlate of apostasia is aphistemi which, according to
Strong’s Concordance, means to depart, withdraw, draw (fall)
away, remove."
"According to the Liddell and Scott Classical Lexicon, the
second meaning of apostasia is "a departing, or a
disappearance."...
"Before the 1611 King James translation, most of the Bibles
translated the phrase "falling away" as "the departing." The
following men translated falling away as departure: Lineberry,
B.A., Cloverdale (1535), Crammer (1539), Robert Baker (1615),
Beza (1565), John Dawson, A.B. says "apostasia" means "a
departure from any place." Robert Scott (1811-1887) gives the
second meaning of apostasia as "departure, disappearance." (Guy
Schwartz (30 Sep 2011)
"'GREAT APOSTASY' or DEPARTURE/DISAPPEARANCE - Rapture first" -
a post on Five Doves)
Agape,
Marilyn Agee
mjagee@verizon.net
prophecycorner.theforeverfamily.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Greg
Hi Chondra,
Blessings on you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ! That is a very great question that you asked. If I may
give my imput concerning translating the word of God into
English: when we take into account all the versions in English,
and then to take into account that certain words are translated
differently in the English versions (even some phrases in
certain verses are add or subtract from one another, i.e. Rom.
8: 1; look up the NIV and compare this verse to KJV), thus
giving an entire different meaning or conotation (i.e. the word
for "falling away" in 2 Thess. 2: 3), we must have the Holy
Spirit to discern, which discernment is of the Holy Spirit (1
Cor. 2: 10-14), and ask, does that translation, or rendering of
the word lead one to total repentance of sin, or does it leave
us to believe that we're something we are not? The reason I say
this is because the Apostle Paul said to the elders at the
church of Ephesus, "For I know this, that after my departing
shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse
things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20: 29-30). If
we take Paul at his word, which I believe he had the Holy
spirit, then we must conclude that corruption of the word of God
(understanding the true gospel and doctrine of Christ) would
occur and be spread after his departure. Therefore, after over
1,950 years has transpired since he said those words, we would
have to say that the true understanding of His gospel and the
doctrine of Christ would be corrupted from the original. But
does that mean those today would not be able to know the true
meaning of His gospel as Paul understood it in his lifetime?
Absolutely not, for just as Gino said in his response post to
your post that referencing Psalm 12: 7.
The sad truth though is this, that since Paul's departure the
balance scale of true believers to false believers (those who
hold the word of God and His gospel and doctrine incorrectly)
would increase, as His word (gospel) would become corrupted over
time, almost to a point where it would become unrecognizable.
And to prove this point just look at the condition of the church
today, as at the beginning of the Acts church they all had
things common, compared today we have denominationalism, and
contentions over the word, even as sin is rampant within the
churches. The proof of a true Christian is not in word, but in
power, "for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power
(1 Cor. 4: 20).
The devil is subtle and cunning, and we should know that one of
his first attacks would be against His written word to draw
confusion and division amongst believers so to argue over the
use of a word and its meaning. A perfect example of this is the
very world and passage in scripture that you brought up
concerning the word apostasia in 2 Thess. 2: 3. The argument is
does this mean a falling away from the faith or does it mean a
departure as in a Rapture?
What the Lord has convicted me of concerning this passage is
that it is clearly speaking of a forsaking of the true gospel
and doctrine of Christ, and not a Rapture. A Rapture is coming,
but this passage of scripture is not about the Rapture, rather
is concerns itself why the man of sin, the son of perdition is
revealed when he is. So if it is permissible that I share what I
know is the truth concerning this passage, as I know I have the
Holy Spirit teaching me, this is what He has taught me
concerning 2 Thess. 2: 1-12 (KJV):
Verse one: concerns itself with the entire body of Christ in the
air (those saints who have died in Christ and those saints still
living on the earth who have survived the great tribulation,
where they are caught up in the air just prior to His wrath).
Verse two: this verse is understood that we are not to be
troubled in mind or in spirit, but can you imagine the fear in
those that thought they were to be recipients of His wrath (the
day of Christ). We are not to fear them that can kill the body,
but rather Him that has power to throw both body and soul into
hell. Yes, I say, fear Him (Matt. 10: 28).
Verse three: we are exhorted to not allow anyone to deceive us
by any means, as "that day" (the day of Christ; His wrath) will
not come, except there come a falling away (forsaking/departing
from the true gospel and doctrine of Christ) first, and that man
of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (this is telling us
that when the churches in Christendom have come to the full in
believing the corrupted gospel, which Paul said would happen,
having forsaken or departed from the true gospel message, having
turned the truth into a lie, then when God determines that it
has come to the full, then that man of sin, the son of perdition
would be revealed, as he was on Jan. 20, 2009.
Verse four: I personally believe this to mean that Obama usurps
himself to be like when Jesus came into Jerusalem; not that
Obama will actually declare to be God himself as he sits in a
physical temple, but taking into consideration his pompous
attitude doesn't leave out that option either.
Verse five: This verse is understood.
Verse six: What is the very reason why that man of sin, the son
of perdition is revealed? Is it not because the church has come
to the full in not believing the true gospel? Therefore, what
has been restraining in keeping that man of sin from being
revealed is the true believers in the church; those that believe
in the true gospel and doctrine of Christ (James 1: 22). The
true believers in Christ have been the ones restraining him from
being revealed, but because the balance of true believers have
been outweighed with false believers, then when it gets too
saturated with false believers, God would reveal that man of
sin, the son of perdition, as he was in 2009.
Verse seven: the mystery of iniquity speaks of the all
encompassing works of evil initiated by secret societies,
organizations, companies, government, etc. to bring in their NWO
agenda, and God is allowing it in order to bring in His kingdom
of righteousness. God will allow this evil to continue (in other
words He allows it to continue in an organized fashion) until he
(Michael the archangel who fights for His people is removed,
thus no longer fighting or restraining him; Dan. 12: 1).
Verse eight: When Michael removes himself, then that Wicked
(Satan incarnated in Obama) will be revealed, which won't happen
until the end of days (Christians will have been removed before
he is revealed) at Armageddon when Christ comes and comsumes him
with the spirit of His mouth, and destroys with the brightness
of His coming.
Verse nine: When scripture says, "Even him," this is confirming
the man of sin, the son of perdition (Obama) is that person
whose works comes after (from) Satan with all power, signs, and
lying wonders. Therefore, since he (Obama) is identified we know
not to trust him.
Verse ten: we are not to trust Obama because we know from where
he gets his inspiration. But notice why he deceives: it's
because "they received not love of the truth that they might be
saved" (this all goes back to the true gospel message that the
Apostle Paul said would be corrupted after his departure). This
verse is not just speaking of the ungodly (those who never
confessed their sins to repent from them, having invited Jesus
Christ into their hearts to convert them) but more to them that
have forsaken/departed from the faith, having left their first
love, believing themselves to be something when they are
nothing.
Verse eleven: those who will not believe the truth of the
gospel, which gospel is the Good News that He has come to SET us
free from our sins, which gospel is substantiated by His
doctrine, as His doctrine teaches us how to be set free from the
sins that lead to death, which sins are found in 1 Cor. 6: 9-10
and Gal. 5: 19-21, that if anyone (believer or not) does,
commit, practice, or continue in these things will not inherit
the kingdom of God, that if they will not believe the truth to
be set free from their sins, then God will send upon them a
delusion that they should believe a lie.
It is my understanding in being taught by Him that "a lie"
refers to, not just believing that extra terrestial aliens are
our creators (which I don't deny they exist), but more to
believing a perverted gospel (there is more than just confessing
our sins and inviting Christ into our hearts, as an actual
conversion of the heart must take place; James 1: 22; Matt. 18:
3), therefore, if we name the name of Christ, yet we do not keep
our sinful nature in subjection and under our feet at all times
(1 Cor. 9: 27; 1 Cor. 10: 13) then we need to re-examine
ourselves to see if we really are in the faith, as the born
again Christian "keeps himself, and the wicked one touches them
not" (1 Jn. 5: 18). God is training us to build up our inner man
or inner woman through resisting temptation so to be able to
stand in the evil day, "and having done all to stand" (Eph. 6:
13). Those who believe in a corrupted and perverted gospel, as
is prevelent today, most likely will not endure what is coming,
but rather will compromose their faith, as God said, He will
send upon them "strong delusion that they should believe a lie."
Verse twelve: this verse should be clearly understood.
Let us encourage, exhort, and edify one another to preserve
ourselves holy in soul, spirit, and body (1 Thess. 5: 23) all
the way to the day of Christ!
In the love of Christ,
Greg