Lawless One Paralyzed

Apostasy, Lawlessness, Parousia

Jesus will deal with the “Lawless One” at his “arrival” or Parousia. In describing this, Paul employs language from Daniel’s vision of the “little horn speaking great things,” originally, an image representing the Seleucid ruler who attempted to destroy the Jewish faith and nation through deceit and persecution.

Lying Signs and Wonders

Lawlessness, Parousia, Signs

The “day of the Lord” will not commence until the “Lawless One” is “revealed in the sanctuary of God.” His arrival coincides with the “apostasy,” and he will be characterized by his ability to deceive, especially with “lying signs and wonders.” Satan himself will equip him to destroy as many saints as possible.

Until Revealed

Apostasy, Lawlessness

Paul has explained why the “day of the Lord” has not commenced. Neither the “apostasy” nor the “revelation of the man of lawlessness” has occurred. Next, he describes the “mystery of lawlessness” that is setting the stage for the “arrival” of the “Lawless One.” He will be unveiled when this “mystery of lawlessness” completes its preparatory task.

Seated in the Sanctuary

Apostasy, Lawlessness, Sanctuary

Jesus will not “arrive” on the “day of the Lord” until two events occur - the “apostasy” and the “revelation of the Man of Lawlessness,” and they are inextricably linked. Not only will this figure cause many to apostatize, but his unveiling will take place “in the sanctuary of God” where he will “sit down.”

The Apostasy

Apostasy, Lawlessness

Paul warns of the coming apostasy and connects it to the “man of lawlessness.” To the church in Thessalonica, he explains that the “day of the Lord” will NOT commence until the “apostasy” occurs and that dark figure is revealed - two inextricably linked events. And in doing so, he reiterates warnings found elsewhere about this future apostasy.

Missing Events

Apostasy, Day-Lord, Lawlessness

Two events must occur before the day of the Lord - The apostasy and the unveiling of the Man of Lawlessness, as Paul explains in his letter. The men who are spreading false rumors in Thessalonica are deceiving believers by raising false expectations about the imminence of the “day of the Lord” and the “arrival” of Jesus when he will gather his saints.

In the Churches

Antichrist, Deceivers, Lawlessness

The church has been infiltrated by deceivers that are misleading many believers and causing not a few to apostatize. This comes as no surprise since Jesus and his apostles warned us about coming false teachers and faux prophets who are intent on disrupting the church and leading the church astray.

Mystery of Lawlessness

Antichrist, Apostasy, Lawlessness

The “mystery of lawlessness” is active in the world preparing hearts for the “arrival” of the “Man of Lawlessness.” It will continue to do so until the appointed time when this figure “comes out of the midst” and appears in the “sanctuary of God.” And he will employ “lying signs and wonders” to cause many disciples to depart from the faith.

Son of Destruction

Antichrist, Apostasy, Lawlessness

As Paul explains, the “day of the Lord” will not arrive until the “apostasy” occurs and the “man of lawlessness” is unveiled, the one who will seat himself “in the sanctuary of God.” The Apostle also labels him “the son of destruction,” but is there any additional significance to this second appellation?