When the apostle Paul addressed the Thessalonians apparently his first letter was misunderstood, especially regarding the second advent of Christ. The Thessalonians had embraced the idea that Paul had taught that (the day of Christ was at hand), meant that Christ's second coming was about to occur very soon. However, Paul corrects this error in his second letter to the Thessalonians. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). In this letter Paul announces what first must take place before the end times. The Thessalonians were a little shaken and troubled about the time of the second advent just as many people are today. There are many different theories and rumors going around today about the return of Christ at the second advent just as there probably was back then. Paul made one thing clear to the Thessalonians; don't be shaken in mind, or troubled about the return of Christ, because there are a few things that must take place before this can occur. Lets see what Paul has to say concerning what so many people are confused and shaken about. "The return of Christ and the end of the world."

 1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him. We are talking here about the return of Jesus Christ at the second advent and our gathering back to Him.

 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Don't get all shook up or to excited by rumors that this day of the Lord has begun. If you hear of people of having visions and special messages from God about this, don't believe them. There are certain signs that must occur first before any of this will take place.

 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. What Paul is saying here is that Christ will not return until after the "Great Apostasy." (Rebellion against God, fallen away of the church, or one who gives up their professed beliefs). Paul goes on to say that the "son of perdition," one of Satan's names, must be revealed. "He is the false messiah." (Revelation 17:8). There will be no return of Christ before these two events happen. Contrary to what many people believe, there will be no "rapture" to precede this event. "Do not be deceived by false doctrine."

 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Who is it that opposes all things? The false messiah! He will defy God and will try to take the place of God, sitting in the temple of God in Mount Zion. (Isaiah 14:12-16).

 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? Don't you remember I went into much detail about these things in my first letter Paul is saying to the Thessalonians.

 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. Now you know and can be at ease that son of perdition can only come at his time.

 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Paul is saying that the work this man of rebellion (Satan), will do when he comes is already going on. That war in heaven is already taking place till Michael cast Satan out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-9). The key word here is "letteth" (katecho), Greek Strong's 2722, meaning to hold, keep, or retain. "Michael the ark angel is the one holding Satan in heaven until he casts him out."

 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. This wicked one will appear and only be allowed a short time to do his work. After his short reign, the Lord consumes him with the "Holy Spirit" and destroys him with the brightness of the His presence.

 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. We are speaking of one of Satan's roles as antichrist. He will trick everyone with strange demonstrations, great miracles, and lies, because he is the father of lies. (John 8:44).

 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. He will completely fool those who refused the truth of the Word that they might be saved. "Those who follow Satan will perish."

 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. If you want to be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies. "He will close your eyes to the truth." (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. (Romans 11:8). There it is, the spirit of slumber written here and in the old testament. (Isaiah 29:10). "To this day He has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear." Look at how people today are so comfortable with their spiritual teachings. "Comfortable with their spirit of slumber."

 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. They will all be judged for believing falsehoods, refusing the truth, and enjoying their sins.

Now we have a good idea of what is coming in the end times and when the returning of the Lord will take place. However, no man knows the exact time of Christ's return, not even the angels in heaven. Only the Heavenly Father knows for sure, and when the time is right, it will be known to all who call upon the Lord. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32, Matthew 25:13). So, don't be shaken, don't worry your life away, it is all going to happen in good time. Our main concern should be getting back to Christ and improving our personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.

click here to return to topics

Keep The Faith,
Bart