2 Thessalonians 2:7, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (restrains) will let, until he be taken out of the way.” My question is, who is the ‘He’?
In another post, I asked, “Can the church survive without the Holy Spirit.” Everyone who responded agreed that the church cannot survive without the Holy Spirit. I also agree.
So, who is the, he? And what happens when he is taken away? And will answering the above questions provide us with more information concerning the time of the rapture?
Our first hurdle will be who the “he” that’s to be taken away before “That Wicked (Lawless One) is revealed” 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
Scriptures tell us someone has to be taken away before the antichrist is revealed. Now, who can that be?
Here’s what we know: the mystery of iniquity: the devil’s disciples were already at work in Paul’s day. The future antichrist will be called the ‘Wicked One.’ Verse 8 also tells us the antichrist and his kingdom will be destroyed by Jesus Christ at his coming.
So, who’s the ‘he that is now restraining the devil’s empowered forces?’
There are several lines of thought. Many thought it was the Roman empire in Paul’s day the Holy Spirit was holding back, but they’re long gone, and the Spirit is still with us. Could it be the devil himself? but why would he hold back the Wicked one? He wouldn’t, we can scratch him off. Could it be human government holding back evil? No, because governments will continue after the antichrist has been revealed.
That leaves us with the Holy Spirit working in the Christian community that is restraining evil and the revealing of the ‘Wicked One.’ The Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian with power; he comes, convinces, guides, speaks, and hears our prayers and prophecies.
Verse 7 says, “He will be taken out of the way.” Question: Where’s he going? I would say, back to heaven.
Now, if the church cannot survive without the Holy Spirit, as we discussed earlier, it will be taken with him, then the ‘Wicked One’ is revealed.
And when the antichrist is made known, he will cause havoc on Earth for seven years. Now if the above is correct, the Holy Spirit and church go into heaven, the antichrist is then revealed and rules for seven-years, It would appear to add evidence to the teaching of a pre-tribulation rapture.
Your response to the above. Stay on the subject, please.