"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
In today's quote we are given the description of the anti-Christ, (Though Paul did not identify him as such.), and are warned that his eventual rise must be accomplished before Jesus will return to claim His victory of sin. Paul also warned the Thessalonians to remain faithful and to ignore those who would contend that they knew the time of Christ's return.
Paul said there will be a "great falling away" before Christ returns. That "great falling away" has surely now already begun. That is clearly evident by the vulgar attempts, by some today, to horribly distort the meaning and intent of God's divine word. The recent actions by some who loudly proclaim themselves "Christians", blatantly confirm it.
The stage is rapidly being set for the coming of that great evil Paul warned the Thessalonians about. World governments are once again becoming deeply involved in what should be purely religious worship activity as the whole world rights itself for the coming of one man religious rule.
The end of the earth, as we know it, is inevitable, however, it is up to each of us individually to find and accept the amazing saving grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the duty of every Christian to teach it.
As was mentioned in yesterdays lesson, we, as born again children of God, should go about daily spreading that wonderful good news of that amazing grace, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God".~
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