End-Time Insights

The “spirit of antichrist” already is raising up deceivers within the church, though a final “antichrist” will also appear in the world   –   1 John 2:18-22 .  The only New Testament author who uses the term “ antichrist ” is John, and only in two of his letters. He applies the term to “ false prophets ” that have been active in the congregations addressed by his letters, false brethren he charges with denying that “ Jesus is the Christ ” and “ come in the flesh .” Such men are of the “ spirit of antichrist ” that already is operating in the world - [ Photo by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash ].

The final deceiver will use “lying signs and wonders” to deceive and cause many saints to depart from the faith  –  2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 .  The “ Day of the Lord ” will not commence until the “ lawless one ” has been “ revealed ” when he “ seats himself in the sanctuary of God .” His arrival will coincide with the “ apostasy ,” and he will be characterized by his ability to deceive, especially with “ lying signs and wonders .” Satan himself will equip this master deceiver to destroy as many saints as possible - [ Photo by  Mark Williams  on Unsplash ].

Even now, the mystery of lawlessness is preparing the way for the appearance of the lawless one who will cause many Christians to apostatize .  According to the Apostle Paul, the “ mystery of lawlessness ” is working diligently in the world to prepare hearts and minds for the “ arrival ” of the “ lawless one .” And it will continue to do so until the appointed time when this final deceiver will “ come out of the midst ” and appear in the “ sanctuary of God .” Thereafter, he will employ “ lying signs and wonders ” to cause many saints to depart from the faith - [ Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash ].

Prior to the return of Jesus, the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed when he seats himself in the “sanctuary of God”  -  2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 .  According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus will not return until two events take place, the “ apostasy ” and the “ revelation of the man of lawlessness .” The two are inextricably linked. This malevolent figure will cause many believers to apostatize. And not only will he be “ revealed ,” that unveiling will take place “ in the sanctuary of God ” where he will “ sit down .” - [ Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash ].

Many Christians will apostatize when the “Lawless One,” the “Son of Destruction,” seats himself in the “sanctuary.”   As Paul explained, the “ Day of the Lord ” will not arrive until the “ apostasy ” occurs and the “ man of lawlessness ” is unveiled. He will take his seat “ in the sanctuary of God ” and oppose “ all that is called god .” In addition to the “ lawless one ,” the Apostle labeled him “ the  son of destruction .” Is there significance in this double appellation or is it for stylistic purposes? - [ Photo by  Levi Meir Clancy  on Unsplash ].