1 Timothy 4:1-5 - The Coming Apostasy

¹ Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: "Later times" in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits. ² [Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt]. ³ They forbid people to get married and require them to avoid [eating] certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and [fully] know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is permitted [to be eaten] and nothing should be refused, if it is received with gratitude, ⁵ for it is consecrated [i.e., made acceptable] by the word of God and prayer.