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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 a very important link when studied in connection with Revelation 12:7 thru Revelation 13. There we learn that the Beast could not be manifested on earth as long as he ("he" here is in the masculine) now holdeth fast (to his place in the heavenlies, Revelation 12:7). This is the meaning of the word "letteth" or "holdeth fast", as is clear from its use in the other epistle 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ("prove all things, hold fast that which is good"). (Here are all the occurrences of the word, so that you and all members of the Lion and Lamb Ministry may judge for yourselves: Matthew 21:38; Luke 4:42; Luke 13:15; Luke 14:9; John 5:4; Acts 27:40; Romans 1:18; Romans 7:6. 1 Corinthians 7:30; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2; 2 Cor. 6;10; 1 Thessalonians 6:21; Philemon 13; Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 3:14; Hebrews 10:23.)
THEN, 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 the Apostle 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 working today, but here (in Revelation 12) we see it come to a head, and Satan is about to openly manifest it.
In the Meantime, "Ye know WHAT (neuter, or neutral, gender) holdeth HIM (the lawless one, the antichrist) fast, that he (the lawless one, the antichrist) may be revealed in his time."
The Apostle Paul could write this, and in this way, to the church of the Thessalonians, because he had previously told them and THEY KNEW; but WE DO NOT KNOW. All WE know is that it CANNOT be a person who holds the lawless one fast, BECAUSE the word is in the neuter, or neutral, gender. THEREFORE, it can only be a PLACE, and we suggest that it is the pit of the Abyss, (NOW go read Revelation 9:1-2, and Revelation 9:11), out of which he (the lawless one) is to ascend.
In any case, the popular view cannot be correct. The popular view which makes it of the Holy Spirit. So, now we have to ask, what does the Holy Spirit "hold fast" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) in order that the lawless one may be revealed in his appointed time? SOMETHING must be held fast. Then, further confusion is also introduced by not preserving the important difference between the genders, which is NEUTER in 2 Thessalonians 2:6 ("THAT which holds him fast"), that is, the Pit of the Abyss; and MASCULINE in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 ("HE who holds something fast," that is, his position in the heavenlies.
What Have We Learned
At the first advent the announcement was made "on earth, PEACE." But now, at the time of the Second Advent, it is "in heaven, WAR"; because the Dispensations have changed. At the return of the remnant from Babylon, Satan was present to resist the restoration of the Nation (Zechariah 3:2), and was rebuked. So it will be again when the great restoration is about to take place: but this time war will be declared against him.
So, to review, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, "And now ye know what (The Abyss) withholdeth that he (the lawless one, the Antichrist) might be revealed in his (the lawless one, the Antichrist) time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he (the Dragon, Satan) who now letteth (katecho: holdeth fast) will let (continue to katecho: hold fast), until he (The Dragon, Satan) be taken out of the way (cast out Revelation 12:7-9) . And then shall that Wicked (the lawless one, the Antichrist) be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the Spirit of His Mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming"
The mystery connected with this conflict is easy understand by the Faith, yet very difficult for us to reason through. However, a little insight is given into these spiritual realities in such passages as Job 1; Job 2; 1 Kings 22:19-22; Daniel 10:9-13; Ephesians 6:11-12; and Jude 6.
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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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