The Man of Sin

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter —asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

I'm grateful that nearly two thousand years ago the writers of the New Testament were consumed with passion on the Second Coming of Christ. The Holy Spirit moved them to write about the Lords return and it was their presumption that the event was just around the corner.

Anticipation for the Lords return undoubtedly ignites our passion for Christ and the kingdom like nothing else. Perhaps this is whats lacking today in our churches. A lack of conviction and urgency for the return of Christ and rapture of the church. 

Enthusiasm for the last days resulted in fiery messages of inspiration on the subject. The greatest discourse on the issues and climate of the last days has come from Christ Himself in Matthew 24 & 25. Secondary to the words of Christ in the four Gospels we have the book of Revelation. Here we have the details of the rapture and of the great tribulation; a period of seven years that will follow the removal of the church. In addition we have Peter and Paul's powerful admonitions to
be ready...
stay ready...and
be on the lookout for "the day of the Lord."  

This description in 2 Thes could be applied to today. The presence of evil from the man of lawlessness is already at work in the world. When the Lord comes for His people, the world will be left without the true church and her ministries. Sin will thrust into overdrive and the sinister leader of all things "irreligious" will step forward. He will be the anti-christ. The one that will oppose all things... that have anything to do with...Christ, Grace, Mercy, Salvation, and Forgiveness.

Those left behind will have to endure this man and his agenda.

Our urgency is to reach those for Christ today while the age of grace is still at work. Our motivation is to prevent any and all from experiencing the dark clouds that are approaching. Love should guide us to be a last days missionary and snatch those from the fire; our family; our friends; and our neighbors.  

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.


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