The Deadly Drift

The Apostle Paul warned us that the church of the last days would turn away from the truth of God and follow after deceptive and demonic spirits, rather than the Word of God (the Bible).

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT) 

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 

The NASB translation of that same First Timothy Scripture uses these words for verse one…some will fall away from the faith. Turn away, fall away…that phrase can also be defined as apostasy, to turn away from the position that you once held, but have now abandoned. That word “apostasy” is found again in Paul’s prophetic announcement of the rebellious and apostate church that will be operating on the earth before the arrival of the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) and the return of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NASB) 

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

Some will turn away. Some will fall away. Some will become apostate and rebellious. These are all references to people that once held a position of faith in the church and then departed from that same faith. How does this happen? Some people believe this is a spiritual impossibility (once saved, always saved) even though these Scriptures declare that it will be the reality of the church in the last days before Jesus returns.

How does one fall away? How does a person become apostate? How does a person turn away from their faith in Jesus Christ? They begin the DEADLY DRIFT. Apostasy doesn’t usually happen all at once. It happens with a slow drift, a gradual departure from the Truth step by step. The Hebrew writer also warns about this deadly drift.

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NLT) 

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. 

The Hebrew writer warns about this deadly drift. So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Yes, this drift can be deadly… what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 

The warning is alongside the answer that stops the deadly drift. So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. We must listen very carefully to the Word of Truth, the Bible. The demonic spirits cannot overcome the Word. The false teachings of man can’t overcome the Word. The Word of God will reveal the truth about deceptive spirits at work in the last days. 

This same warning comes from the Apostle Paul to the Colossian church. So many warnings about this deadly drift.

Colossians 1:23 (NLT) 

But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it. 

Read the Bible. Study the Bible. Memorize the Bible. Meditate on the Scriptures. Test every spirit against the truth of God’s Word (1 John 4:1). This is the best defense against the deadly drift. I encourage you to read and take seriously the Psalm of King David below. He was a man after God’s heart!

Psalm 119:9-16 (NLT) 

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 

10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 

11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. 

13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 

14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 

15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 

16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.