Be aware that some Christians seem to focus all of their energy into accusing other Christians of apostacy. May of the sites found using the search above will be criticism of others (only some of which will be valid) rather than helpful teaching on apostacy itself.
Bible Verses About Apostacy - (Bible Study Tools)
37 Bible Verses About Warnings Against Apostacy - (Knowing Jesus)
Bible verses About Apostacy - (Open Bible)
I asked AI (3.4.25) about the suggestion that there are 80-85 warnings against apostacy in the New Testament. The reply was:
The claim of 80–85 New Testament warnings against apostasy appears to be an approximation that combines direct admonitions, conditional promises, and examples of apostates. While an exact count depends on interpretive criteria (e.g., whether repeated teachings in the Synoptic Gospels count separately), the New Testament undeniably emphasizes the danger of falling away. Below is a categorized analysis of key passages, grouped by theme and book, with explanations of their relevance.
Matthew 7:21–23
Jesus warns that even those who perform miracles in His name may be rejected if they lack a relationship with Him.
Matthew 13:20–21 (cf. Mark 4:16–17; Luke 8:13)
The parable of the sower: Some receive the word with joy but fall away due to persecution or trials.
Matthew 24:10–13
Jesus predicts that many will “fall away” and betray one another in the end times.
John 15:1–6
The metaphor of the vine: Branches (believers) that do not abide in Christ are “cut off and burned.”
Galatians 5:4
“You are severed from Christ... you have fallen away from grace.”
1 Timothy 4:1
“In later times, some will depart from the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:3–4
People will “turn away from the truth” and follow false teachers.
Colossians 1:21–23
Believers are reconciled to God “if indeed you continue in the faith.”
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
Philippians 2:12–13
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (implies vigilance).
Hebrews 3:12–14
Warns against developing “an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”
Hebrews 6:4–8
Those who “have tasted the heavenly gift” but fall away cannot be restored.
Hebrews 10:26–31
Deliberate sin after receiving knowledge of the truth leaves “no sacrifice for sins” but judgment.
2 Peter 2:20–22
Escaping worldly corruption but returning to it makes one’s state worse than before.
Jude 1:5–7, 12–13
Compares apostates to rebellious Israelites and Sodom and Gomorrah.
Revelation 2:4–5
The Ephesian church is warned: “Repent, or I will remove your lampstand.”
Revelation 3:15–16
The Laodiceans are rebuked for lukewarm faith and threatened with rejection.
Matthew 10:22 (cf. Mark 13:13)
“The one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Romans 11:22
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God... provided you continue in His kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off.”
1 Corinthians 15:1–2
“By which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word.”
2 Timothy 2:12
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
James 5:19–20
A brother who wanders from the truth risks spiritual death.
Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14–16; John 17:12)
A chosen disciple who betrayed Christ and is called “the son of destruction.”
Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19–20)
“Made shipwreck of their faith” and were handed over to Satan.
Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
Deserted Paul because he “loved this present world.”
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)
Struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit.
The “Jezebel” of Thyatira (Revelation 2:20–23)
A false prophetess who led others into sexual immorality.
Acts 20:28–31
Paul warns of “fierce wolves” who will arise within the church.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
False apostles masquerade as ministers of righteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
The “rebellion” (Greek: apostasia) precedes Christ’s return.
1 John 2:19
False teachers “went out from us, but they were not of us.”
The approximate 80–85 count likely includes:
Repeated teachings in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., falling away in Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
Individual verses within longer passages (e.g., Hebrews 6:4–8 counts as 5 verses).
Indirect warnings (e.g., 2 Peter 2:1–22 includes multiple warnings against false teachers).
These warnings exist alongside assurances of eternal security (John 10:28–29; Romans 8:38–39). Reformed theology resolves this by distinguishing:
Professing believers (who may fall away, demonstrating they were never regenerate).
Genuine believers (who persevere by God’s power).
Perseverance: Salvation requires ongoing faith (John 8:31; Colossians 1:23).
Accountability: Believers must actively resist sin and false doctrine (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9).
Divine Sovereignty: God preserves His elect, but human responsibility remains (Philippians 2:12–13).
While the exact count of 80–85 warnings may be debated, the New Testament overwhelmingly emphasizes vigilance against apostasy. These passages challenge believers to examine their faith (2 Corinthians 13:5) while resting in God’s covenant faithfulness.