Office 970-454-3411

2 Thessalonians 2

Good Morning “Restrainers”.  Today we are in 2 Thessalonians 2.

Remember after Paul taught the Thessalonians about the Rapture and the 2nd Coming (The Day of The Lord),  some were saying Paul taught that the Rapture had already happened.  Paul is addressing those false teachings with this 2nd letter.  You see, the Thessalonians were suffering so much that they believed they had missed the Rapture and were in the Tribulation.  

To address that, Paul goes into further detail, describing what must happen before Jesus returns, this time to judge.  Let’s be clear, Paul is talking about several different events, which together can be confusing.  The Rapture of The Church (True Believers), The rise of the AntiChrist, The Apostasy or Rebellion of the remaining church, The Tribulation, then The Return of Christ to judge.  He mentions them all in this chapter.  

He is pointing out to the Thessalonians not to fear.  They have not missed the Rapture - in fact until the Holy Spirit, who lives in every True Believer is removed these things cannot happen.  

“And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 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.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

The Believer, in-dwelled with The Holy Spirit, is the restrainer.  We are holding back the “Man of Lawlessness” (AntiChrist).  We are removed, the AntiChrist reveals himself as god, the remaining church turns and denies any faith they had (apostasy), which fuels 7 years of tribulation, and then the return of Christ to Judge.  This appears to be the order Paul is laying out.

In some measure, even though our world appears dark already, our being here is keeping Evil at bay.  To be clear, it’s not us, but The Holy Spirit in us.  Paul is saying they, we must be taken out,  for end time events to begin.  That is the Rapture.  After believers that have already died are raised, He gathers us.  “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  If you know Jesus, no need to fear!  Dig in!  Be a restrainer!  You are Salt and Light!