2 Thessalonians

2.1-17

If Satan were at the End of Days, knowing his fate, facing eternal torment before being cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10), but could go back through history anywhere he chose to change things, do you think he would take the chance? If Satan knew his fate, would he try to change it? A smart choice would be to turn back to God and repent. Satan does know his fate, and he has had a chance to change. But he chose the opposite because he hates God. Satan, being jealous of God, wanted to steal God's glory by killing His plan for the redemption of the world. Satan knew that plan required Christ's birth and eventual sacrifice, so throughout time, he has sought to prevent Christ from being born rather than face the Son of God in the flesh. He introduced sin to God's creation such that Yahweh destroyed all but Noah and the seven members of his family (Gen.6:9-22). Satan incited Pharaoh to kill all male Hebrew babies, which would have eliminated the line of the Messiah (Ex.1). Satan brought the line of the Messiah down to a single child when he influenced Athaliah to destroy all the royal seed of the house of Judah. But Joash was hidden, and the line secured (2 Chron 21,22). Throughout history, Satan has attempted to destroy the plan for Christ to come. Haman (Est 4), Herod (Matt.2:4-17), and more are evidence of Satan's endless efforts to thwart God's plans. Satan's plans remain in effect today. Paul warns the church at Thessalonica to stand firm against those who would deceive with false teaching (a word or letter as if from us to the effect that the Day of the Lord has come 2 Thes 2:2). The "son of destruction" Paul references in verse 3 is the Antichrist. "Our gathering together to Him" in verse 1 is the rapture. Meditate on these verses from 2 Thessalonians 2, and then ponder this mystery: Hebrews 10:25 (whose authorship is sometimes ascribed to Paul) also references the same Greek phrase used for "gathering together." But we associate that with assembling as a church or groups of believers here on earth now. However, aren't both "gathering together"s Christ's plan for His bride? The next time you go to church, maybe also consider it "Rapture Practice."

CHAPTER 2

The Man of Lawlessness

1 Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.
5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.
7 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.
8 And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord Jesus WILL SLAY WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming—
9 whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 and with all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11 And for this reason God sends upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,
12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.