I believe that the great apostasy of the Last Days is closely related to Paul’s warning not the be ignorant and arrogant concerning the Mystery of Israel.
Apostle Paul gives the Church a serious warning concerning Israel. He tells Gentile believers not to be ignorant of this mystery or arrogant toward the natural branches.
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be conceited.” — Romans 11:25
Paul goes on to warn Gentile believers:
“Do not be arrogant toward the branches.” — Romans 11:18
Why is this warning so important?
Because ignorance and arrogance concerning God’s purposes for Israel can lead believers into serious spiritual error. Paul reminds us that we do not support the root; the root supports us (Romans 11:18). We must never forget that salvation came through the Jewish Messiah and that God’s promises and calling concerning Israel remain significant in His redemptive plan (Romans 9:4–5; 11:28–29).
I believe that, especially as we approach the end of the age, a great deception concerning Israel will contribute to a growing turning away from God’s truth. Many will turn against Israel, and sadly, some professing believers will follow the same path.
Jesus warned that deception would increase in the last days:
“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will deceive many.” — Matthew 24:5
Paul also warned that a great apostasy, or falling away, would precede the day of the Lord:
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (ESV)
Could the growing hostility toward Israel, when rooted in the rejection of God’s revealed purposes, become one of the ways people are drawn away from biblical truth? I believe this is a warning the Church must take seriously.
We are witnessing people abandon the Christian faith, and reports of people converting from Christianity to Islam raise important questions about the spiritual challenges facing the Church. We must not assume that every person’s journey has the same cause, but we must recognize the biblical warnings about deception, apostasy, and the need to remain steadfast in the truth.
Paul’s warning in Romans 11 is not an invitation to pride, hatred, or condemnation. It is a call to humility, reverence, and a proper understanding of God’s faithfulness.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29
The Church must not become ignorant of God’s mystery concerning Israel, nor arrogant toward the people through whom the Messiah came.
Let us remain grounded in Scripture, watchful against deception, and faithful to the whole counsel of God.
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery…” — Romans 11:25 (KJV)