Berea Baptist Banner Forum Questions

December, 2025

Question #1 If there is an Elect people unto Salvation, does there have to be a Reprobate people, too?

(Romans 1:28 KJV) “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient…”

(2 Timothy 3:8 KJV) “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”

(Titus 1:16 KJV) “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

Let’s first look at the word Reprobate from Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words 1: ἀδόκιμος ►(Strong's #96 — Adjective — adokimos — ad-ok'-ee-mos) signifying "not standing the test, rejected" (a, negative, dokimos, "approved"), was primarily applied to metals (cp. Isaiah 1:22 ); it is used always in the NT in a Passive sense, (a) of things, Hebrews 6:8, "rejected," of land that bears thorns and thistles; (b) of persons, Romans 1:28 , of a "reprobate mind," a mind of which God cannot approve, and which must be rejected by Him, the effect of refusing "to have God in their knowledge;" in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (for which see CAST, REJECTED); 2 Corinthians 13:5,6,7, where the RV rightly translates the adjective "reprobate" (AV, "reprobates"), here the reference is to the great test as to whether Christ is in a person; in 2 Timothy 3:8 of those “reprobate concerning the faith,” i.e., men whose moral sense is perverted and whose minds are beclouded with their own speculations; in Titus 1:16, of the defiled, who are "unto every good work reprobate," i.e., if they are put to the test in regard to any good work (in contrast to their profession), they can only be rejected. In the Sept., Proverbs 25:4; Isaiah 1:22

Some want to argue that because God “Predestinated” (to foreordain to an earthly or eternal lot or destiny by divine decree) some to salvation He “Predestinated” the rest to damnation or hell. That is not so, He simply left them alone to their own natural sinful depravity (Romans 1:28 KJV) “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient…”

 All mankind is headed to hell the day they are born and unless God intervenes Ephesians 1:1-14; Ephesians 2:8-10. God just leaves them over to a reprobate mind.

I believe the best way to answer this question would be even if there were not an elect people unto Salvation mankind would still have a Reprobate mind!

God destroyed all of mankind once, all but eight people, because none passed the test but Noah and his family (Psalm 14:1-7).

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Question #2 In I Timothy 5:21 are the angels part of the elect of God?

Because Paul mentions the elect angels to Timothy in (1 Timothy 5:21) and we cannot deny the fact that there are elect angels that Paul's referring to here, and we know that there are angels mentioned in the Bible that are bound that did evil and we know that angels do God's bidding and there are angels of the Lord, so yes, therefore I believe there are angels that are the elect of God.

Years ago, I purchased a book that Elder Milburn Cockrell recommended to me from The Berea Baptist Church Bookstore entitled Angels Elect & Evil and so I'd like to quote from that book to answer this question a little further.

“When we trust Christ for salvation we are placed by the spirit into Christ (Romans 6:1-10); (Galatians 3:26-27) our position as a result is termed in Christ and we are shares in his position and wealth before God. We died with Christ, rose and ascended with Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6). Not only are we perfectly accepted before God but our position in Christ also puts us above angels (Ephesians 1:20-21) since no Angel could be in Christ through the grace of salvation.

Right now, our position links us with the innumerable company of elect angels. We all belong to God's large elect company, and He is our Father, both of angels and of men who belong to Christ. We shall come to the New Jerusalem in personal presence when we share with Christ and His glorious Kingdom as the second coming then we shall join Old Testament Saints and the elect angels in praise to God for His marvelous salvation of sinners.

We may wonder at angels, respect their persons, appreciate their ministries, and admire their example. But we may not worship angels. The angels are exalted and awesome, but God forbids us to worship them, forbidden by their example. The holy angels worship God alone, Isaiah pictures great seraphim worshipping Jehovah (6:1-4). John saw the angelic “living creatures” constantly worshipping God as the Creator of all, even angels (Revelations 4:6-11). He also saw millions of angels worshipping Christ as the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:8-14). These instances imply that angels consider only members of the Trinity to be worthy of worship. To this we add that nowhere in Scripture are angels worshipped, nor are we ever commanded to worship them. Forbidden by revelation. There are specific statements in God's word that specifically forbid the worship of angels. The first commandment restricts worship to God alone (Exodus 2:1-6). No creature may usurp the right of what rightly belongs to the infinite Creator. Forbidden by angels themselves. When John saw the future heavenly Jerusalem and the glory of God, he fell down in his awe at all these things to worship and angels who had shown them to him. But the angels forbade his worship saying do not do that.

Finally, because believers are “in Christ” they are exalted above angels. We shall associate with angels in heaven and in the Kingdom on earth. We shall rule over angels.

Though we are to respect and may admire angels, we are not to worship them or give them undue attention. They, too, are servants of Christ.”

October, 2025 

Question #1 What is the difference between the everlasting gospel and the gospel of the kingdom?

I would like first to remind us all what the gospel actually is since I believe so many have failed to proclaim it in our day. It seems our Baptist people are more worried about what Bible everyone is used, and using that as the criteria to determine if a person is saved or not.

But Paul said in (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV) “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…”

This is borrowed, and I thought to use it because it was a good answer to the question and probably better than I could give and I agreed with it.

The “everlasting gospel” is God's unchanging message of salvation through grace that will be preached to all people in the end-times before the final judgment, while the “gospel of the kingdom” is a specific, time-bound message about God's earthly reign, first proclaimed by Jesus for the believing Jews and then continued through the church until the rapture. The everlasting gospel has a broad scope, preparing people for the second coming of Christ and the judgment, while the gospel of the kingdom focuses on God's sovereignty and the establishment of His earthly rule. 

The Everlasting Gospel
Definition: God's eternal plan of salvation through grace, which remains consistent throughout all time. 

Scope:  It is a universal message preached to all nations and peoples, preparing them for Christ's return and the final judgment. 

Purpose:  To highlight God's enduring love and plan for humanity, which includes salvation and the restoration of all things.

Timing:  Proclaimed in the end-times by an angel and the church, it precedes the final pronouncements of judgment. 
The Gospel of the Kingdom 
Definition:  The message that Jesus' kingdom was at hand, an offer of God's earthly reign to believing Israel.  

Scope:   It is a specific message primarily directed toward Israel, especially when Jesus was on Earth and continues to be a message for believers in the church age.  

Purpose:  To proclaim God's authority and His plan for a future earthly kingdom under Christ. 

Timing:  This message was central to Jesus' earthly ministry and the early church, though it will be replaced by the everlasting gospel after the church's rapture. 
Key Differences 

Timing:  The everlasting gospel is for the end times and beyond, while the gospel of the kingdom was primarily for Jesus' earthly ministry and the church age. 

Audience:  The everlasting gospel is for all people, whereas the gospel of the kingdom was initially focused on Israel, according to some interpretations. 

Scope:  The everlasting gospel has a broader scope, encompassing God's eternal plan for salvation and judgment, while the gospel of the kingdom is specific to God's reign on Earth.
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Question #2 What is Jesus Christ's meaning of fornication in Matthew 5:32?
There is a difference between fornication: sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other. And adultery: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than that person's current spouse.

Jesus is saying that the only legitimate ground for divorce was for sexual immorality (fornication). The only exception given by Christ is for the cause (or except) for fornication.
Note: It is Jesus Himself that makes that one, and only one exception!

July, 2025 

Question #1 In our legal system, since culpability is linked to guilt, then how can the individual have guilt in the Fall when the Fall occurred before he was born?
(P.S.)
1.) We know God has perfect justice and can never do an injustice.
2.) The Federal headship of Adam answers this question for mankind as a whole, but what about the seeming disconnect of individual culpability?

 Before I answer this question, I want to say, that there is always someone who thinks they are smarter than the Word of God. Such is the case in this question. The questioner (in my opinion) already knows what he believes and for whatever reason wants to show off their intellect by the wording of the question (which by the way has been asked in various ways for hundreds of years). I for one will not waste my time on such nonsense, but will answer the question, probably not to the liking of the questioner!
(2 Timothy 2:23) “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”

There is NO individual culpability! We are not judged for Adam’s sin, but because Adam sinned all died, meaning every single person that has been born into the world is a sinner, dead spiritually, and has the sinful nature that Adam brought in when he sinned. Everyone is a sinner from birth because mankind has a genetic marker called sin from birth, and in his unregenerated being he is dead spiritually and in need of a Saviour.

 (Romans 3:9-20) “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

 Yes, each person is responsible for their actions and the sin they commit, “individual culpability”: meaning responsibility for wrongdoing or failure! But it is because they are depraved to their very core and cannot do good even if they tried because they are not only sinners before a Holy and Sovereign God but, as I already stated, they are spiritually dead and are incapable of any good thing unless they are “Born Again” …Born of the Spirit of God (John 3:1-15).

I offer a suggestion here, read and study your Bible, you just may find the answer you are looking for.

(John 3:18) “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

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Question #2 Please explain Psalm 106:44-45?

This is the provocation in Canaan (vv. 34-46). This portion of Scripture is Israels unfaithfulness and unwillingness to listen to God much like Christians are doing today. Provocation meaning, they provoked God to anger!

 They did not destroy the Canaanites (v. 34) “They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:”

 They compromised with the Canaanites and served their pagan gods (vv. 35-39) “But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.”

 They fell under the wrath of God (vv. 40-43) “Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.”

 They suffered much for their sins but God never gave up on them (v. 44-45) “Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.” As a God of mercy and a God of truth He remembered his covenant and spared them.

 They were overshadowed by God even in their present captivity (The Babylonian Captivity) (v. 46) “He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.”

 We all forget from time to time what an Awesome God we serve!

April, 2025

Question #1 When will the lost hear the words "depart from me, ye that work iniquity"? (Matthew 7:23)

Before I make an attempt to answer this question, let us make an observation here. The elect of God will never hear these Words spoken by The Christ (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
   
This will be the most horrible, gut-wrenching, and most sorrowful day yet to come. Stop and think of the millions of people that have been deceived by religion and religious leaders “depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” There will be millions upon millions of people that belong to the Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, just to name a few. Now, to be clear, I am not saying that every single person who belongs to these religious organizations is lost but the number will be very high.
   
It will first be a very sad day for the lost when The Christ comes back for His elect and millions of people will be left behind because of false doctrine. If you dear reader have never come to the saving knowledge of Jesus The Christ, I pray that the Lord will save your soul.
   
There is only one way a person is saved, and it is NOT saying the sinner’s prayer, by opening up your heart and letting Jesus in, and going to the Alter in front of the church building because you are so full of human emotion. There is nowhere in the Bible that you will find any of these ways to be saved. If you are truly concerned about your lost condition dear reader, then read Romans chapter 8 and chapter 9 to see how Jesus saves the elect of God!
   
I believe the answer to the question is found in Revelation chapter 20, especially (vv. 11-15) (Revelation 20:11-15 KJV) “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”


So, again, I believe at the “great white throne,” that the lost will hear these Words spoken by our Lord (Matthew 7:23 KJV) “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” right before they are “cast into the lake of fire” what a terrible, terrible day that will be!


I believe after this day God will wipe away all our tears once and for all (Revelation 21:4 KJV) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

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Question #2 Why do most Sovereign Grace Landmark Baptist Churches not celebrate Easter, Halloween, Christmas, etc.?

This is probably the easiest question I have ever had to answer, and probably will be the shortest answer I have ever given. The answer is very simple…these so called Christian holidays are not Scriptural! You may argue it, but it will get you nowhere.


The sad thing is many of our Baptist churches and their pastors find no harm in celebrating those holidays that are mentioned. I myself used to celebrate them all until God showed me the truth. Many will say, “we don’t celebrate them in the church, but at home, it’s for the children,” which is very pathetic, (Ephesians 6:4 KJV) “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Those holidays listed in the question are ancient Babylonian religions that are of the devil and the Catholic whore developed religion that many of the Protestant harlot daughters took with them and that didn’t stop the practice after the Reformation (1 Timothy 6:11 KJV) “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

If you are one of these Pagan believers, I just have one word of advice…STUDY! (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

March, 2025

Question #1 Please comment on Romans 11:33-34

(Romans 11:33-36 KJV) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Because Romans 11:33-36 shows the majesty, grandeur, and wisdom of God's plan revealed in (vv. 1-32) caused Paul to burst out in praise. This doxology (a usually liturgical expression of praise to God) is a fitting response not only to God's future plans for Israel (chaps. 9-11), but to Paul's entire discussion of justification by faith (chaps. 1-11).
In (v. 33) we see Wisdom.

(Psalms 104:24 KJV) “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”

(Daniel 2:20 KJV) “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.”

(Ephesians 3:10-12 KJV) “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

(Revelation 7:12 KJV) “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

Then we see Knowledge again in (v. 33). God's omniscience, compare these next few verses:

(1 Samuel 2:3 KJV) “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.”

(1 Kings 8:39 KJV) “Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)”

(Psalms 44:21 KJV) “Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”

(Psalms 147:5 KJV) “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”

Next, Judgments. God's purposes or decrees, which are beyond human understanding (Psalms 36:6 KJV) “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.”

Lastly, God’s Ways. The methods God chooses to accomplish His purposes, again compare:

(Job 5:9 KJV) “Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:”

 (Job 9:10 KJV) “Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.”

(Job 26:14 KJV) “Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?”

Verses 34-35 Paul is quoting from other passages of Scripture:

11:34 Quoted from (Isaiah 40:13 KJV) “Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?”
 11:35 Quoted from (Job 41:11 KJV) “Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.”
 11:36 See 1 Corinthians 8:6; 15:28; Ephesians 1:23; 4:6; Hebrews 2:10. God is the source, the sustainer, and the rightful end of everything that exists (Revelation 22:13 KJV) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
After reviewing God’s gracious and wise plan for both Jews and Gentiles, is it any wonder Paul broke out in a hymn of praise to the Lord (vv. 33-36)!
All of us should express the same joy that Paul does here over the Wonders and Beauty of God! Praise His Holy Name!

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Question #2 Where is the Ark of the Covenant now?
 

“The Ark of the Covenant's location is unknown, as it may have been destroyed, captured, or hidden.” The only thing this preacher believes in that statement is that “The Ark of the Covenant's location is unknown.”

          The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church claims to have the Ark in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum.

          Some believe the Ark was hidden in a secret chamber beneath the Temple Mount.

          Some researchers believe the Ark is hidden in a cave in Jordan, possibly in the region of Mount Nebo.

          Some suggest the Ark was taken to Europe by the Knights Templar during the Crusades.

The 14th-century Ethiopian national epic, the Kebra Negast, says that the Ark was taken by companions of King Solomon and Menelik, Solomon's son. According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, Menelik I brought the Ark to Ethiopia.

The Ark was destroyed when Babylon sacked Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Ark was hidden in a cave on Mount Nebo by the prophet Jeremiah.

 As far as this writer is concerned let the Scriptures speak about the whereabouts of “The Ark of the Covenant.” The last mention of “The Ark of the Covenant” in the Old Testament is found in Jeremiah 3:16 wherethe LORD (Yahweh) tells Jeremiah “there shall be no more occasion for The Ark of the Covenant, because they shall have a pure spiritual way of worship in which the whole ceremonial law shall be set aside, for Christ” (read v. 16 carefully) (Jeremiah 3:16 KJV) “And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.”

  So, what this writer believes (with many others I might add) taking Jeremiah 3:16 in account along with Revelation 11:19,  (Revelation 11:19 KJV) “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail” “The Ark of the Covenant” is in heaven in the temple of God, because God himself removed it from the earth. The reason for this (in my opinion) is because men would worship “The Ark of the Covenant” instead of the LORD (Yahweh), so He removed it from their sight and their mind Jeremiah 3:16!

 
February, 2025
Question #1 When did God create hell and for what purpose?

(Matthew 25:41 KJV) “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”

    The above Scripture is proof that Jesus himself tells us hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. Where the word “prepared” is should read “which has been prepared.”
   
So, the question is when did God create hell? I believe the answer is found in John 1:1-5. Mainly (vv. 1-3) (John 1:1 KJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Hell was created in the beginning. Other than John 1:1-3 I do not know of any other place in Scripture that gives the answer to this question.
   
Matthew 25:41 tells us what the purpose is. I also believe that hell (the lake of fire) will be the final destination for all the lost (unregenerated). All those who reject Christ as their saviour will spend eternity in the lake of fire. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells us the current place (hell) where all of the unregenerated people are, again all those who have rejected Jesus The Christ. These folks will remain there until the final judgement which is the Great White Throne Judgement that is told us in Revelation 20:11-15.
   
The most important question is not when hell was created but how to avoid it. Those who have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit will not be affected by the second death (Revelation 20:6). To avoid hell, cast yourself upon the mercy of Christ, the One who died to pay for the sins of all who would trust in Him.


If you have not come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus The Christ then you are doomed and it will not matter “When did God create hell and for what purpose?” I pray that God has chosen you before the foundation of the World where you might have life in Christ!
   
One last thought, we know people are dying and going to hell everyday because Isaiah tells us that hell has enlarged herself (Isaiah 5:13-14 KJV) “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” And it’s because the sin of the people who will not obey God and believe in His only begotten Son!

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Question #2 Please expound on "falling away" referred to in II Thessalonians 2:3
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In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, “the falling away” refers to a significant departure from the Christian faith, often interpreted as a widespread apostasy or “great falling away” that will happen before the return of Christ; the Greek word used here is “apostasia” which directly translates to “falling away” or “defection.”

So, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 “the falling away” I believe is meant to be apostasy. The day of the Lord cannot occur until a deliberate abandonment of a formerly professed position, allegiance, or commitment occurs (the term was used to refer to military, political, or religious rebellion). Some have suggested, on questionable linguistic evidence, that this refers to “departure” in the sense of the Rapture. Context, however, points to a religious defection, which is further described in v. 4. The language indicates a specific event, not general apostasy which exists now and always will.

So, again I believe Paul has in mind the apostasy that will yet occur. This is an event which is clearly and specifically identifiable and unique, the act of rebellion, an event of final magnitude. The key to identifying the event is to identify the main person, which Paul does, calling him the “man of lawlessness”
Some texts have “man of sin,” but there is no real difference in meaning since sin equals lawlessness (1 John 3:4 KJV) “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

This is the one who is called “the prince who is to come” (Daniel 9:26 KJV) “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” and “the little horn” (Daniel 7:8 KJV) “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”, whom John calls “the beast” (Revelation 13:2-10, 18) and most know as, the Antichrist.
The Scripture clearly identifies a real person in future times who actually does the things prophesied of him throughout the Bible. He is also called “the son of perdition” or destruction, a term used of Judas Iscariot (John 17:12).

This “apostasy” is the abomination of desolation that takes place at the midpoint of the Tribulation, spoken of in Daniel 9:27; 11:31 and Matthew 24:15. This man is not Satan, although Satan is the force behind him (v. 9), and he has motives like the desires of the devil (Isaiah 14:13-14).

Paul is referring to the very act of ultimate apostasy which reveals the final Antichrist and sets the course for the events that usher in the day of the Lord. Apparently, he will be seen as sympathetic supporter of religion so that God and Christ will not appear as his enemies until the apostasy. He exalts himself and opposes God by moving into the temple, the place for worship of God, declaring himself to be God and demanding the worship of the world.

In this act of Satanic self-defecation, he commits the great apostasy in defiance of God. For the first three and a half years of the Tribulation, he maintains relations with Israel, but then stops (Daniel 9:27 KJV) “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”, and for the last three and a half years, there is great tribulation under his reign (Daniel 7:25; 11:36-39; Matthew 24:15-21; Revelation 13:1-8) culminating with the day of the Lord.

Of course, the true born-again Christian, the church, and the Holy Spirit will be taken out in the Rapture.

At this point, I would like to make a statement! For those who believe that the true Christian will live through the Tribulation period or part of it does not know their Bible as they should and should dig deep into the Book, led by the Spirit of God of course and Study, because you are wrong and I’m speaking mainly to my Baptist Brethren. And I am not being arrogant here, but I have been around a long time and I am old enough to recognize a departing from the faith and this is a warning from me to you. And those who know me, know me well enough, that this is not open for debate. If you disagree, so be it, but if I were you, I would be very afraid to teach and preach such things!

Also, much of the answer to this question was from other sources, I do not take the credit for it all, but truly believe it to be the truth!