.
In 2 Thessalonians 2, we find further information as to the rise of this final embodiment of Satanic power. There we are clearly told that the revelation of that awful being has an appointed season. He cannot arise before his time. We are told why and how this is. In Revelation 12 we have the events which lead up to that revelation, and in Revelation 13, we have the actual manifestation of the Beast himself.
2 Thessalonians 2, therefore forms an important link when studied in connection with Revelation 12. There we learn that the Beast could not be manifested on earth as long as he (masculine) now holdeth fast to his place in the heavenlies, Rev. 12:7. He will hold it fast until he be cast out.
This casting out is described in Revelation 12, and we are here told exactly how it will take place, and what will be its causes and consequences. When Paul wrote, worldly power was then being used, and has all along been used by Satan for the accomplishment of his secret purposes; and it is still thus working, but here, in Revelation 12, we see it come to a head, and Satan is about to openly manifest it.
Meantime, "Ye know what (The what in this verse is neutral. Not male or female.) witholdeth him (the lawless one), that he (the lawless one) may be revealed in his time." Paul could write this to the assembly of the Thessalonians, because he had previously told them and they knew; but WE don’t know. All we DO know is that it CANNOT be a person, such as the person of the Holy Spirit, who holds the lawless one fast, for the word is in the neutral gender. It can only be a place, and we suggest that it is the phrear, the pit of the Abyss, as we see in Revelation 9, out of which he is to ascend.
In any case, the popular view cannot be correct, which takes it to mean the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit "hold fast", (1 Thessalonians 5:21, “hold fast that which is good.”) in order that the lawless one may be revealed in his appointed time?
This idea arose from a wrong translation of the verb katecho, which means to hold something fast. That wrong translation of both the ASV. and RSV. arises from ignoring the fact that the verb “Katecho” is transitive, and must have an object. Then, further confusion is also introduced by not preserving the important difference between the genders, which is neutral in verse 6, for example, pertaining to a place, we believe, the Pit of the Abyss; and masculine in verse 7, The HE is Satan, who “holds something fast," and that is, his, Satan’s, position in the heavenlies.
So we can see from this, that the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 is referring to this War in Heaven. Where, the Abyss will continue to hold the Man of Sin, although the mystery of iniquity is somewhat at work, BUT to be fully revealed, Satan, who now HOLDS FAST to his position in the Heavenlies, and will continue to HOLD FAST, UNTIL he be taken out of the way, or taken out of the midst, of Heaven, as a result of the Army of Heaven’s victory over the forces of Satan in the War of Revelation 12:7. And THEN, (2 Thessalonians 2:8), that Wicked be revealed, (Revelation 13:1).
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry
Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
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