CLARIFICATION. 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-8 2 Thessalonians 2:1. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and, by our gathering together unto Him,” Although the Thessalonians appeared to be a model congregation, faithfully carrying out their calling in gathering and Gospel outreach, they either forgot what Paul taught them or misunderstood his teachings. It's easy for us to forget what we've been taught or to dismiss its importance at the time. Then, when a speaker comes along, we may allow him and his words to influence us more than the word of God for various reasons. We need to remember those things we were first taught and the ones who taught us, so we don't stray away.
We are not alone in this; there are others—many, many more—who are watching and waiting for our Lord to come. We are family, “brethren,” united by the common bond of “our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are people of faith who know what is coming at the end and do not fear. We are not shaken and do not want to be deceived by false alarms. It will be our joy to see Him honored, glorified, exalted, coming – and we with Him.
The second coming of Christ is the main focus of 2nd Thessalonians, and chapter two, verses one through twelve, is the core of the epistle. Christians will be gathered to the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming for the church, as taught in 1st Thessalonians. The second epistle follows the “falling away,” which is the rebellion against God, and the appearance of the antichrist.
There is no question about it: the coming of the Lord will happen. We should never deviate from this truth and the promise our Lord Jesus gave us. Rather than create fear, this truth should bring joy to the hearts of believing saints, whose Savior’s coming we are eagerly awaiting at any moment. The Lord Jesus Christ promised that there will be a time when He comes to receive us unto Himself, the saints of God will all be gathered to Him, and everyone will see His face. So, don’t be disheartened or stop your work for the Lord because of the foolish date-setting by some people who try to gain followers or money by predicting specific dates.
Some people care about the spiritual well-being of others for a very good reason. They are the ones who brought the Gospel during the season of sowing the seed of God's word. When confusion and doubt arise, and the opinions of less-known teachers surprise us with teachings that seem different, we need someone trustworthy to guide us—not those who seek to please the majority and rely on public opinion.
So, take a moment to remember and reflect on those whose simple preaching of the Word brought God's truth to you in a way you could easily grasp. They were not using any trickery or deceptive words. These are the people you know who can make all the confusing things understandable. Sometimes, it is wise to go back to where we started on this journey with the Lord Jesus and remember what we lack. Were the truths we were then taught and their actual meaning understood? Did they become a part of my faith or not? Am I wandering, or have I somehow strayed from the path?
When I was first saved, I remember the faithful men in our assembly teaching us each week. Some led expositional Bible studies in conversational style during midweek meetings, while others held classes on prophecy on Lord’s Day mornings. Some spoke subjectively, but all looked at us as children they needed to raise, guide, and instruct, preparing us for lives lived for the Lord.
Paul advises the Thessalonians not to be uneasy or alarmed about the Lord's return. They seem to have been troubled by some false teachings and misleading preaching. Additionally, a forged letter that supposedly came from Paul had led them to believe they were in the Tribulation or on the verge of entering it. A widespread deviation from the truth among the people, including some who claim to be Christians, paves the way for national apostasy. This collective rejection of the truth opens the door for the influence and power of the “man of sin,” the antichrist. He will lead the world in outright rebellion, “falling away,” against God. By Satan’s power, he will perform wonders and present himself as a deity. He will actually sit in the temple, fulfilling the “abomination of desolation,”
Many are being deceived—they recognize the wrong gods, follow them, and nearly unknowingly become deceivers themselves. They develop strong opinions and believe you must agree with them to be right. They are “seers” without faith, remorse, knowledge, or truth. They are drifting away from the truth, the righteousness that truth reveals, and their sins are increasing; they follow the wrong person and are aware of it. They are often writers trying to alter the progress of truth, righteousness, and hope for personal or material gain.
“Falling away” here does not just mean stumbling due to something unexpected. It actually signifies “standing away,” like someone deliberately stepping back or dissociating from an event or person, not making a miscalculation. It's not an accident when the truth has been revealed and, to some extent, understood but rejected. Instead, it’s a choice made in rebellion, meaning a stance has been taken against God.
There is reason for concern if someone new to the faith is misled by an unscrupulous person who claims to have apostolic authority and alters the scriptures to fit their needs. Those whose minds are shaken need help to return to God, where they can find answers from someone who understands the Word. Scare tactics are often used to pressure unsuspecting individuals into obeying the will of those who sometimes come among us. Help them pause and consider whether the words spoken by a relatively unknown person truly align with the mind and will of God taught by those we recognize as His appointed teachers.
It often seems like some follow behind those who initiate work for God and then teach the new converts. These new converts, like children, seek to contradict the guidance of those who, like fathers, truly care and try to avoid unnecessary conflict. When deception arises, it is the responsibility of mature Christians to confront falsehood. Those who come under a shady cloud often have another reason for claiming that those who came first were unqualified to teach them. They multiply words so their listeners are highly impressed when they pass on large amounts of teaching they have never tested or lived by themselves.
We should never let claims by people who say they have divine revelation about the dates and times of the Lord's return upset us. Many have claimed that certain events happening at specific times or dates they have calculated indicate when the Lord will come. This deception can cause confusion and uncertainty if people do not read the Bible carefully and in context. Deception "troubles" people and distracts them from God's truth. Satan uses any means he can to deceive and hinder God's work. The "day of the Lord" is not in the past, even though terrible times have been experienced on earth. Claiming that the "day of the Lord" is happening now is an act of the enemy designed to prevent the spread of the Gospel. When that time comes, we will know, and we will be with the Lord.
If someone has all the answers but doesn’t understand the problems, be cautious about accepting everything they say as truth. The Spirit will reveal what is wrong and right, as their teachings are tested by the scripture. Then, the confusion caused by those who came before can finally be resolved.
A person who resists God and leads sinners astray is a servant of the devil — although in the flesh, this is true, they are an unyielding enemy of God and His people. The coming Antichrist is only a man, but the man of sin – not just against holiness, but actively opposed to the Jews, to God, and to God’s people in the worst possible way. He is a usurper of the position he seeks to claim: the place of worship and diabolical power. He is wicked – surpassing all others, working under Satan’s influence, with signs and wonders – all falsehoods.
The "man of sin," or "the lawless one," cannot be identified by us now. But we know this about him: he is the antichrist, the son of perdition, and has the character of a beast. His character is described in scripture as wicked, arrogant, and loud-speaking, yet he is a charismatic leader capable of deceiving people with his words and actions. He will be "revealed'—suddenly appearing on the world's stage as the one who can resolve the problems facing the global economy, settle the Arab-Israeli conflict, and restore the balance of power. He is the spokesperson for Satan and will initially use flattery and deception, then follow with evil and dangerous threats to those who oppose him. He embodies what apostasy is.
Behind this rejection lies an evil plan that Satan motivates, aiming to thwart God's sovereign plans by using the son of perdition, a terrible and lawless man whose power originates from the depths of the pit. When people turn away from the revealed truth and God, Satan or his demons are there to destroy what God intends to build up. Chains of deception, darkness, and ultimate despair await those who seek their pleasure at the devil’s table.
The man of sin with evil intent is rightly called the antichrist. When God desires to bring blessings to all people everywhere, He will seek to thwart these divine purposes with all types of evil devices, hoping that the Lord God will be defeated. There remains the concern that what God wants to accomplish through the power of the Gospel will be attacked and hindered by these dark powers. It is only fitting for us to warn people wherever we go about the dangers that befall those who listen to the deceptive words of the antichrist as the spokesman for the devil.
His goal is to challenge God and take the position of global authority for himself. He opposes anything related to or for God. He is a usurper who will openly confront God. He will sit in the place reserved for the Lord when He comes to judge the world in righteousness "by that Man whom He hath ordained." That anti-God and anti-Christ attitude is evident today in places once characterized by law, order, and the fear of God.
The man of sin enters the public arena with an insincere smile that hides his smirk. His teeth may gleam white (like a shark) as he speaks impressive swelling words, “having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” Behind the dark eyes lies evil intent to oppose God and everything God does, including God’s people. He is determined that God must be brought down, and he must rise to power.
He speaks peace from his mouth, and strangely, people, even leaders, listen to what he says because he has solutions to the uprisings, upsets, and fears that move men to war. His solutions seem reasonable and work temporarily until he takes control of everything. He will change the currency used for business among the world's nations, one of the world’s major problems, and address the uncertainty surrounding politicians' self-serving decisions.
The world changes whatever it needs to in order to support those who oppose and elevate themselves above God. They take pride in all the praise by assuming God’s role in His house and accepting worship from others that is meant for God alone. For reasons that are only faintly understood by thoughtful people, perhaps out of fear, men follow him and die without understanding what they have done or the consequences they have chosen.
People worldwide will line up to be marked, on the head and hand, thinking this is a reasonable way to do business without the complication of something that can be stolen. A few who have read the Bible and realize what it says is coming to pass will flee to the hills, seeking food and safety because they will not take “the mark of the beast.” They will stand with clear consciences and saved souls and die headless when caught. They saw beyond the smile, the loud words, the magic of the evil in the man, the darkness of his soul, and the consequences that will fall on those who “believe the lie.”
The man of sin enters the public arena with an ingratiating smile that conceals his smirk. His teeth may gleam white (like a shark's) as he speaks grandiose words, “having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” Behind the dark eyes lies evil intent to oppose God and everything He does, including His people. He is determined that God must come down, and he must rise to power.
The first-century church in Thessalonica moved from idolatry and Judaism to the kingdom of God by placing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Their transformation was truly from darkness to light. Their behavior shifted from Satan's influence to God's. Their faith, hope, and love were shaping the character of the saints. But even such devoted believers committed to the Gospel and the church are still targets for satanic attacks.
Sometimes, it comes from those we least expect. In the end times, there will be persecution and suffering until the very end of the age, just as it was at the beginning and throughout the entire period in between. "All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." However, we know that evil will not prevail because our Lord Jesus Christ will judge unrighteously and thoroughly upon His return.
The restraining power of the Holy Spirit is greater than any power of man or Satan. God controls all events, and those who ignore and oppose Him can do as they please because of God's grace. God does not want anyone to perish but to come to the knowledge of the truth. In mercy, He withholds immediate judgment despite the evil that occurs and defiles people and nations. Those who choose not to love the truth so they may be saved expose themselves to the deception of darkness and will be lost.
Willful unbelief and intentional rejection of God's word are acts of rejecting God Himself. By refusing to believe in Him, those who do this accuse God of lying. Because of their deliberate rejection of the truth, God will send them a strong delusion. Sin will punish sin. God is not the origin of deception, but He allows people to choose whether they will believe the lie or not. The lie they believe is that the man of sin is God.
Several factors prevent widespread chaos in a nation. The laws of the land serve as a restraint on the citizens. The respect and honor we have for our ancestors also influence our behavior, as we honor their memory. The part of the body of Christ that remains in the world today helps hold back God's judgment against an ungodly world. Millions of believers worldwide still exert enough influence to contain uncontrolled evil. When the church is taken away at the beginning of Christ's return, known as "the rapture," the antichrist and his influence will unleash evils far greater than ever before.
The one who restrains—the Holy Spirit—will continue to do so until God's people are taken to heaven. After that, His work will be like it was before the church began. He was with people during the Old Testament days, and in that same way, He will work during the Tribulation, when a great multitude of people who have never heard the Gospel and rejected it will be saved. They will be "born of the Spirit." Many will suffer and die because they accept Christ as their Savior and Lord and refuse to submit to the antichrist. Even though the church will be gone from earth, God will save many through preaching the Gospel of the kingdom. "In vain do earth and hell oppose, for God is stronger than His foes."
Eternal condemnation awaits those who deliberately reject the truth and will follow the man of sin when he is revealed. He will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ upon His return and cast into the lake of fire. Those who choose to follow him in this life will follow him in the next. They will be forever lost because of their decisions in this life and their rejection of God and His plan for them.
The Lord is the Gathering Center for those who love, worship, and serve Him, and we will be gathered together unto Him! The Lord is the Conqueror of the evil one who has all power in heaven and earth, and by His Word and His glory, He will destroy the deceiver! The Lord is the One who has loved, chosen, called, and sanctified us for His glory! The Lord comforts, establishes, prepares, teaches, comes, and gathers—when and how He chooses!
Therefore, there is no need to panic or worry, even though evil men and seducers are getting worse all the time. Even if everyone else around us wonders at our peace and quiet spirit, we rest in Him. We press on with what we know to be His will and work, “looking off unto Jesus.” We will leave the timetable to God and move forward daily with good cheer because of His grace.
Because of that assurance, we must live daily in a way that will not make us ashamed when He comes for His saints, opening the day of the Lord. Only God knows the entire chain of events leading up to the first part of that day (the day of the Lord, not the day of Christ), although the Lord has given us some signs of His coming concerning the Tribulation and His public appearance. Our Lord Jesus Christ's coming refers to both the rapture and His appearance as one event with two parts. This is the key point of these verses, which is also the reason Paul wrote the epistle.
The fact of His return is meant to comfort and reassure, not cause despair. God has a plan that He follows, and we are part of it. He has not yet come because people still have time to prepare for eternity, and He is still saving souls, so He remains on His throne. The events happening around us are not a reason for panic; they serve as a careful indication that certain specific things God has in mind will happen before Christ is revealed. Currently, the message of salvation continues to be proclaimed, and we can still tell sinners that by His stripes, we are healed. So, regarding Christ’s return, it’s important to get things right. God’s work continues, and everything is under His control. It is the duty of all believers to be salt and light in this world of pollution and darkness so that those who know us or hear us will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved from the coming wrath.
Uncertainty about the future can be unsettling for those new to the faith. Nurturing them by guiding them to the Word and God’s truth is essential. They need to be taught carefully and relevantly, as they are like a ship without a mooring. They require reassurance from those who care, teach the Word, and can share their faith in Christ with understanding and compassion.
Those who oppose our Lord Jesus Christ and reject the Gospel of Grace have committed and will continue to commit evil against God's people - some even using His name. God sent His Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Satan will send his son, the antichrist, the son of perdition, so that people will die through him. Turning away from the truth, known as "falling away' or apostasy, will occur first before that wicked one is revealed. We see evidence of this today as a preview of what full-blown apostasy will look like. Acts of apostasy are currently happening in nations and among people. Governments that once based their legal systems on God's law have now shifted to what is most convenient for the majority of the people.
The attacks seem to be coming from many sources—relentlessly. Subtly, they take many forms and seem to be looking for weak spots, like differences of opinion, which some have, more than fundamental doctrines, which have clear distinctions from false doctrine. The source of the continual opposition is stronger than man is diabolical.
There are efforts to remove God’s name from our pledge of allegiance. There are efforts to eliminate the restraints of the commandments and prayer from our schools and courts of law. An effort to remove “In God we Trust” from our printed money signals attacks against honesty in finances. Respect for law and order, a challenged family structure, and moral decline impact us socially.
There is ongoing pressure on those who want to live as we know God desires. He wants us to live calm and peaceful lives in all godliness and honesty. Even governments try to push us towards a new way of living without restraint, which results in an open society where everyone acts as their own law, only concerned with what “pleases me.” People are not willing to look ahead to see where this new kind of life leads or to reflect on the lessons of history.
What has been maintaining some order in society until now? Is it human governments, the Jewish nation, legal principles, the Ten Commandments, or the pressure of people remembering better days? Or is it something or Someone – or both – that tells us when and how to conduct ourselves in righteousness and that restraint keeps the devil at bay? The restrainer is the Holy Spirit, who still convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come. The sacred pages of scripture still reveal the Person of Christ to some people through preaching the Gospel. He links Himself uniquely to the Church by making the bodies of the saints His home.
Together, the Church and the Holy Spirit hold back the advance of evil until the day of grace ends. The salt and light of holy living by the saints of God around the world keep the Gospel message and the banner of faith still displayed and visible to those in darkness and sin. The Holy Spirit guides God’s people, and through that light, conscience, like a worm, still burrows into the hearts and minds of sinners, restraining the release of dark and evil passions that will someday break upon a godless world.
So, what about us who are alive and waiting for our Lord to come? We wonder when this will happen because we see signs all around us. Some, perhaps, worry when they hear of evil, dark days yet to come. What do we do? Where can we go? Stop and remember; read the words again, “There is, therefore now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Consider the Word of God and rest on the promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The law still provides civilization with a veneer of decency. A sense of restraint guides us all. But a subtle, unseen force is working to undermine those who fully honor God. Some still submit to the authority of the law. Although it changes, science and education influence a nation's social, business, and moral life. Often, reports of criminal acts that defy logic surface, but now, because of the Spirit, there is no open season for sin. God the Spirit has delayed the unleashing of lawlessness, which is yet to come. Nevertheless, God’s ongoing acts of grace and mercy have maintained a level of decency and honor in this world through Him, whom the powers of darkness have despised.
There appears to be growing evidence that change is imminent. Signs around the world, the Jewish nation, and moral decline seem to be urging us to consider how close the day is when Christ will come in the air to gather His followers; at the rapture of the Church, we will go home. The Holy Spirit and the Church continue their work despite obstacles and opposition. In light of increasing lawlessness and upcoming darkness, we need to work diligently in the calling God gave us. When the Lord comes, the day of salvation will have ended.