Turning away from the truth, known as apostasy, is a grave rebellion against God, involving the abandonment of faith by those once enlightened. In the Old Testament, such rebellion was a capital offense, with severe punishments for sacrificing to other gods or inciting others to do so. In the New Testament, apostasy also means defection from the truth, described as falling away or forsaking. Various terms express this concept, including departing from the faith and following destructive ways, all indicating a rejection of God's truth. A persistent danger, apostasy is prophesied to increase in latter times, with warnings not to be deceived as it must occur before Christ's return. Satan's influence can lead to this departure from faith through deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. False teachers and brethren promote confusion and seduce believers away from the purity of the word to other gospels, encouraging apostasy with their destructive ways and prideful, self-seeking agendas. Apostasy often increases during persecution, where many deny the faith under pressure. Temptation also causes falling away, as those without a solid foundation believe only temporarily. Worldliness contributes to apostasy by setting hearts on amusement and gratification, breaking the covenant with God through unfaithfulness. Unbelief fosters an evil heart of rebellion, making it impossible to please Him without faith. When one apostatizes, they trample underfoot their Savior Jesus Christ, disregarding His sacrifice. Faith, obedience, and loyalty to God prevent the seed of apostasy from taking root, encouraging endurance to stand firm against heresy and to do His will.

God's Word repeatedly warns against turning away from His path, as seen in the many who strayed after Israel's release from bondage in Egypt. Jesus Himself cautions that anyone who puts his hand to the plow and looks back with longing is not fit for the Kingdom of God. This looking back, akin to Lot's wife who yearned for Sodom, reveals a heart still tied to the world, indicating regret for having left it. Success in God's way demands a forward-focused vision of future glory with unwavering conviction, as exemplified by Abraham, who never looked back after leaving his homeland. Turning away often begins with a longing for the old life, followed by a belief that God's requirements are too harsh. This is illustrated in the parable where a man, given one mina, complains of his master's austerity, showing reluctance to meet the demands of faith. Such a person shrinks back, seeking an easier path, which gradually draws him further from salvation and weakens his connection with God. The process continues when one actually turns away, as seen when many of Jesus' disciples left Him, unable to grasp His teachings. Their loyalty faltered under strain, proving them unfit for the Kingdom. At this stage, though not yet irreversible, the world's pull becomes nearly overpowering, placing the individual in serious spiritual peril. The final step of turning away is a complete rejection, where God's Word becomes mere noise to the apostate, as described by Isaiah. At this point, the person has backslid beyond repentance and forgiveness, reaching a point of no return. These warnings underscore the danger of drifting away, urging a steadfast commitment to God's calling to avoid such a tragic end.

The process of turning away from God begins with a subtle look back, as exemplified by Lot's wife, who gazed toward Sodom with longing for what she left behind. Her heart remained in the world, revealing regret and sorrow for abandoning her past life, prioritizing lesser matters over the preservation of her very existence. This looking back marks the initial stage of drifting away, where success in God's way demands a forward-focused vision toward His glory. The second stage involves drawing back, where a growing belief emerges that God's requirements are too exacting and difficult. Feelings of self-pity and self-justification arise, especially when sacrificing something deeply loved or valued becomes necessary. Despite God's promise that every trial is measured to the individual's needs, the appeal of the world seems broader and easier, drawing the person further from salvation as they shrink back from the demands of faith, seeking an escape from distasteful challenges. In the third stage, the person actually turns away, taking solid steps away from Christ. As seen in some who left Jesus due to their inability to comprehend His teachings, their faith could not withstand the strain, and their loyalty shattered. Though it is not yet too late, the appeal of the world becomes nearly overpowering, and spiritual decline reaches a critical point, making recovery exceedingly difficult. The final stage is the point of no return, where the apostate fully rejects God's appeals and teachings, as illustrated by Judah's refusal to hear despite repeated chastening. Having turned away completely, they face dire consequences, with no further opportunity for repentance, highlighting the grave danger of allowing oneself to drift through these stages of turning away from God.