The word apostasy is derived from both Latin and Greek references, apostasia and apostasies respectively. The former refers to "defection" and the latter to "revolt." Apo, being the prefix for "separate," "not," or "away from" is joined with histanai, which means, "to stand in place." So the most literal rendering of apostasy is something to the effect of "to separate away from a place or position." Over the course of its etymology, and in its broadest sense, the word has come to refer to the abandonment of a once held belief or position.

Most dictionary definitions converge on this central idea. For example, the unabridged Webster's Dictionary defines apostasy formally as, "A total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause etc." (2003, 99). Thus, apostasy can technically and generically refer to the repudiation of almost any idea or practice. The essence of apostasy in this sense is the act of "total desertion" itself. At issue is the desertion component, with the actual object of desertion being secondar

When we use the term "apostasy" we are using it exclusively of the Christian who is living in habitual disobedience to the will of the Father which is revealed by the Holy Spirit through the communication of the Word of God. This in turn results in God the Father disciplining this type of Christian.

The term "apostasy" is used by this author to describe the state of those Christians who were once exercising faith and obeying the teaching of the Word of God but are now in the state of unbelief and thus rejecting the teaching of the Word of God. The child of God who stubbornly refuses to confess their sins to the Father has entered into apostasy.