We have been focusing on finding Christ in every book of the Bible.  Because of Christ’s love for His bride, the church, in this book we find a description of one man who will come in future history who will be known for his terrible evil and lawlessness.  This person is called the ‘man of lawlessness’ by the Apostle Paul.  We learn about him and his deception in order to motivate us to tell as many people as possible about the Lord and warn others of what is to come.

“Concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have com from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.  Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3)

The coming of Jesus Christ will happen suddenly at a time when most are not expecting it.  (1st Thessalonians 5:2-3)  According to Paul, this day will not come until this lawless man is revealed.  Some in Paul’s day were saying that the day of the Lord had already come.  He wrote this to keep down the worry and concern that some had missed the rapture.  We are still watching for this to happen today.  Even though it has been nearly 2000 years, these words are as true today as when they were originally written.

Paul goes on to describe this man of lawlessness as one who will opposes truth and set himself up as god.  He will do this by being empowered by Satan to do counterfeit signs and wonders and miracles.  (2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10)  These signs and miracles will deceive people who have refused to know and love truth.  They will be deluded and go to their destruction.  (2nd Thessalonians 2:11)

How important the love of the truth is!  We have a choice each day to read and believe God and His word.  His word is truth!  If we reject the truth, we have nothing left but a lie.  Lies may sound good, but they lead to destruction.  Sincerity is not a test of truth.  God has blessed us in that He chose us to be saved by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief of the truth.  This is all a gift of God’s grace.  Because of this grace will will share in the Lord’s glory when He comes.

Take time today to share Jesus Christ with someone who does not know Him.  Ask them if you can share this passage about the coming man of lawlessness.  Let the Holy Spirit lead both of you to discover truth and to love it!

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