The Falling Away: Spiritual Departure of Physical Rapture?: A Second Look at 2 Thessalonians 2:3

by Andy Woods

The Day of the Lord will not come unless the "falling away" comes first, according to 2 Thessalonians 2:3. What is this falling away? Is it apostasy, a spiritual departure from the faith, or is it an actual physical rapture? In this book, Dr. Andy Woods gives 10 reasons to believe it is a physical rapture.

54 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2018

Reviews

[Clark Goble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read from Dr. Andy Woods is essentially a long research paper that examines 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The verse reads, "3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction" (NASB). Dr. Woods makes the argument that the "apostasy" referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 refers to a physical departure (rapture) rather than a spiritual falling away that is argues by some. I will admit that I am somewhat befuddled by any hermeneutic that denies a rapture and am even more puzzled by those who seem offended by the notion. This little book will gently challenge those who have been taught the rapture is a work of imagination and will do so in a manner that is responsible in light of Scripture. At just 43 pages, it is well worth the time for any student of Scripture.

[Susan Trainor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapture

This book was recommended by a prophecy teacher. It explains the language changes over the years and different translations. If you're interested in the understanding of the bible this is a good one.

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great Falling Away or Physical Rapture?

I was amazed at this little book. I was amazed by the writers

explanation of the physical rapture of the church. I too was thought of taught to believe it was a falling away from Christ! I was so happy to have it explained this way, Thank You for this explanation and explaining the truth, God Bless your writings!

[Karen Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slam Dunk for Pre-Trib Rapture

The writer discusses in detail that the earliest translations of the Bible used the word for physical departure and why it was changed to mean a spiritual departure or "falling away" in the KJV. That along with his other arguments make it easy to see his logic, and why our Blessed Hope of the Rapture is that much closer!

[Barb Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MORE YOU KNOW...


is always good. It's a short concise read using deductive reasoning and ending in logical conclusions. Tipping the scales towards a pre-trib rapture. Not just a fanciful thought from wimpy believers who are afraid of taking a life or death stand for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This interpretation has a lot of merit.

[Ursula Okerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You !!!

Thank You very much for exceptional teaching on the Rapture. This teaching of the departure makes the only right sense and understanding of this word in the context of the entire Rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3

[Ken Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Read this and you will search the scriptures. You will look up Greek words. You will exercise Acts 17:11. And after doing so, make your own decision. I, for one, find myself in agreement.

[Angela Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book,

Very quick and easy reading. I read it in just a few hours and found exactly what I was looking for. Written in such a way that makes sense to the average person. I would highly recommend.

[David Mccowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

44 pages on one word in one verse. Yummy! Why this is important, 2Th 2 is often cited as the reason people who do not believe in pre-tribulation rapture as why they don't believe it. If the author is correct, and I think that he is, then this might change your eschatology.

[Cory Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This organized and well written book is brief and to the point. He makes a strong case for a pre-tribulation rapture of the Christian church. Have and open mind when you read this book

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate how he backs up his statements with scripture.

[Steven R Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity on the subject.

Woods gives compelling, credible, and very persuasive reasons for the rapture usage of apostasy in Thessalonians. Great attention to detail. He scrutinizes the text, it's meaning, and usage in Scripture and how it was understood back to the fourth century. The arguments he presents are very sound, leading one to believe Paul was actually speaking of a physical departure - the Rapture - and not a spiritual one in this verse. Woods does a very thorough job.

[Mark mccay · Rating 1 out of 5]

like a lawyer trying to prove his case

The proof will be in the pudding. It’s always best to compare scripture with scripture. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 emphatically says the Antichrist will arrive 1st!! We which are alive at that time will SEE him. The apostasy is translated REBELLION in most of the Bible’s I have , which I believe to be correct. And I find it interesting that we are currently having a worldwide rebellion against tyranny. ( which very well may be what brings him forth, kind of a savior most people will accept) Time will tell. When they cry peace, prosperity, and safety (his arrival to save) then sudden destruction! Don’t take my word for it, keep in an attitude of humility following our Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ) and you’ll never go wrong. MARANATHA !!!

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those Convinced Against His Will….

This was a plausible position on a departure I also held. After reading Dr. Wood’s book then Lee Brainard’s tsunami of reasons for 2Thessalonians vs 3, I concluded apostasy most probably means falling away, if not definitely. The latter position was far more detailed and voluminous with support. Lee’s book on the Pre-tribulation Rapture was also precise and comforting as a believer in Jesus Christ as Savior. Those who chose not to believe in our Lord and Savior, I am sorry beloved.

[Darlene Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. Andy Woods follows the Bible, but interprets words of Scripture that have been changed over the years, to their original meanings. I found this book to be very informative when considering the last days and especially, the rapture. I hope and pray that he is right!

[Jill Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book!

This is a short, to-the-point look at 2 Thessalonians 2:3. After reading this I have no doubt that the Rapture of the Church will come first. Then (and only then!!), the great tribulation will begin. Satin will finally be cast down from Heaven to earth. And we (the Bride of Christ) will get to go Home!! What a glorious day that will be!!

[John Gedeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case For A Physical Departure In 2 Thessalonians 2:3a

For the debate concerning pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or post-tribulation, consult this booklet and its many points and citations for why the rapture occurs before the tribulation. It is a read that clarified a lot for me on this topic. Readers will certainly get a lot out of reading it.

[kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Falling Away

Great explanation of the pre-tribulation rapture.
If anyone still thinks the rapture comes after the tribulation
After reading this book then they are hopeless as far as being able to learn.

[Cleo P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely study

Thank God for this clarification of the Rapture. Those who have tweeked the Scriptures in times past will have to answer to the Author of our Faith. Let us continue to walk in that Faith until He comes for us.

[Abraham Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear Guidance of Jesus Christ second coming

Many Different teaching been out in the Christendom but Dr. Woods giving very precise understandable clear teaching. I just started to listen to his teaching a hoping to continue

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good concise argument of the position. I would like to read counterpoints to this view before drawing a conclusion.

My concern is that the author doesn't provide any counterpoint and says in conclusion that "the debate is settled".

[Wendy Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful

Concise and clarifying treatment that reassures me (and the Thessalonian believers) of Jesus coming before the Tribulation. Very strong argument that makes hood contextual sense.

[Joseph Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but provoking book. Andy Woods argued for his stance clearly with strong reasons. Though you may not fully agree with him, it is good to go through his arguments and ponder on how 2 Th 2:3 should be interpret. Good for serious Bible students.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short study on 2 Thess. 2:3. Mr. Woods gives 10 reasons to believe it is a physical rapture. Need to find this in physical (not audio) format so I can study it better. Very good study but awful narration by virtual voice!

[Sara Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

I give it 5 stars because it is written in a way that is very easy to understand. It explained Alot for me.

[Bob Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great position to take in text

[Mark Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original mission statement of Harvard (My interpretation) was to 'Equip students that they may better understand the scriptures.'

[Jack Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent pamphlet on the word "apostasy" and look at the Nature in 2 These. 2:3