Free Bible Commentary
“2 Thessalonians 2:1-12”
Categories: 2 Thessalonians“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Okay let’s wrap up this section by quoting from Wilson Adam’s Courageous Living workbook on 1&2 Thessalonians one last time. I just want to add that we have no animosity toward the members of any one particular denomination. Wilson’s explanation just seems to me to be the best fit, and history appears to bear out the truth of his theory.
“And who is behind this defection from the faith? ‘Satan’ (v.9)—along with an accompaniment of ‘power and signs and false wonders.’ Catholicism has long professed miraculous cures performed by the bones of martyrs, crying statues, and the miracle of the mass (the emblems becoming the literal body and blood of Jesus).
“‘…and with all the deception of wickedness’ (v.10). Has there ever been a more wicked misrepresentation than the Catholic Church selling indulgences (forgiveness of sins in exchange for money)? Roman Catholicism was built on the foundation of superstition and deception. Yet because people love pomp and pageantry, God allowed man to have his way (v.11). In other words, if you desire to embrace the false while refusing the truth, God allows it.
“The result, however, will be judgment (v.12). To this day, Catholicism rejects the truth by standing upon a three tier system of authority: (1) Papal decree, (2) Church tradition, and (3) the Scriptures (in that order). The words of the Pope and tradition have always taken precedence over what God has communicated in His word.”
The full-blown apostasy has taken place, and we still see its aftermath today in the confusing denominational religious world all around us. The man of lawlessness has been revealed—the one who claims to be inspired, and infallible who has taken “his seat in the temple of God,” so to speak. There is nothing restraining the Lord’s return. The end could come at any moment. Are you ready for the Judgment Day? It will come at a time that will catch you off of your guard unless you take care of your spiritual condition this moment. “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
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