Refuting LDS claims: The Great Apostasy in 1 Timothy 4?

Was there a Great Apostasy in Christian History? Latter-day Saints (Mormons) say that there was, but Christians disagree.

When talking with members of the LDS Church, I’ve heard 1 Timothy 4 brought up in defense of a Great Apostasy. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 says,

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”

In this video, I explain why I don’t think this verse can be seen as a prophesy of a total collapse of Christianity. Ultimately, our belief in the success and growth of Christ’s Church comes down to His teachings. Jesus said that “…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus has not not failed to preserve His Church.