Greetings to all! As always, it’s wonderful to connect. Today’s study centers on a compelling question: What is holding back the Antichrist? This inquiry leads us to 2 Thessalonians 2, where Paul speaks of a restraining force. We’ll explore three key questions to gain clarity on this subject: What is holding back the Antichrist?
2 Thessalonians 2 (NIV):
The Man of Lawlessness
1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
1. Identifying the Man of Lawlessness
Scriptural Basis: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 describes a figure of lawlessness and destruction, exalting himself as God. This vivid depiction aligns with the figure of the Antichrist, as further clarified in Daniel and Revelation.
2. The Revelation of the Antichrist
Biblical Timeline: According to 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, the Antichrist will be revealed in God’s appointed time, following the removal of a restraining force.
3. The Nature of the Restrainer
Understanding ‘Katecho’: The Greek term ‘katecho’ in this context means to hold back or restrain. This restraining power, depicted in both neuter (principle) and masculine (person) forms, offers significant clues.
The Role of the Holy Spirit and the Church
The dual depiction of the restrainer points towards the Holy Spirit, who operates both within individuals and corporately in the Church.
The Holy Spirit: Indweller and Empowerer
Individual Indwelling: The Holy Spirit resides in believers, providing the power to overcome sin and live righteously (Galatians 5:16-24).
Galatians 5:16-24 (NIV):
Living by the Spirit
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Corporate Empowerment: Collectively, the Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, stands as a formidable force against evil and darkness (1 Corinthians 3:16, Matthew 5:13-16).
1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV):
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV):
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Rapture: A Pivotal Moment
The removal of the Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, signifies the withdrawal of this restraining force, paving the way for the Antichrist’s revelation.
Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit
- Post-Rapture Presence: Even after the Rapture, the Holy Spirit remains active on earth, essential for the salvation of souls during the Tribulation.
- Withdrawal of the Corporate Church: The Rapture signifies the removal of the Spirit-empowered Church, not the omnipresent Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: Focused on Christ, Not the Antichrist
As we study these profound truths, our focus remains steadfastly on Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist. The essence of Bible prophecy is to prepare, not scare, believers for the return of the Lord.
A Call to Assurance and Preparedness
Are you at peace with God, assured of your salvation and prepared for His return? This assurance comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, repentance, and acceptance of His saving grace.
Let’s conclude with Matthew 24:36-46, a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return.
Matthew 24:36-46 (NIV):
The Day and Hour Unknown
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
Today’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the insights from Your Word. May they inspire and prepare us for the coming days. Help us to remain focused on Your Son, Jesus Christ, as we await His glorious return. Amen.
Today’s study on the restrainer of the Antichrist from 2 Thessalonians 2 not only deepens our understanding of end times prophecy but also reaffirms our commitment to Christ. As we continue our journey of faith, let’s hold fast to the truth of the Scripture, living each day in readiness for our Lord’s return.
In His Service,
The Guardians of Biblical Truth
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