In 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8, Paul said that once the restrainer has been removed, then the Antichrist would be revealed. For some reason, Paul did not say what or who the restrainer was. What or who is this restrainer is?
2007-02-08 17:55:26 · 7 answers · asked by lorno5378 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Before Christ's return, there must be a "general apostasy" or a worldwide religious crisis. An "Antichrist" must come. It is true that there have been Antichrists in the past, but in the end there will be a more typical Antichrist than the previous ones. Christ will return in glory at the time the Church seems crushed.
A second interpretation suggests that cosmic or angelic powers are binding Satan and so restraining him; some relate this to an anti-Christ figure or to Michael the archangel (Revelation 12,7-9; 20,1-3).
A more recent view suggests that it is the preaching of the Christian gospel that restrains the end, for in God's plan the end cannot come until the gospel is preached to all the nations.
I personally believe the first interpretation is the correct one.
Peace and every blessing!
2007-02-08 18:57:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The restrainer is the Holy Spirit. After the rapture, the Church along with the Holy Spirit who indwells each believer, will be removed from the earth. That is why I believe in the pre-tribulation rapture. The Holy Spirit will still exist the same way He always does, but His presence on earth within each believer is what prevents the Antichrist from coming to power now. Too many people would know who the Antichrist is and be able to point Him out if the church isn't removed from the earth first.
2007-02-09 02:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by out of the grey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Didn't Paul also mention that it was already at work? "7For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work:"
The restrainer then would refer to the bulwark consisting of the primary apostles, primary disciples, and perhaps such secondary ones as Paul.
Once these primary and secondary ones died who were the ones having been together with Christ and having witnessed the gifts of the spirit that only could be imparted by 1st generation disciples then as history teaches, the trinity teaching, the teaching about the immortal soul and other such apostate teachings crept into the Christian congregation.
(Paul was an exception since he was specifically chosen by Christ after his ascension, in that he also was 1st generation though perhaps 2nd generation timing)
2007-02-09 02:55:49 · answer #3 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Passage 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8:
5Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
What Paul is refering to is satan, these verses are from the NIV. What bible are you reading from?
2007-02-09 02:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by spanky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the restrainer is Yourself. This is why christ said to study YOURSELF, and hen what he is asked his anwser was YOURSELF. If you want to know satan you must know yourself and know yourself very well. Thier is much hypcrosisy within what most preachers preach. When there is only one faith and only one belief. And that belief is there is just one god, and when you come to realize that you realize that you are afraid of god, because god has all the power, where as you see what you see god sees beyond what you can see. What you see is nothing, and even what you know is nothing, when you compare it to gods wisdom. Faith is nothing without love, Love is nothing without action. Let your deeds be your words, cause if your words are not your deeds they mean nothing. Faith without works is nothing. Many men bow to a false god many men praise him.
That is why he said not everyoe whom comes to me in that day that say lord lord will get in. He again stated straight and narrow is the way and FEW they be that find it.
And he did not lie. there are Few that be that find it. The truth is hard to find in this world of such sillyness.
2007-02-09 02:19:41 · answer #5 · answered by Brother John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the Lord, who walks among the seven candle sticks, who is the restrainer of the men who are heads of the material churches on earth.
2007-02-09 02:11:04 · answer #6 · answered by Lukusmcain// 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Satan is currently held in chains by Michael. Soon Satan will be taken out of the way and cast to Earth as it is written in Revelation chapter 12. On Earth there will be a deadly wound to the political beast system. This wound will be healed by Satan in his role as anti-christ, the great pretender. He will destroy with peace and flattery and money and astonishing miracles and potent lies. Satan comes first. Do not be found with child when your Husband arrives.
2007-02-09 02:05:35 · answer #7 · answered by David P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋