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2 Thessalonians 2:5-7
In 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7 we learn that the Apostle Paul has previously spoken to the Thessalonians about the “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, NKJV). This man of sin is the one by which we refer to as the antichrist/lawless one. The Apostle Paul teaches us that the only thing holding him back from wreaking utter chaos is God’s Holy Spirit from which will be released when the appointed time comes (2 Thessalonians 2:6). Paul adds in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, “7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”
This is a promise that the evil work of the devil is limited by God in this world until the appointed time comes.
Satan is only allowed to work his evil sinful nature to an extent that God allows. A perfect example of this is Job, of whom Satan was only allowed to attack to the extent in which God approved (Job 1:12), and there was a purpose for it; to see if Job was truly a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil (Job 1:8).
Many people are troubled by the fact that God allows pain and suffering in this world. The fact is that this world was created as a place to cast Saten to out of heaven. Through this very story of Job, I believe, is the very reason that God allows pain and suffering to us – to prove to Satan that even in a world created for him, if we put our faith in God, Satan cannot pull us from Him. It is the process of the defeat of Satan in his own world that delivers ultimate salvation in Christ Jesus. God is more powerful than the devil anywhere and everywhere, even in a world created for the devil. God is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere, all the time. He can work in my life and in your life all at the same time. There will come a day, however, when the devil will be released to do as he wishes on this earth to all who do not put their faith in God through believing in His One and only Son Jesus. Be saved from this day and from eternal condemnation by putting your faith in Jesus today; ask Him into your heart to forgive your sins and declare Him your Lord and Savior.
Dear LORD,
There is a day coming when You will release the devil to wreak havoc on all who do not put their faith in You. Please help all who hear or read this prayer to know that this is not a scare tactic but a salvation tactic unto eternal life and redemption from sin that we all may be saved from such a horrid day. Please work in the lives of those who do not believe in Your saving power and open their eyes to the wonderful life they can live – In Christ and let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.