Before the appearance of the Antichrist Paul tells us that the "Apostasia" must take place. What does this Greek word mean? It has been translated as "Departure" in the old Geneva bible. It has been translated as "rebellion" and "falling away" in modern versions. Christians who believe in the pretrib rapture theory believe that the word "apostasia" means a physical departure from the earth by Christians before the appearance of the Antichrist. This study here by Dr. Alan Kurschner clearly shows that this is incorrect and that the word means a departure from a political or religious belief.