Apostasy, the act of abandoning or renouncing one's faith, is a grave concern within the Christian tradition, as it signifies a deliberate turning away from the truth of the Gospel. The Bible addresses the cost of apostasy in various passages, warning believers of its spiritual and eternal consequences.

Biblical Warnings Against Apostasy

The New Testament provides stern warnings about the dangers of apostasy. In Hebrews 6:4-6 , the author writes, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame." This passage highlights the severity of turning away after having received the knowledge of the truth.

Similarly, Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." Here, the cost of apostasy is depicted as a loss of the sacrificial covering of sins, leading to inevitable judgment.

The Example of Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot serves as a poignant example of apostasy in the New Testament. As one of the twelve disciples, Judas had intimate knowledge of Jesus and His teachings. Yet, he chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His actions led to deep remorse and ultimately his tragic end (Matthew 27:3-5). Judas's account illustrates the spiritual peril and moral degradation that accompany apostasy.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also addresses the theme of apostasy, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The Israelites frequently turned away from God to worship idols, despite His repeated calls to repentance. In Jeremiah 2:19 , the prophet declares, "Your own wickedness will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me," declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. This passage underscores the self-destructive nature of apostasy and the resulting divine discipline.

Consequences of Apostasy

The cost of apostasy is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, moral, and eternal dimensions. Spiritually, apostasy severs one's relationship with God, leading to a hardened heart and a loss of spiritual discernment. Morally, it results in a life characterized by sin and rebellion against God's commandments. Eternally, apostasy places individuals at risk of facing God's judgment and eternal separation from His presence.

In 2 Peter 2:20-22 , the apostle Peter describes the dire state of those who turn away: "If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them." This passage emphasizes the increased accountability and peril for those who, having known the truth, choose to reject it.

The Call to Persevere

Despite the grave warnings, the Bible also encourages believers to persevere in their faith. In Jude 1:20-21 , believers are exhorted, "But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life." This call to perseverance serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith to avoid the pitfalls of apostasy.