The Falling Away

The Great Falling Away

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money... having a form of godliness but denying its power."

— 2 Timothy 3:1–5

When we think about the great falling away, we often imagine people leaving churches or no longer identifying as Christians.

Yet Paul's first warning is not about where people gather. It is about what rules the heart.

He begins with a single description that gives meaning to all the others:

"Lovers of themselves."

The centre of the heart has shifted from God to self.

The result is not necessarily the absence of religion. In fact, Paul says they have "a form of godliness" while denying its power. Outwardly, there is still the appearance of faith. Inwardly, the centre has shifted.

Perhaps this is where we need to begin when we think about the great falling away.

Is Scripture describing people who have left church buildings?

Or is it describing hearts that have departed from God while still appearing religious?

And what of those who have left religious systems because they long to know Christ more deeply?

Outwardly, both may appear to have walked away.

But inwardly, they may be travelling in opposite directions.

The Father has never judged by outward appearance. He has always looked upon the heart.

Perhaps the great falling away is not first about where people stand.

Perhaps it is about what sits upon the throne of the heart.

Jesus said that in the last days, "the love of many will grow cold." Perhaps these two passages are describing the same inward reality.

When self takes the throne, love grows cold.

But where Christ remains at the centre, love continues to grow.

For in the end, the Father is not merely looking at where people gather.

He is looking to see who sits upon the throne of the heart.