It’s the Truth
There is confusion among believers regarding the Day of the Lord. Is Christ’s return pre-millennial, post-millennial, a-millennial? Is the Church’s rapture pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation?
Some in the early church believed the Day of the Lord had already come and they were living in it because of the persecution they were experiencing. Paul responded by explaining three things: (1) it has not come; (2) certain things must occur before it comes; and (3) believers will not be subject to the judgments of that Day. “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) The Day of the Lord drama has several players: the man of sin, the restrainer, the unbelievers, and the believers. First, the man of sin—“is revealed.” He is the Antichrist, the personification of evil and rebellion. His religion is himself—“he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (v. 4) His power is a counterfeit of Christ. (vv. 9-10) His punishment is destruction by the Lord—“whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth.” (v. 8) Second, the restrainer—“He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” (v. 7) The restrainer holds back the revealing of the man of sin. He is more powerful than the Antichrist. He is the Holy Spirit of God! The Holy Spirit cannot withdraw from the hearts of believers—they must be withdrawn with Him. Third, the unbelievers—“because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved … God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” (vv. 10-12) Because they rejected the truth of the gospel message, they perish. Fourth, the believers—“[God] chose you for salvation … [and] … called you by our gospel.” (vv. 13-14) This is your comfort.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.