(The Great Falling Away, Part 2)
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
— Jude 1:3, NASB1995
Before the Falling Away — There Was the Pure Seed
Before philosophy invaded theology, before the Church merged with state power, and before councils replaced the guidance of the Holy Spirit—there was the faith once delivered.
That faith was not abstract. It was embodied in a people. It was:
- Christ-centered
- Spirit-led
- Lived out in holiness, simplicity, and love
- Rooted in the commands of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles
The Apostolic Church (AD 33–100)
The Church born in Acts was not institutional—it was relational, transformational, and missional. Here’s what marked them:
1. Obedience to Christ’s Teachings
They didn’t just believe in Jesus—they obeyed Him.
They lived out Matthew 5–7 daily, turning the other cheek, praying for enemies, sharing everything they had.
2. Led by the Holy Spirit
They waited for the Spirit in Jerusalem.
They were filled with power to preach, heal, and love boldly.
They discerned by the Spirit, not by creeds or councils.
3. Persecuted, Yet Joyful
The Church thrived underground and under fire—not because of strength in numbers, but because of devotion to Christ.
4. Separate from the World
They rejected the politics, systems, and values of Rome.
They called themselves not of this world (John 17:16) and lived like pilgrims awaiting a better Kingdom.
5. Unified in Love and Truth
They met in homes, broke bread, and had all things in common (Acts 2:42–47).
Their unity was not organized by bishops—it was birthed by the Spirit.
Their War Was Spiritual, Not Political
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh…”
— 2 Corinthians 10:3
The early Church did not fight to gain influence.
They did not seek state protection.
They laid down their lives and overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).
Writings from the Early Church (Pre-AD 100)
- Clement of Rome emphasized love and holiness, quoting Scripture continually.
- Ignatius of Antioch wrote of martyrdom and urged unity through Christ, not control.
- The Didache (“The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”) outlined a simple, practical life of obedience and Spirit-filled worship.
None of these promoted systems, power, or philosophical speculation. They echoed the Gospels and Acts.
Why This Matters
To understand the falling away, we must understand what was first handed down.
The further we get from that foundation, the closer we are to apostasy.
Application for Today
Ask yourself:
- Am I rooted in Jesus’ teachings or church culture?
- Am I led by the Spirit or popular Christian trends?
- Am I part of a body of believers marked by love, holiness, and obedience?
Discover more from Rooted & Raised
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a comment