Paul
addressed some of the same issues that Jude wrote about in his second
letter to the church at Thessalonica. In chapter 2, he writes to
clear up a misunderstanding concerning the Day of the Lord. Keep in
mind that Paul's writing here was some 20 years before the letter of
Jude.
In
these verses, Paul is addressing doctrine relative to the Day of the
Lord in relation to his day. 2 Thess. 2:1, “Now we beseech you,
brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our
gathering together unto 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.” There was some teaching
attributed to Paul that the Day of the Lord had already begun. He
wanted to set the record straight. Some were greatly distressed by
this false teaching. However as we read on we understand that his
emphasis is on true doctrine and right living which is achieved only
in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth.
2
Thess. 2:3a, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away first,..” Here
Paul is encouraging believers that we can know the sequence of
prophetic events as they unfold before us. Thereby, we can know God's
plan and eliminate any cause for error or apostasy.
Therefore,
it is imperative that the Body of Christ derive the correct
interpretation of scripture. The only way that can happen is through
the unopposed work of the Holy Spirit and wholesale acceptance of the
Truth. We don't have to understand all that the Holy Spirit reveals
but just to know that it is He who is revealing. The complete
understanding may be for a later time. 2 Thess. 2:3b“...and that
man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who 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. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told
you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be
revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already
work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the
way. 8 And 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: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the
working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who
believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.13 But we
are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of
the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and
hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or
our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our
Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting
consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and
stablish you in every good word and work.” The power of the message
is TRUTH! The TRUTH is validated by the Holy Spirit! (To be
continued). The Message: A Critical Review Of End Time Events, p
49-50, available at Amazon.com.
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