There
is a great falling away predicted to occur just prior to the rapture of the church (and the identity of the Man of Sin being
revealed). Many people will be deceived into believing another gospel and will defect. Many will not experience true salvation
at all—even though they will believe they are saved. Those who get carried away by this last day apostasy will not only
miss the rapture, but will get no second chances during the Great Tribulation. The Bible says God will allow a great delusion
to overcome all who love not the truth (Luke 12:54-56, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 10-11). This is a specific reference to
the last day apostasy—that defection is already taking place, in alarming numbers, even now.
The scriptures tell us those who defect will not do so in order to live overtly sinful lives. Instead, they
will forsake the true faith by embracing a counterfeit faith. They will sincerely believe they are followers of Christ.
The scriptures say that those who are involved in this last great apostasy will be turned over to a
strong delusion. Because they believe the lie, and because they will not receive a love of the truth, their doom will be sealed
(2 Thessalonians 2:9-11).
Everything they do will be in the name of Jesus. And, through lying wonders, and spirits of devils working
miracles, many will be deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 16:14, Matthew 7:22-23).
The scriptures are clear there will be one last, great, apostasy, and I believe we are seeing it
in the Apostolic-Prophetic Five-Fold Ministry Restoration Movement.
Are the ministry gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher listed in Ephesians chapter
four for the church today? Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12 still for the church today?
I believe they are. Those involved in the Apostolic-Prophetic movement affirm they are
as well, but they are taking it to a whole "new level."
The leaders of this movement have introduced new, unscriptural, teachings, terminology and activities into
the Body of Christ.
Things like:
- The idea that certain truths were lost to the church during the dark ages, and the leaders of this movement have
been called by God to restore what they call "present truth" or "present restored truth."
- Ascension Gifts
- Prophetic "Activations"
- Prophetic Presbyteries
- The new idea that a true prophet doesn't have to be 100% accurate
- The idea that somehow our human activities have power to "release" Jesus from Heaven so he can physically
return to earth.
When the apostles first went and presented the brand new Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Bereans, They
searched the scriptures to see if the things they were being told were true.
We are held accountable before God to do no less. We do not want to be found guilty of falling
for every wind of doctrine that blows our way.
- Is this Apostolic-Prophetic 5-fold restoration movement of God?
- Are these self-proclaimed apostles and prophets truly sent by God?
- If we contend with this movement, will we be found guilty of fighting against God himself?
These are important questions. And we had all be very certain of the answers before committing ourselves
one way or the other.
The scriptures are specific concerning identifying whether or not someone is a true or false prophet,
as well as identifying what spirit they are of--Christ or anti-christ.
The same would apply to any movement or organization they might be a part of.
In this work, we will be examining the claims of those in the Apostolic-Prophetic Movement just
as closely as the Bereans checked out Paul and Silas.
I believe the evidence will speak for itself.
