2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2:1

Writing of “our gathering together unto Him,” Paul gets to the heart of his second letter as he deals with the Rapture.

2 Thessalonians 2:2

Referring to the false teachers that had descended upon the church at Thessalonica following his departure, Paul says, “Don’t be troubled by spirit (false prophecies); word (false teaching), or by letter (forged).” Although your King James Version translates this phrase “as that the day of Christ is at hand,” more recent and correct translations render this verse “the day of the Lord has already come” (NIV). As seen in the first and second chapters of the Book of Joel, the Day of the Lord is when the Lord intervenes in human history and brings about judgment and justice. It will begin with the Tribulation, extend through the Millennium, and culminate with the replacement of this earth by a new creation (Joel 2).

2 Thessalonians 2:3

The Greek word apostasia is translated “falling away.” It is also where we get our word “apostasy.” There are two equally valid translations of the word apostasia. The first translation is “turning one’s back on truth.” The second is a literal, physical “departure.” Consequently, many Bible scholars have argued very passionately that the phrase “falling away” refers to a departure from earththe Rapture. Others argue that the phrase simply means turning one’s back on truth. Which translation is correct? I believe it could be either one. The Tribulation will begin after the world continues to turn its back on truth (Mat_24:12), and it will come after the church physically departs during the Rapture (1Th_4:17-18). The word “perdition” means “waste.” The phrase “the son of perdition” is used twice in the Bible. Here, it is linked to Antichrist. The other time it is seen in Jesus’ High Priestly prayer. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.Joh_17:12 Who is this “son of perdition”? Judas Iscariot. The same spirit that filled Judas Iscariot, making him the son of perdition, will also make Antichrist the “son of perdition.” When Mary broke her alabaster box and anointed Jesus in an act of worship, Judas said “To what purpose is this waste?” (Mat_26:8; Joh_12:4-5) Nothing given to the Lord is ever wasted. The young missionary martyred by the Auca Indians was right when he said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot understood the big picture. Judas, the son of perdition, did not.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

“Little children,” wrote John, “it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1Jn_2:18). The word “anti” does not only mean “against.” It also means “in place of.” Thus, the spirit of antichrist can be in the temple of my own body. I’m not talking about demons, but about the mind-set that leads me to say, “I don’t need to rely on Christ. I don’t need to pray about my kids today. I don’t need to pray about how to use my time.” What will be the result? The same things that will follow the physical antichrist: I will experience “famine, wars and rumors of wars” (Mat_24:4-8). I’ll have problems in my marriage, my family, my ministry. The tribulation believers endure is often unnecessary. They could have been “raptured to heaven” by spending time seeking the Lord in the morning. They could have been “caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air” and thus gained a heavenly perspective on the day before them. Instead, they chose to captain their own ship, plot their own course, and rely on their own wisdom instead of Christ’s. Oh, none of us are “anti-Christ” in the sense that we’re against Him. We are, however, vulnerable to the subtle thinking that takes the place of Christ, whereby we make our own decisions and call our own shots. The spirit of Antichrist can pollute any of us. Let’s be wise and say, “My temple is dedicated to only One: Jesus Christ. He will reign in my heart. He will rule my life. " After the “departure” of verse 2Th_2:3, Antichrist will demand to be worshiped as God in the temple in Jerusalem. This is really going to happen, gang. You can go to the Temple Treasury Museum in Jerusalem and see the garments already made for the priests, along with the utensils, tools, candles, mitres, and plans to replicate the ark of the covenant to Levitical standards. “Wait a minute,” you say. “How can the temple be rebuilt when the Mosque of Omar, the Dome of the Rock, the third most holy site of Islam sits on the very spot where the temple is to be rebuilt? To bulldoze it down would start a holy war of unbelievable proportions, as 850 million Muslims would rise up and crush the three million Jews in Israel.” Dr. Asher Kaufman is one of a number of Jewish archaeologists who contend the Dome of the Rock Mosque does not sit on the site of the Holy of Holies as previously believed. The actual Holy of Holies lies beneath a little gazebo-like structure called the Dome of the Tablets and the Dome of the Spirits. Why would this spot be referred to as the Dome of the Tablets? The Tablets were there. What tablets? The Ten Commandments that were in the ark of the covenant, which sat in the Holy of Holies. Why would this spot be referred to as the Dome of the Spirits? The Spirit of God, the shekinah glory, filled the Holy of Holies. What stands on the temple mount in front of the Dome of the Spirits, the Dome of the Tablets? Nothing. “Let me solve this sticky issue, the Palestinian problem, the question of Jerusalem,” Antichrist will say. “Jews, you build your temple on the true site of the temple. We’ll build a wall to separate it from the Muslim Dome of the Rock Mosque.” Ezekiel prophesied this very thing would happen (Eze_42:20). In this way, Antichrist will seemingly solve the problem that has troubled and divided Jerusalem for centuries. The people will say, “He’s wonderful. He’s our hero!” Then, in the midst of his popularity, Antichrist will walk into the temple and demand to be worshiped, “showing himself that he is God,” and the horrific second half of the seven-year Tribulation will follow. “Don’t be shaken,” Paul says to the Thessalonians. “You are not in the Tribulation. This is not the Day of the Lord. You did not miss the Rapture because the “son of perdition"Antichristhas not yet come.”

2 Thessalonians 2:5

“Don’t you remember that I explained these things when I was with you?” Paul asks the Thessalonian believers.

2 Thessalonians 2:6

The “mystery of iniquity” refers to Satan’s desire to take control of the world through Antichrist. A “let” in tennis is the term used when a served ball bounces off, or is deflected, by the net. In other words, the net keeps the ball from being a fair serve. So, too, there is a force deflecting Satan’s attempt to control the world. Who is the force hindering Satan? The Holy Spirit. The only thing keeping any degree of sanity on this planet is the Spirit working in and through the church. When the Rapture takes place, the “net” is removed, and Satan’s volleys will no longer be deflected.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

“Wicked” refers to the wicked one, or Antichrist. After the church is raptured, Satan will fill a human vessel who will usher in the new economic system and world order preceding the Tribulation. Come on, you may be thinking. Do you really believe a literal, physical character claiming to be divine and godly, but actually filled with Satan, will appear on the scene? Yes. Little by little, even the world is unknowingly beginning to accept such a possibility. Through silly “X-Files” propaganda, the world is being prepped to explain away the disappearance of Christians in the Rapture. Through recent scientific advancements such as DNA cloning, the emergence of a “Christ figure” is, in the world’s eyes, no longer a preposterous concept. As intimidating as Antichrist may be, when Jesus comes back, His brightness will blast Antichrist into oblivion. May the Lord help us to be cautious so we are not taken in by so-called signs and wonders even in this day. They can indeed be false. They saw the Red Sea part, and the waters collapse on the armies of Pharaoh. They saw a mountain shake; and heard a voice from heaven. They saw food fall every morning and the earth swallow people. They were led by a fiery pillar at night, and a cloud by day. They saw more signs and wonders than any group of people in history. Yet the children of Israel could not enter into the Promised Land because of their unbelief (Heb_3:19). Signs and wonders do not produce faith. They only produce a craving for more signs and wonders. That’s why, centuries later, the Jews were still asking for more (Joh_6:30). As we approach the final days, there will be an increase in signs and wonders, along with vulnerability even within the body of Christ to chase after, and to be intrigued by them. Jesus said signs and wonders shall follow those who believe (Mar_16:17). The problem today is that those who believe are following after signs and wonders. There’s a big difference. Miracles do not produce faith. Only the Word produces faith (Rom_10:17). Antichrist’s Subtle Seduction A Topical Study of 2Th_2:8-10 I spotted a deal on a billboard too good to pass up: A Big Mac® or Double Quarter Pounder® with Cheese for half price. Taking advantage of this Epicurean delight, I paid for my lunch with a twenty-dollar bill. The girl behind the counter looked at the bill, looked at me, and called for the manager. The manager looked at the bill, looked at me, pulled a yellow marking pen from his shirt pocket, swiped it across the bill, and said, “Okay.” “What was that all about?” I asked. “We use this pen to check all twenty-dollar bills. If the ink had turned black, we would know this was a bogus bill. You see, we have a huge problem with counterfeiting.” Even today, the stage is set for the ultimate counterfeiter, Antichrist, to come on the scene and implement his new economic order. It will require no credit cards that can be lost, pin numbers that can be forgotten, or bills that can be counterfeited. It will simply be an innocent-looking number on one’s forehead or hand (Rev_14:9). Counterfeiting is nothing new to Satan. Ever since he first appeared to Eve in the Garden of Eden, he has attempted to counterfeit God’s work and His ways. Following are three questions that bring to light his “lying wonders.” Better or Worse? “Thus saith the Lord,” Moses said to Pharaoh. “Let My people go” (Exo_8:1). “Who is the Lord?” asked Pharaoh. “Watch this,” said Moses as he threw down his rod and it became a snake. “We can do that, too,” said Pharaoh’s magicians as their sticks also became snakesas if more snakes were just what Pharaoh needed. “All of the waters of Egypt shall be turned to blood,” declared Moses. “We can do that, too,” said Pharaoh’s magiciansas if more blood was what Egypt wanted. “Thus saith the Lord,” declared Moses. “At this time tomorrow the whole land will be filled with frogs.” “We can do that, too,” said Pharaoh’s magiciansas if more frogs were desirable. Whether through the occult or sleight of hand, Pharaoh’s magicians were seemingly able to duplicate snakes, blood, and frogs. In so doing, they only made matters worse. The same is true today. Satan’s “lying wonders” can seem pretty impressive. Any time you or I get caught up in the world’s system, when the special effects are turned off, when the smoke clearsall we are ultimately left with is a bunch of snakes and frogs. Who Gets the Glory? How are we to differentiate between the miracles of God and Satan’s “lying wonders”? It’s very simple. Look to see who’s getting the glory. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mat_5:16). Even Pharaoh’s magicians had to eventually give glory to God when they admitted His work could not be duplicated (Exo_8:19). Nowhere is this principle more clearly seen than in the life of Jesus. Jesus raised the dead, healed the sick, and freed the captive. He went about constantly doing good, and without exception, He gave glory to the Father. How can you tell whether a sign or wonder is of Christ or the spirit of antichristwhether it’s light, or only darkness camouflaged as light? Just watch who gets the glory, attention, applause, and exaltation. If it’s a man, method, or ideawatch out. Satan the counterfeiter is not far behind. As we head toward the last days, I believe there will be increased occurrences of demonic signs and wonders. Therefore, we must look carefully at any sign or apparent miracle and ask, “Who’s getting the glory?” Is Christ Preeminent? While I do not believe most of you are vulnerable to Satan’s tricks, there is something much more subtle to which we are all vulnerable. These are activities and pursuits that creep in and take the place of Christ in our hearts. You see, the term “anti-Christ” not only means “against Christ,” but “in place of Christ.” Thus, the seduction of antichrist can be seen any time we substitute hobbies or relationships, ministries or occupations, pursuits or pleasure for the place only Jesus should hold in our lives. Dear brother, precious sister: Don’t allow anythingno matter how seemingly pure, productive, or profitableto take the place of Christ in your heart. Don’t allow anythingno matter how seemingly mystical, miraculous, or marvelousto distract you from Jesus. Expose the counterfeit by asking, “Are things getting better or worse?” “Who is getting the glory?” “Is Jesus still Lord?” May we walk in wisdom in these last days. In Jesus’ Name.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

There are only two prayers a man can pray: Either “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done"or “my kingdom come; my will be done.” He who prays the latter, says, “I am the king of my domain. I want to call the shots in my life.” God gives us freedom to pray either prayer. To do so, it is necessary for Him to send “strong delusion,” lest he who does not want to believe does so against his will. Jesus touched on this same principle when He spoke in parables so that blind eyes would not see or deaf ears would not hear (Mat_13:13). You see, the power of Jesus’ words and life was so evident that had He not blinded the eyes and stopped the ears of those who did not want to believe. They would have had no choice but to believe. Thus, they would have followed Him out of coercion rather than out of love. That’s why when we witness to people, we find ourselves saying, “Don’t you get it? God is so good. Who wouldn’t want to be saved? Who wouldn’t want to know his sins are forgiven, that he has a Friend closer than a brother, that he’s going to live forever in heaven?“only to hear people say, “No thanks.” Who wouldn’t want to be saved? Those who are deluded, those who believe a lie. Even in the Tribulation, God will honor man’s choice. He will allow those who don’t want to see to remain blind.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

From the beginning, God chose the Thessalonian believers. From the beginning, He chose you. That’s why you’re in the Word even now. You could be at Rockin’ Rodeo; you could be watching TV; you could be stuck in a world that is unsatisfying and destructive. The Lord, however, chose you to be saved. “Wait a minute,” you say. “Didn’t we just read that God will not override our free will?” Yes. God’s sovereignty and man’s free will dwell side by side throughout Scripture. It is only in our finite minds that the two cannot be reconciled. If you ignore God’s tug on your heart, it will be because you are not chosen by God. If you choose God today, it will be because He already chose you. Choose Him now, dear people. Surely it is His grace that has brought you this far.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Newer translations correctly render the word “traditions” as “ordinances.” There are those who say, “Baptism is no longer necessary. The Lord’s table is optional. There’s no need to pray the Lord’s prayer. Meeting together for Bible study is helpful, but not crucial.” Jesus was baptized in water. So was Peter. So was John. So was D. L. Moody, C. H. Spurgeon, and Billy Graham. I may not have the boldness of D. L. Moody, the fervency of C. H. Spurgeon, or the anointing of Billy Graham, but I can stand exactly where they stood in the waters of baptism. I can sit where the greatest Christians have sat through the ages, and have the same meal they had as I partake of Communion. I can’t preach like R. A. Torrey or Charles Finney, but I pray exactly as they did when I pray, “Our Father, which art in Heaven…” I don’t have the power of the early church, but I do exactly as they did every time I meet with fellow believers to study the Word (Act_2:42). We have a glorious heritage, gang. Paul would say to us, even as he said to the Thessalonians, “Don’t minimize traditions. Hold on to them. Your faith will be the richer; your walk will be the surer for it.”

2 Thessalonians 2:16

Used six times, “comfort” is the watchword of Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians. The greatest comfort of all is the fact that Jesus could come even today and take us to heaven, where the forces of darkness will be obliterated by the “brightness of His coming.”