Our word church is from the Greek ekklesia and means a gathering or assembly of people. Typically it refers to an assembly of individuals who wish to fellowship with God and His people. The church was founded on the teachings of Jesus. He referred to it as, “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
The teachings of Jesus cover the whole spectrum of truth, which include the laws of spirituality and morality. They are summed up in the Ten Commandments, delivered by the Lord to His people in Exodus 20: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Honor thy father and thy mother. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not covet. God has promised to bless the people and nations who recognize the value of these principles.
Those who take the time to read and understand the Bible will discover that it is eternal truth. God’s Word provides instruction for every issue of life—the solution to all of its problems. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2Timothy 3:16–17).” “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
Our word apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia, and is translated in the Bible with the words, a falling away. (2Thessalonians 2:3). It means simply to forsake, or depart from. God predicts that, as the end of this age approaches, there will be “a falling away” from the principles that He has established and promised to bless. Those who ignore or disdain the principles of God, whether it be a nation, a family, a church or an individual, will forfeit the blessing of God and, in time, incite His wrath.