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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. |
Subject: The Restrainer - Revisited! |
Bible Note: Robert, Regarding the issue of Christ coming "for His saints, then with His saints". I do not find a second coming, then a third coming, described anywhere in scripture. The second coming is clearly stated: Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. But I find no mention of a third coming. What do you make of the following passage? 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Doesn't this verse indicate that those suffering persecution will get relief when Jesus is revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on the wicked? This doesn't seem to fit a second, then third return of Christ. Also, the passage you cited regarding the "for His saints" return, seems to me to portay an audible, visible return in the clouds, rather than the secret, mystery rapture portayed by Lahaye, Inc. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. There is additional info on this topic at www.signministries.org but IMHO they do a better job of refuting the pre-trib position than defending their own (pre-wrath) position. I have a couple of other problems with the pre-wrath position. That interpretation seems to equate "not appointed to wrath" with "not appointed to persecution". The antichrist will "wear out the saints" for 3.5 years (Dan 7:25, Rev 13:7-10). To say the "not appointed to wrath" promise applies to us but not to the "tribulation saints" is inconsistent. Will we be feasting at the marriage supper of the Lamb while our brethren in the faith are being killed for their testimony about Jesus? Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Certainly, no believer will suffer the wrath of God, but we may need to endure the wrath of evil, as have all our brethren in the faith before us. Heb 11:32-40, Rev 1:9 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. These are some of the main issues I have with the "for His saints" then "with His saints" scenario. If you know of a specific passage which supports the second, then third coming of Jesus I would be interested to see it. Thanks, Listener |