Apostasy, dealing with personal

Warnings of the dangers of personal apostasy

2 Corinthians 11:2–3 NASB95

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

See also Ps 125:4–5; Lk 9:59–62; Ga 3:1–3; Ga 4:8–10 Those who return to strict observance of Jewish days and festivals have not understood the gospel.

Warnings against leading others into apostasy

Matthew 18:6 NASB95

but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

See also Pr 28:10; Ga 5:7–10

Encouragements to guard against personal apostasy

1 Co 10:12–13; Heb 3:12–14

See also Ps 85:8; Mt 24:10–13; Mt 24:24–25; Col 1:21–23; 1 Ti 6:20–21; Heb 10:35–39; Heb 12:1–8; 2 Pe 3:17–18; Re 13:5–10

Dealing with apostate believers

Galatians 6:1 NASB95

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

See also 1 Co 5:4–5; Jas 5:19–20; 1 Jn 5:16–17

Examples of those who were restored from apostasy

Samson:

Jdg 16:20; Jdg 16:28–30

Ps 51:1–17 David

Peter:

Mt 26:74 for the account of Peter’s reinstatement see Jn 21:15-17

Ac 15:37–38 for evidence of John Mark’s recovery see 2Ti 4:11

The punishment of apostates

Is 65:12–15; Eze 3:20; Eze 18:24–26; 2 Th 2:11–12; 2 Pe 2:17

Punishment through misfortune

Dt 28:63; Am 2:4–6

Punishment through defeat

Nu 14:43; Jdg 2:12–15

Punishment through rejection

2 Ch 24:20; Ho 4:6