View original here: http://tinyurl.com/njwa8v

"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4)

The Bible speaks of a time in the last days when there will be a "rebellion" and a revealing of the antichrist which will precede the Day of the Lord.  This is not to be confused with the rapture because the rapture could happen at any moment, prophetically speaking.

This "rebellion" is yet another sign of the last days and is otherwise referred to as "apostate Christianity" or "apostasy".

Just what is the apostasy?  Apostasy in reference to Christianity is used in the New Testament in the Greek original to express abandonment of the faith. Jesus foretold this turning away from the faith in Matthew 24:10, where He explained that in the latter times (1 Timothy 4:1), this falling away would certainly precede the Day of the Lord.

This "apostasy" indeed is taking place today, with many so-called Christians, pastors and churches deserting sound doctrine found in the Bible.  Many self-proclaimed Christians even scoff at true followers of Christ who read and obey the Bible.  Sadly, most U.S. "Christians" don't even believe that satan or the Holy Spirit exist.  The question is, if they don't believe what Christ said, are they true Christians?  Can someone be a follower of Christ while simultaneously calling Christ a liar?  Many "Christians" are pursuing evil things as well, deceived into thinking it is okay:

"Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

The Bible says that whoever claims to be a Christian must not only hear the Word of God but obey it.  We know from 1 John, chapter 2 that if we claim to be in Christ we must "walk" like Jesus:  "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did".

Being a Christian does not simply mean lumping ourselves into a social category or attending a church.  It does not mean simply hearing the Bible, but putting it into practice.  Jesus Himself said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Only claiming to be a Christian does not make a person a Christian at all.  God sees past the externals straight into the heart.  The book of James has much to say about true faith and what it looks like.  As a Christian, are we representing Christ?  What are our lives saying?  The church is full of hypocrites; people who say they are Christian who are in complete rebellion to the Word of God.  Matthew 7:22-24 explains, "many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "

"I have spread out My hands all the day Unto an apostate people, Who are going in the way not good after their own thoughts" (Isaiah 65:2, YLT).

If you are a Christian not part of the apostasy, stand firm and hold fast to sound doctrine.  Are you a part of the apostasy?  If so, know that God loves you and has a better plan for you to save your soul.  Repent and turn back to the Truth found in God's Word and make sure you know God!  He loves you and is full of grace, compassion and mercy; He wants every person to be saved and to understand the Truth.  He has given us a free will to choose Him or to reject Him.  It is always wise to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).  The Day of the Lord will come like a "thief in the night" and will catch many Christians "sleeping".  Please be ready; God loves you.  

"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 1:9).