Lesson 13 – II Thessalonians 2:6–12

In the previous verses the author had spoken of the nature of the man of sin who will come before our Lord returns. The question may well rise in the minds of the readers: Why is his coming delayed until the time just before the return of Christ? Paul addresses this question in these verses and also shows them what effect his coming will have.

These verses belong to the group of very difficult passages of the New Testament. There are grammatical difficulties and difficulties of interpretation. Paul writes to people who do know what he has in mind and therefore does not consider it necessary to go into detail. However, we do not know of a certainty the things to which he refers in the verses six and seven. One thing is clear -there is something or someone which restrains so that the man of sin has not yet appeared. There have been all manner of interpretations given as to who or what this restraining power might be. There are those who believe that the Apostle is writing in a vague manner because he has in mind the power of Rome and does not wish to write anything which might be held against him or the church. Others believe that he refers to the Holy Spirit as the restraining force. However, none of these interpretations satisfy. Although no one is able to speak with complete certainty concerning the identity of the restraining power, it seems as though he is hereby referring to the rule of law which is operating in the world. The man of sin is the “lawless one.” All the laws of both God and men will be trampled by him. God is maintaining a rule of law in this world despite the sin of man. This force holds back the man of sin. Such a force of well-ordered society can be spoken of as “that which restraineth” or as “one that restraineth.” The Apostle speaks of the importance of a well-ordered society under government in other places (Rom. 13). He himself used his own Roman citizenship effectively for the welfare of the gospel. In this kind of world in which laws are still enforced for the benefit of the people the lawless one is not able to operate.

The “Mystery of Lawlessness”

There is a “mystery of lawlessness” which is already at work in this world long before the man of sin is revealed. Whenever the New Testament speaks of “mystery” it does not refer to the mysterious but to the things which have been kept secret. When Paul, in other places, speaks of the “mystery of godliness” he means the things which had not been revealed and have now, in this New Testament period, been made plain. So here too. It has not been clear to men how the evil one is working and what purpose he has in mind. But, it is now clearly seen that his is an on-going work which will culminate in the revelation of the man of sin. The Apostle is not interested in giving these Thessalonian Christians some information concerning the order of events at the time of the Savior’s return and just before that time, but he is giving them a view of history! They (and we) must realize that the forces of lawlessness are indeed at work in the present time and that these will ultimately lead to the man of sin. So we also do justice to the words of the Apostle John and to the words found in this chapter. John speaks of “Antichrist” as a present reality—Paul speaks of the “man of sin” being revealed shortly before the return of Christ. The “mystery of lawlessness” is the spirit of the “Antichrist.” That is in the world long before the man of sin appears.

His Appearance

When the restraints of the present time are removed, the man of sin will make his appearance. He will, in the words of the last part of verse six, be revealed in his own season. He is not able to do as he pleases nor to appear whenever he wishes. God determines the proper season for the appearance of this man of sin. God has placed the restraints. The evil one is able to do nothing except with divine permission! God is in control—not the devil! This fact must be clearly fixed in the minds of believers. When they see the day of the man of sin, they will tremble. But, they must be assured that their God is sovereign. The man of sin may give the impression for a time that he is in control and that he has dethroned God, but His people must not fear, their God is still on the throne and also has complete control over the man of sin.

His Defeat

It is therefore not surprising that we read that the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth. He will bring him to nought by the manifestation of His coming. Notice that the Apostle does not picture a strife or a battle. It is so simple! When the Lord breathes on him, he will slay him. The coming of Christ takes all his power away. He simply melts and withers before the presence of the Lord Jesus. This again emphasizes the total sovereignty of our God and His Christ. The man of sin will boast great things and will call men to bring him divine honors, but the Lion of the tribe of Judah will conquer him easily and gain the final victory.

The Energy of Satan

However, let no man think that there is no cause to fear this embodiment of evil when he appears. For men he will be far too strong. Never have men seen such power of evil as they will see when this one comes. He will come with the power, the energy, of Satan. Satan will take over this man of sin. No, the power of Satan is not to be compared to the power of the Christ, but it is a ruthless power far greater than that of man. He will come in the power of Satan and will come with signs and wonders, or miracles. This reminds one of the Christ who came in the power of God and did signs and wonders! He is indeed “Antichrist.” His signs and wonders are falsehoods. But, he is going to do great things so that men will stand amazed. He will imitate the Christ of God. It is no wonder that many will be led astray and follow him. Many will not be able to judge whether his works are false or not. When ~e does his signs and miracles on the earth, many will place him on the same plane with Christ or above Him. There always have been those who could not distinguish between the power of God and the power of Satan nor between falsehood and truth.

A Power to Deceive

The power which the man of sin shows is to deceive those who perish. They see his supernatural works and are deceived by them. This sounds like a truism, but the Apostle is not in the habit of writing such things as are obvious to everyone. Their minds are not able to discern, they are not able to distinguish between truth and error. Why not? They did not receive or accept the love for the truth! The gospel had been preached to them. They, however, did not receive it—they did not believe it. The gospel had come with the urgent appeal to believe unto salvation. This they had rejected. No one can reject the gospel with impunity. When He calls them to believe so that they might be saved He is placing the emphasis on the responsibility which man has toward the gospel. Therefore the Scriptures command men to believe even though it teaches us very clearly that faith is worked by the Holy Spirit. Men are responsible beings both in accepting or rejecting the gospel. Instead of a love for the truth, they now believe the lies of the man of sin! Sin is lawlessness, it is wicked, but it is also irrational! How can men reject the truth whereby they may come to salvation and substitute for it the lie whereby they perish?

A Judgment of God upon Unbelief

The Scriptures frequently speak of the power and the effects of sin. This is a truth which everyone must grasp in order that he may know the danger in which be stands and may flee for refuge to the only Savior of men. The first thing a person must know is how great his sin and misery is. This is a difficult truth to apply to one’s self and a bowing before the Scriptures is the absolute requirement. Only in this light are men going to be able to see the true nature of sin. There are certain parts of Scripture which bring this truth home to the individual as no others can. At the cross of Christ men can see what their sin has cost. In his teaching concerning t he man of sin and the time in which he will rule the Apostle also gives us a view of the effects of sin which is crystal clear. There will be a deluding power sent forth by God Himself whereby man will finally believe the lie rather than the truth. When the sin of man has finally given birth to the man of sin he will do those things which he had never thought possible. Man had always prided himself on his ability to know and to find the truth. But, when God sends a working of error, he is blinded and is no longer able to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Those who have hardened themselves against the appeal of the gospel, he hardens. When Pharaoh hardened his heart—God hardened his heart! When men practiced impurity—God gave them up to their lusts! (Romans 1) The sin of man contains its own punishment within itself! Let sin go unchecked and it will consume him who practices it! When the man of sin appears the sins of men will know no bounds. There is that which restrains in the present time so that the man of sin cannot appear as yet, and there is that which restrains so that the sin of man does not yet appear in its most awful nature. But, when that restraint is removed, he appears and sin shows its true nature. Those days will be the most difficult time which the history of the world has ever seen. When God has given them over to the lie the opportunity for repentance is past. They cannot grieve, resist and quench the Spirit of God forever! The Bible often speaks of the patience, the longsuffering of God. In this His people glory. But, there is an end to that patience. As long as He still speaks to them there is still hope. But, when He gives them up . . .

A Gospel Warning

Throughout these verses Paul has been speaking about those who are the followers of the man of sin. It is, therefore, not a passage which only gives us some information about the last days which otherwise we might not have had. It speaks in warning and is therefore still gospel. The end of the matter is that those who believe the lie of the Antichrist will be judged. These words refer to the final judgment. Those who have rejected the truth of the gospel and have believed the deceptions of the man of sin have placed themselves in the position that there is no opportunity to turn to Him anymore. The judgment is to be expected because He is righteous. We must not conclude, first of all, that God casts them away; they have cast themselves into destruction.

The words which the Apostle now uses to sum up the things he has said above are very instructive. They are the ones “who believed not the truth.” The opportunity was given them. God will restrain the coming of the man of sin until the gospel has been preached to all nations. He will not allow the evil one to dictate the order of events. Having heard the gospel they consciously and deliberately turn against it and reject it. Herein they are completely responsible for their actions. When they have not believed the truth, they “had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Not only the intellect but also the will was involved in their rejection of the truth. Their will and emotions are involved in the pleasure they find in unrighteousness.

It is always true that a man‘s actions are shaped by his beliefs. The child of God who believes with heart and understanding the truth of God will delight in righteousness. The one flows from the other. So too, the person who has rejected the truth will not practice righteousness but will find his pleasure in lawlessness. These cannot be separated. In the present time the impression may be left that although the gospel is rejected, nevertheless there is an attempt to live a moral life. However, in the days of the man of sin, when all restraints are lifted, sin will show its true nature and its true “consistency.” He who does not love the truth, does not love God Himself, will also trample all the laws of God and man. No wonder Jesus says that if those days were not shortened eve n the elect would be in danger.

Paul has given us an extremely important message in these verses regarding both the time of the appearance of the man of sin and the conditions which shall obtain at the time. This chapter is one of the most important for the proper understanding of the doctrine of the last things. We must never lose sight of the fact that, whether we speak of the doctrine of God, of man, of Christ, of salvation, of the church or of the last things, God is in complete control and therefore His people are always safe.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why must the man of sin be “restrained?” Would Antichrist have appeared long ago if this restraint were not present? Discuss. 2. What is the history or “development” of sin? Does sin grow worse the longer time lasts? 3. Why is the victory of Christ over the man of sin so “easy” while the battle was so furious in Gethsemane and on Golgotha? 4. What kind of wonders will Antichrist perform? 5. Is the gospel a matter of “take it or leave it?” What effects will the rejection of the truth have for the present? 6. Why does the time come when repentance will be impossible? 7. If our actions are determined by our beliefs, how important is doctrine?      

THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER

Lesson 14 – II Thessalonians 2:13–17

In the previous verses of this chapter the Apostle had dealt with the man of sin and all the ills which will accompany his coming. This was necessary for these Thessalonian Christians because they had a wrong conception concerning these things and because they were fearful as a result of their misconceptions. Paul is never afraid to deal with the difficulties which may bother a church at a particular place nor is he afraid of dealing with particular sins which may be present in a church. However, his interests lie elsewhere. He would rather deal with the marvelous salvation which has been revealed by the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh! These other matters need attention because the people might be led astray and consequently lose the joy of salvation. Then the Apostle attacks the things which would be injurious to them. He defends the believers from all the attacks made on their faith. But, the condemnation of falsehoods and of a sinful life is not separated from the positive declaration of the truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus. This is instructive for all those who come later. Evil must be condemned fearlessly and the gospel must be proclaimed in all its beauty!

People the Lord Loves

So he begins the verses before us. Those who follow the man of sin will fall into deeper errors as time progresses, but we are bound to give thanks to God always for you! What a blessing that, even though there were wrong views present at Thessalonica concerning the doctrine of the last things, the members of the church would not fall into the clutches of the evil one! These are the beloved of the Lord. That is the proper name for the church of Jesus Christ. They are not ‘friends’ or ‘hearers,’ they are His beloved. That church is by no means perfect, but it is the beloved of God! Naturally they are his brethren because they confess the same faith in Christ. God has chosen them to salvation from the beginning.

From earliest times, or, as he says in another ·place, from before the foundation of the world, He has chosen them. The doctrine of election is very practical m the thought of the New Testament. It is not a doctrine divorced from all reality; in fact, it is the reason for their salvation. Long before they were aware of it, God was busy in their salvation. Those who deny election cut away the foundation of the salvation for His people.

Saved by God through Faith

This election of God has even further practical benefits. He indeed chose them to salvation but this is not to be thought of in such a way as though it has nothing to do with the present manner of life. The sanctifying work of the Spirit is given to those whom He has chosen. These will live a life of which He approves. The whole person is affected by it. The whole man is claimed by the Christ and the Spirit does His work so that the whole man is brought in service to Jesus Christ. Those whom He has chosen come to believe the truth of the gospel. For the non-elect the gospel is but a dead letter while the elect hear the voice of their God speaking peace to them in this gospel. Why this difference in attitude? God’s election makes the difference.

Called through the Gospel to Glory

From the election of God the Apostle now concludes to the effectual calling of His people. These are closely related as he has also taught in Romans 8:30. Election does not exist by itself but has consequences. Election is but the first link in the chain of salvation. Those whom He has chosen will also share in all the other benefits which have been promised to His people. The means for calling them is the gospel. It was the glorious responsibility of Paul and his helpers to preach that gospel. In this he rejoices that he may be a co-laborer with God. He never wearies of bringing this good news to the men of his day. It reveals to us that the election of God will bear fruit. Those elected are called by the gospel of salvation. They were called “to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Between the effectual calling and the “glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” there are various other steps, but the Apostle fixes the eyes of the Thessalonians on the ultimate future. They will share in the glory of Christ. Despite all the evils which may come during the time of the man of sin, they can rest assured that theirs will be the glory of their Savior because God has chosen them to be His own. He is here called our “Lord Jesus Christ” to emphasize the complete sovereignty which is His so that they may realize that no one shall snatch them out of His hand. Although that glory is future when He shall come again in power, there is also a present glory given to His people. They already share in the benefits He has come to bring so that their lives have been renewed. What glory shall it be when they shall be like Him for they shall see Him as He is!

Stand Fast and Hold Fast

Therefore, because of all he has taught in this chapter, they are called to stand fast. Not even the man of sin will be able to overthrow the work of God begun within them. They may indeed rejoice that God has chosen them, and that is the only reason they will be able to stand in the evil day, but they are also called to responsible action. They must not be shaken by any of the interpretations which some have given concerning the doctrine of the last things. They must stand fast upon the foundation which has been laid for their faith. They must also cling to the traditions they have been taught. They must hold fast to the gospel. The person who is fully aware of the fact that he has been chosen of God will have the desire to cling to His word. It is true, of course, that no one can believe his election nor the gospel unless God causes him to do so. Paul, however, never falls into the intellectual trap which teaches that man cannot have any responsibility if it is God’s work from beginning to end. Man is called to believe! He is called to hold fast the teachings which have been given him! He honors both God’s complete sovereignty and man’s complete responsibility.

God’s Word Spoken and Written

The author further defines “the traditions which ye were taught” as the word which he had spoken to them while he was in Thessalonica or the epistle which he had addressed to them. Paul was convinced that he was writing the word of God. That epistle a Thess.) was a part of “the tradition,” of the gospel. All too many in our time have reduced the epistles of Paul to interesting historical documents which show us how a certain man, brought up in the Jewish tradition, thought about religious matters. His own claim is that he is writing the word of God to which men must cling for their salvation! This honor may not be given to other writings which may have been present at that time, no, it must be an “epistle of ours.” Not only the things which he has written them are to be believed, but also the words which he spoke to them. He never makes any distinction between the written word or his spoken word as being the word of God. The church of today must realize that those who come in His name to preach the word are actually bringing the word of God! They may not come with anything other than this! Paul desires that the faith of these Thessalonians may flourish and prosper and therefore has spoken and written to them. Only then will the faith of believers be built up when the word of God is accepted from the sacred page and from the pulpit.

We stand amazed at the manner in which the Spirit of God is able to say so much in so few words. The Apostle needed only a few verses to make known to the Thessalonian church (and thereby to the church of all ages) the nature and times of the Antichrist. Many books have been written about this matter later but Paul gives us all we need to know. The safety of His people in such times and the marvel of their salvation is then spoken of in very few words. Much more could, of course, be said about the salvation of men and he has done so in other places, but here, in capsule form, he gives us the revelation of the glorious salvation of God’s people. He knows that salvation so well that he can speak of all its parts at great length or can give a summary of it in very few words. That is the nature of the word of God.

The Concluding Prayer

It is no wonder that he ends this chapter with a prayer. In fact, prayers are found throughout his writings. The responsibility which he has placed on the shoulders of these Thessalonians will never be met unless God gives the ability to meet it. The strongest will not be able to stand nor to hold fast the word of God in their own strength when the days of persecution come, how much less these Christians who have but recently come to conversion? This fact does not remove the responsibility but he points them to the Source of their strength when these days come.

The Help of Son and Father

He prays that they may receive the help of “our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father.” Notice that he has placed the name of the Savior before the name of the Father. This is not the usual order of the New Testament nor of the Pauline epistles. In II Corinthians 13:14 and in Galatians 1:1 he also follows this order. Why does he use this order? Seeing that he is dealing with the doctrine of salvation it is most probable that Christ’s name is mentioned first because He stands in the foreground in our salvation. It also shows us that the Deity of Christ is so much a part of his theology that he can use either order. The Father and the Son are indeed one. Both Father and Son have revealed their love to the people of God. God, the Father, so loved that He gave His Son. The Son loved them so much that He emptied Himself of His glory and assumed the nature of man for them and carried it to the cross. Surely, they need not doubt the love of either Father or Son as they come to them in prayer.

Pray for What is Promised

He prays that Son and Father who have given them everlasting comfort (or encouragement) and good hope may give them encouragement and strength. Here it is a prayer for those things which they already have. But, that is the nature of the prayer taught us in Scripture. We are to pray for our daily bread while we are promised that bread and water are assured us. We pray for the forgiveness of sins while we are taught that our sins have been forgiven. Here the Apostle reminds them that God has given eternal encouragement and good hope and now prays that God will give them these things! Is this not the very nature of prayer as the Scriptures have taught us? Are we not to pray for the things which have been promised us? Then we can pray with confidence.

These believers need this encouragement and hope. All believers do. Whether they have the proper view or an erroneous view of the doctrine of the last things, they must all realize that faith will be tested before the end of time. God graciously gives them what they need. He is able to speak to the heart of man and is able to encourage their hearts. The hope He gives is based on all the events in the history of their salvation and on His promises which will always remain true. Their hearts will therefore be strengthened by God—and for that the Apostle prays.

“In Every Good Work and Word”

As they receive these gifts in answer to the prayer of the Apostle, they will be moved to a life of gratitude. The salvation has been wrought and the strength has been given to endure even in difficult times. The believer then responds in gratitude to his Maker for all he has received. This is expressed by Paul in the concluding words “and establish them in every good work and word.” The works and the proper words must follow upon t he gifts of God. He gives His gifts for the welfare of those who receive them but also expects the thanks from them. But, gratitude must be learned. Unbelievers are accused by Paul of not giving t hanks for the gifts they have received (Romans 1). He will strengthen their hearts so that the good work and word will not be lacking.

So ends this very important chapter. In greater clarity than anywhere else the author has revealed the man of sin, the Antichrist. But, he doesn‘t end there. The salvation of God’s people stands on solid rock! Regardless what the future may bring, they are safe. He prays that God may give these Thessalonian Christians, and all who come later, the grace to stand when t he evil day comes. He is confident that they will.

Questions for discussion:

1. Is the warning against sin and various evils gospel? Did the people of Nineveh come to true conversion? Give reasons for your answer. 2. Must election be preached? Does the Heidelberg Catechism deal with it? 3. Is there enough emphasis in our circles on human responsibility? In which areas are we responsible? In justification? In sanctification? 4. Would you say that some preaching is not the word of God? Should such “preachers” be allowed on the Christian pulpit? 5. Are parts of the New Testament time-conditioned? What standard should be used to determine this? 6. May we pray for everything? Do some prayers give the impression that we come to One who is a dispenser of gifts and that we ask for our share? Is this prayer? See Lord’s Day 45 of the Heidelberg Catechism.