"Apostasy" comes from the Greek word αποστασία (apostasia), meaning "a defection or revolt". It is "a total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause, etc." Apostasy as discussed in this study is the path leading away from Yahweh's rule, worship, guidance and protection.

Individuals apostasize. They decide to follow an alternate path, without Yahweh. This detour can take many different routes. Corporate apostasy, on the other hand, is defection of a group and follows a similar pattern. There are several common steps along the path to corporate apostasy. These will be described generally, followed by specifics related to each of the three groups of God's chosen people.

1. Changing Government. This is always the first step and involves promoting men (or devils, or men possessed by devils) as rulers above Yahweh.

2. Obeying man instead of Yahweh.

3. Hiding the name of "Yahweh". If Yahweh is hidden, He can exert little influence.

4. Substituting Yahweh's sign, His Sabbath.

5. Changing Yahweh's laws.

At the conclusion of this path to corporate apostasy, Yahweh and His laws are forgotten and negated. Man serves his father, Satan. This is APOSTASY and, after the fall of Adam, has happened at least three times to three groups of people, special to our God, Yahweh.