The Great Falling Away – The Event MANY are Missing Regarding the Return of Jesus Christ

Posted October 8, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

Before the glorious return of Jesus Christ, the Bible warns of a great falling away—a spiritual collapse within the hearts of those who once claimed to follow Him. The Apostle Paul described this event with sobering clarity in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV):

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

This verse reveals a divinely ordered sequence of end-time events. Paul tells us that the day of Christ—His second coming—cannot occur until two things happen:

1. A great falling away from the truth.
2. The revealing of the man of sin, also known as the Antichrist.

What Is the Falling Away?

The phrase “falling away” comes from the Greek word apostasia, meaning defection, rebellion, or departure from the faith. It is not merely a gradual decline in church attendance or moral behavior—it is a full-scale spiritual rebellion against the truth of God’s Word.

This apostasy will not come from the unbelieving world, but from within the visible Church itself. It will be a time when false teachings replace sound doctrine, and emotional experiences or worldly philosophies take the place of Scripture.

Paul wrote again of this danger:

1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

And again:

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (KJV)
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

These passages describe a people who once knew the truth but choose to reject it in favor of teachings that feel good, rather than those that call for repentance and holiness.

Why Must the Falling Away Happen First?

God, in His sovereignty, allows the falling away to expose what is false and purify what is true. The apostasy separates genuine believers from those whose faith was built on religion, emotion, or convenience.

As Paul explains, only after this spiritual deception spreads will the “man of sin” be revealed—the one who will exalt himself above all that is called God:

2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV)
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

This coming Antichrist will rise in a world that has already abandoned biblical truth. The falling away creates the perfect spiritual climate for his deception. Once the Word of God is removed from the center of faith, people will accept any form of “truth” that promises peace, unity, or comfort.

Are We Seeing the Falling Away Today?

Every generation has witnessed false teachers, but in our time, the signs are unmistakable.

• Churches promoting themselves over Jesus Christ, building their OWN kingdom.
• Pastors teaching motivational messages instead of the cross.
• Believers compromising biblical truth to fit in with the world.
• A growing hostility toward those who stand firm on the Word of God.
• Church teachings, other than what is recorded as the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Bible.

As Jesus Himself warned:

Matthew 24:10–12 (KJV)
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

This is the world we see forming before our eyes. People no longer endure sound doctrine. Many claim the name of Christ yet deny His authority over their lives. It is the great falling away—quietly unfolding in our generation.

The Hope for the Faithful

Even as the world falls deeper into deception, the remnant of true believers will stand firm. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). The falling away does not mean defeat for the faithful—it means that the time of Christ’s return draws near.

In this darkening age, our call is clear:

• Hold fast to the truth.
• Refuse to compromise.
• Love the truth more than comfort, popularity, or safety.
• Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, not the world’s false hopes.

Revelation 3:11 (KJV)
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

And then There’s This:

When the antichrist enters the world stage as the leader of the world, his deception will be unprecedented! Many will fall for his false teachings and promises. This indeed will be the major event described as the “Falling Away.” He will convince many! He will use all of the illusions, tricks, evil powers, and false truths to convince many that he is the leader that we have all been waiting for. I am saddened to know that this will come, for I am aware of many personally who will be caught up in this web of deception, despite my warnings.

Conclusion

The great falling away is not just a prophecy—it is a warning. It reminds us that deception will look religious, feel spiritual, and appeal to human pride. Yet only those who love the truth will stand when the man of sin is revealed.

Now is the time to return to the simplicity of the Gospel—to love Jesus Christ above all else and to be found faithful when He comes.

“Let no man deceive you by any means.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3

My prayer is for all who read this, that they might hold strong to their relationship with Jesus Christ when deception will be so great. God help us…Truly!

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