Nobody said that the apostasy would be total...Jesus did leave the door open to that possibility...but did not outright claim that...and the apostle Paul clearly said that in the last days some -- not all -- would depart from the faith...
So the Scriptures to look at include:
* 4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times SOME will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 4:1)
* "...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Jesus, Luke 18:8)
>>> Nobody said that the apostasy would be total
An apostasy as your interpretation of that scripture implies would not HAVE to be total. Keep in mind that a prophetic sign is being revealed here about how to recognize the beginning of the tribulation.
Think about what is being “given” as a sign here according to your interpretation... the failure of Christians? Have we not been failing our lord now for over 30 years??? Where do you draw the line in biblical terms as to what constitutes “apostacy” on a grand scale enough to signify the eminent revealing of the antichrist? If it is supposed to be a sign, don’t you think God would be referring to something just a little more “sudden” and “significant” not to mention recognizable to all??? It is WAY too easy for any christian to look around today, or even 30 years ago, and be able to make strong arguments about the notion that the “apostasy” is allready upon us.
Remember... we are talking about the end of the age of grace here. Does it really fit in God’s character and history of “signs” to use such a subjective and blurred line-in-the-sand about how poorly His bride is doing on earth??? That doesn’t sound like a groom coming back to get His bride back to me... sounds more like God judging the earth because of the christians... so now the tribulation is our fault??? Really?
But tell me... is it really the presence of the Christians who hold back evil? or the Holy Spirit?
Your interpretation would imply the former.