The "man of lawlessness" - Revealed!
The identity of the man of lawlessness, the son of perdition, has long been a bible mystery, his identity will be revealed in this blog entry.
Carefully reading and contemplating this blog however, does not guarantee that you will understand.
Why?
The prophet Daniel was inspired to explain:
10 Many will cleanse themselves and whiten themselves and will be refined. And the wicked ones will certainly act wickedly, and no wicked ones at all will understand; but the ones having insight will understand.
Many academics throughout history and especially in recent years have attempted to identify this "man". A large number of hypotheses abound with many conflicting and confusing interpretations.
What is so important about identifying this man?
The scriptures indicate that eventually this "man" will be revealed and then be overthrown, done away with through the spirit of his mouth (Jesus Christ) then brought to nothing or completely destroyed by Jesus Christ's coming.
2Thessalonians 2:8
"8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour of his coming. "
Once the man of lawlessness is revealed the "coming" of our Lord Jesus Christ in judgment would be very imminent making most other historical events appear mundane by comparison. This should justify anyone’s interest in pursuing its meaning through the bible and carefully paying attention to world events in order to identify the revealing of this "man".
According to the prophet Daniel’s inspired explanation this "man of lawlessness" himself will not understand and therefore is certain to be completely surprised.
There are four events concerning "the man of lawlessness" contained within the very small verse mentioned in the above which, occur in chronological order.
1:- He is revealed
2:- He is overthrown
3:- Jesus comes.
4:- He is destroyed
There seems to be yet another event closely associated with the above that we should also be "keeping on the watch" for.
Prior to the manifestation of Jesus Christ's presence a life saving truth will be revealed which many people will not receive or accept.
Here is one scripture, which supports this:
2Thessalonians 2:10
"10and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. "
All of these events also tie in with yet another event which a very esoteric group of righteous men are patiently waiting for, the coming of Jesus Christ and the gathering together to him. The relationship of all these events is tied together at the outset of the 2nd chapter of 2nd Thessalonians.
2Thessalonians2:1
1Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
and also verse 8
8Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;
The "man of lawlessness" has to be either an influential person or composite group of men and may also contain women.
Why?
The Greek word for man here is:
Anthropos
According to Strongs Concordance 444 it can have several meanings as follows:
1:- a human being, whether male or female
2:- indefinitely, someone, a man, one
3:- in the plural, people
4:- joined with other words, merchantman
Is this "man of lawlessness" the rest of mankind then, who do not accept Jesus Christ as Savior?
Verses early in the chapter provide yet another feature of this "man" which show that he is not the rest of mankind who reject Jesus but that he must be an identifiable "man" or organized group of men who set themselves up as an object of veneration. The scriptures also indicate that this "man" actually has access to the very Temple of the true God!
Here is the verse:
2Thessalonians2:4
4 He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called "god" or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god.
Therefore this man must also have worshippers who are misled into venerating him, perhaps in lieu of or in addition to worshipping the true God. This "man of lawlessness" and his worshipper followers then, should be the ones who deny and reject a special "truth" which could have saved them as explained in 2Thessalonians2:10 as follows:
"10and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved"
As they did not receive a truth it is likely that they also had a (divine?) responsibility to accept this truth and also disseminate it to their followers.
The next verse shows that not only does this "man of lawlessness" reject a life saving truth, they also are deluded into believing a lie. What a truly miserable condition the worshipper/followers of this "man of lawlessness" will find themselves in when he is revealed.
2Thessalonians 2:11
11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
These followers are therefore not aware of their own miserable condition and must be truly convinced that they are saved. The above scripture however, indicates they are completely deluded.
If this "man of lawlessness" and his follower worshippers knew that he was the "man of lawlessness" then they would definitely take steps to refrain. Instead they must sincerely believe in "The Lie" rejecting the life saving truth in favour of this same lie. They are indeed completely deluded. All the more reason for each one of us to keep on the watch and pay attention to the events presently happening all around us.
Understanding these things gives us a pattern with which to measure the "man of lawlessness" so that when he is revealed we will properly recognize him. This pattern can be used to measure against actual historical events we see happening in our world. If this event is so important however, should it not also have mention in other scriptures, perhaps the Hebrew and the Greek? This same pattern therefore, could be used to measure against other scriptures, which should in turn help us to understand who this "man of lawlessness" is. To continue with this same rationale then, it could be that this very exercise may in fact reveal the "man of lawlessness" and the first stage of his prophetic demise would be achieved! To continue further with the rationale then, this "man of lawlessness" may be revealed and overthrown simply through understanding a bible truth. The scripture in 2nd Thessalonians indicates that he will be overthrown by the "breath (or spirit) of Jesus Christ’s mouth". I hope that many will agree here that the spirit of Jesus Christ’s mouth is quite simply just -------------------------------- the truth!
Perhaps now is a good time to list all of the features discussed so far in order to easily see the pattern.
Here is the list:
1:- An esoteric group of people who will be revealed
2:- a group of people who are likened to a man
3:- and overthrown
4:- and completely destroyed
5:- They will not accept a life saving truth
6:- It is likely they had a responsibility to accept and also disseminate the truth.
7:- Their revelation and overthrow will occur immediately before the manifestation of Jesus Christ’s presence.
8:- their complete destruction will be related to the coming of Jesus Christ
9:- he will entice his followers to venerate him as a god (perhaps in addition to the true God)
10:- he will have access to the actual Temple of God.
11:- he will be deluded into believing a lie.
12:- he and his worshipper/followers will not realize that he is the "man of lawlessness" because of this delusion.
The first step in matching the pattern would be to identify whether there is an individual or esoteric group who is likened to a "Man" in alternate scripture.
There is an instance of this in the Greek Scriptures using the same Greek word "Anthropos" as follows:
Ephesians 2:13-21
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near
through the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new
man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
So here is an esoteric and organized group of men (members) who do indeed have access to the Temple of God (God's household)!
This scripture is however, referring to saints, anointed and divinely invited men who are righteous.
Could it actually be that scripture exists which liken the saints to wicked men destined to destruction?
Yes !
Here is one:
Matthew 24:42-51
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 45"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
See if you can find any parallels to 2Thessalonians Chapter 2.
How about these scriptures:
...............Matthew 24:- Keep watch
2nd Thessalonians 2:- for what? A lifesaving truth perhaps?
................Matthew 24:- your Lord will come
2nd Thessalonians 2:- Something to do with the Lord coming or his manifestation!
...............Matthew 24:- faithful and wise servant
2nd Thessalonians 2:- an esoteric group of men to give them their food at the proper time
.........................................a lifesaving truth at the right time!
...............Matthew 24:- suppose that servant is wicked
2nd Thessalonians 2:- A group of men who may not be righteous and yet serve
.......................................(in the temple?) - man of lawlessness?
...............Matthew 24:- beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards
2nd Thessalonians 2:- "they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness "
...............Matthew 24:-the master of that slave will come on a day when he
......................................does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know,
2nd Thessalonians 2:- Implies they could have known when to expect him
.......................................if they had believed the lifesaving truth.
...............Matthew 24:- and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with
...................................... the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
2nd Thessalonians 2:- "brought to nothing by the manifestation of his presence"
Can you see the parallels?
I hope you will agree that no other group of men are described in the New Testament who have access to the temple of God except for the invited and anointed saints, especially one that is described as a "man".
What about the old Hebrew Testament?
Is there a scripture about an esoteric group who believe in a lie or falsehood instead of the truth?
Here is one:
Isaiah 28:15
15Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are
we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not
come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
An esoteric group of people hiding inside a falsehood. Certainly if this group of men are hiding they will eventually have to be revealed. In the scripture above however, who is the "We" that have made a lie their refuge?
This is answered a few verses previous:
Isaiah 28:14
14 Therefore hear the word of Jehovah, YOU braggarts, YOU rulers of this people who are in Jerusalem:
The rulers of God's People!
I hope you will agree that the anointed of the New Testament are also those who will be the rulers of God's people.
Isaiah 28:23
Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say
.
They should be paying attention or keeping on the watch -- for a truth.
Here is what they will have attention with:
Isaiah 29:6
6you will be visited by the LORD of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire.
Is this the lifesaving truth they should have been watching for?
They have indeed been given attention with the above in a letter sent on January 16th, 2003.
A link to this letter will be provided at a later date along with the profundity of its significance.
Isaiah 29:14
14therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden."
Is this the delusion that God sends them, the "Faithful and Wise Servant"?
2Thessalonians2:11
"Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,"
So what is the falsehood they are deluded into believing is true?
The falsehood is also mentioned in Isaiah Chapter 28 as follows:
Isaiah 28:15
15 Because YOU men have said: "
We have concluded a covenant with Death; and with She´ol we have effected a vision; the overflowing flash flood, in case it should pass through, will not come to us, for we have made a lie our refuge and in falsehood we have concealed ourselves";
So the "rulers of this people" have concluded "a covenant with death" yet, Isaiah explains that it is a falsehood or lie. A covenant with death would certainly mean that the rulers and their followers are deluded into believing that they have passed judgment and will live. In fact "a covenant with death" means these rulers and those subject to them are deluded into thinking they have escaped judgment and will now live forever. Isaiah further explains however, that they will not escape the "flash flood" (judgment).
Isaiah 28:18
18 And YOUR covenant with Death will certainly be dissolved, and that vision of YOURS with She´ol will not stand. The overflowing flash flood, when it passes through—YOU must also become for it a trampling place.
Just as 2 Thessalonians explains that the "man of lawlessness" will be destroyed so does Isaiah explain that the rulers of God's people who made the covenant with death will be destroyed.
A discerning reader will now be considering whether any historical identification could be made based on what these scriptures are indicating.
Asking the following question may lead to the identity.
Is there an esoteric and organized group of men that claim to have spiritual access to the actual temple of God? Do they claim to be divinely guided and have they concluded a "covenant of Death" with themselves and their followers? Are these men also deluded into believing they will be hidden from God’s coming judgment exercised by his son our Lord Jesus Christ?
Please make certain you come back here to finish this scriptural examination. By following this link however, a historical candidate who has indeed made a covenant with death and also fits the other criteria can be identified.
A Covenant with Death < -------------- click
Certainly it would be extremely presumptuous to pronounce oneself righteous. This is the sole responsibility of God’s appointed delegate Jesus Christ who has the right and the mandate to judge the entire world. Anyone pronouncing himself to be righteous without consideration of our Lord Jesus Christ would be lifting themselves above his heavenly station!
The Apostle Paul announced in his second letter to the Thessalonians that this would be an identifying mark of "the man of lawlessness" as follows:
2 Thessalonians 2:4
4 He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called "god" or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god.
This same organized group of men should also somehow publicly display themselves to be a god from within the temple of God. How could this be accomplished by the Governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society?
In order to comprehend how this is accomplished please consider the following scriptures with Christian baptism in mind:
Hebrews 10:19-23
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness for the way of entry into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 which he inaugurated for us as a new and living way through the curtain, that is, his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with true hearts in the full assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from a wicked conscience and our bodies bathed with clean water. 23 Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.
Careful consideration of the above verses should help the discerning reader understand this is a way of entry into the temple of God "entry into the holy place" and that it is accomplished through baptism "bodies bathed in clean water" which also includes a public declaration "the public declaration of our hope".
Now if the association with baptism and entry into the temple is understood a further examination of baptism should help the reader comprehend some simple baptism criteria which is mentioned in the following by the Apostle Matthew:
Matthew 28:19
19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,
Please notice the criteria which is listed in the following and compared where possible to 2nd Thessalonians 2:4:
Christian Baptism Criteria:
Name of the Father ------------- Jehovah ----------- The God ------------ (2 Co 1:3)
And of the Son ------------------ Jesus -------------- a god ----------------- (John 1:1)
And of Holy Spirit -------------- The Helper ------ God's active force -- (Acts 2:38)
Now please compare this to the publicly declared baptismal vows, which is an absolute requirement to becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This is quoted from the June 1st 1985 Watchtower Magazine on page 30:
"On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?"
These vows are publicly made often in front of thousands of people.
Now the reader should also attempt to reconcile the Jehovah's Witness baptismal criteria where possible to 2nd Thessalonians 2:4 and Matthew 28:19.
Jehovah's Witness Baptism Criteria:
Jehovah to do his will ------------------ Name of the Father ----------- The God
Sacrifice of Jesus Christ --------------- And of the son ----------------- a god
God's spirit-directed organization ---- an esoteric group of men ----- a god?
Can you see in the above an esoteric group who is "publicly showing himself to be a god"? (2Th 2:4).
Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by this same organization that the above vows are essential for salvation as confirmed in the following quote from the January 15th 1989 Watchtower magazine on page 15:
"Baptismal candidates must acknowledge publicly that on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice they have repented of their sins and have dedicated themselves to Jehovah. They must also understand that dedication and baptism identify them as Jehovah's Witnesses.
2 The entire baptismal arrangement, including this public expression of faith, is essential for salvation. "
I hope the reader agrees that in order to be saved a person has to approach the alter in the temple of God in order to benefit from Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Therefore the individuals public expression must therefore gain entry into the temple.
Isaiah further mentions that those who are ruling over God’s people will be deluded into believing they will be concealed or hidden from the "flash flood". The flash flood being referred to is the coming tribulation or judgment by God.
Isaiah 28:15
"-the overflowing flash flood, in case it should pass through, will not come to us, for we have made a lie our refuge and in falsehood we have concealed ourselves";
Is there a historical candidate who has manifested this delusion?
In case you missed it here is a subtitle from the July 1, 1983 Watchtower Magazine Article linked to above.
"Live Companions of Those Hidden From Divine Denunciation"
Anything hidden or concealed should eventually be revealed. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul recorded would happen to "the man of lawlessness":
2 Thessalonians 2:8
"Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence."
The reader may be thinking the words in Isaiah chapter 28 are in reference to his own contemporaries, who made alliances with Egypt and Assyria. In the book "Isaiah’s Prophecy – Light for all Mankind" published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society we are told these alliances are "the covenant with death" which the "rulers of God’s people" made to save themselves from the "flash flood". The book further explains that the "flash flood" is Babylon’s literal armies, which were soon to destroy Jerusalem. Isaiah quotes God’s own words however, to explain what method God will actually use to dissolve this "covenant with Death". After carefully examining the passage again, the reader should notice that it is Jesus Christ (the precious corner of a sure foundation) and not Babylon who God will use to achieve this. Therefore the "flash flood" is the judgment which starts when our Lord Jesus Christ’s presence is manifested and not the Babylonians.
Here is the passage:
Isaiah 28:16
16 therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: "Here I am laying as a foundation in Zion a stone, a tried stone, the precious corner of a sure foundation. No one exercising faith will get panicky. 17 And I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the leveling instrument; and the hail must sweep away the refuge of a lie, and the waters themselves will flood out the very place of concealment. 18 And YOUR covenant with Death will certainly be dissolved, and that vision of YOURS with She´ol will not stand. The overflowing flash flood, when it passes through—YOU must also become for it a trampling place.
The discerning reader should now ask himself why God’s uses his son Jesus Christ to dissolve a "covenant with Death" which supposedly occurred well before Jesus became the "precious corner of a sure foundation". The only answer is that Isaiah words are referring to only the time period of the end, immediately before and after Jesus Christ’s presence is manifested and God’s judgment of this wicked world starts.
Notice also in the above that God explains what instruments Jesus Christ will use to reveal and dissolve (do away with) this "covenant of Death". Justice and righteousness are the "leveling instrument". It is also mentioned that waters "will flood out the place of concealment". Bible truths are often referred to in the bible simply as waters. Therefore it is simply the truth that will reveal and eventually dissolve this "covenant with Death" which is something Jesus Christ will achieve.
It seems so straightforward that it is Jesus however, that a person who imagines the "leveling instrument" was the Babylonians must be suffering from some delusion. The fact this delusion does exist proves the undeniable accuracy of the bible.
Please now compare what the Apostle Paul said would reveal and do away with "the man of lawlessness" in the following scripture:
2 Thessalonians 2:8
8 Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence.
I hope the reader agrees that "the spirit of his mouth" is quite simply the truth.
The "man of lawlessness" however does not want to hear a straightforward truth, which might be lifesaving.
2nd Thessalonians 2:12
12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.
In a following Chapter the Prophet Isaiah confirms this to be the case.
Isaiah 30:9-10
9 For it is a rebellious people, untruthful sons, sons who have been unwilling to hear the law of Jehovah; 10 who have said to the ones seeing, ‘YOU must not see,’ and to the ones having visions, ‘YOU must not envision for us any straightforward things. Speak to us smooth things; envision deceptive things.
The scripture above is most definitely describing a group of people who do not want to accept a truth and would prefer to hear lies. The situation certainly describes deluded people.
They do not want to hear an important truth!
It seems this truth now being referred to in the Hebrew scriptures might have saved them and yet instead their end is described a few verses later:
Isaiah 30:13-14
13Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. 14And He shall break it like the breaking of the potter's vessel, Which is broken in pieces; He shall not spare. So there shall not be found among its fragments A shard to take fire from the hearth, Or to take water from the cistern."
It seems like this organized group of people being spoken of by Isaiah will be "brought to nothing" just as the "man of lawlessness is.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
"will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming."
and it will happen in an instant; "comes suddenly" just as happens to the "evil slave".
Matthew 24:50
50the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know.
and also broken in pieces just like the "evil slave".
Matthew 24:51
51and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This esoteric and organized group of men being described in Thessalonians, Matthew and Isaiah will be completely destroyed; "brought to nothing".
Isn’t that what perdition means?
Here is the definition in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Main Entry: per·di·tion
Pronunciation: p&r-'di-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English perdicion, from Late Latin perdition-, perditio, from Latin perdere to destroy, from per- through + dare to give --
1 a archaic : utter destruction b obsolete : Loss
2 a : eternal damnation Hell
These men are divinely invited members of the anointed, saints who have an opportunity to rule as kings with Jesus Christ. Although in Thessalonians, Matthew and Isaiah they are referred to as lawless, evil, braggarts and drunkards their selection was initially divine. In this way the esoteric group of men could also be referred to as "holy" which now provides a parallel to the words written in Daniel as follows.
Daniel 12:7
"It will be for an appointed time, appointed times and a half. And as soon as there will have been a finishing of the dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces, all these things will come to their finish."
The end result of the people described above is exactly the same as that described in 2nd Thessalonians, Matthew, and Isaiah. Please examine and compare the list that follows:
NWT--2Thessalonians 2:8--------------do away with-------bring to nothing
KJV--Matthew 24:51------------------- He will cut him to pieces
NWT--Daniel 12:7-----------------------dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces.
NWT--Isaiah 30:14----------------------crushed to pieces without one’s sparing
If the prophecy in Daniel Chapter 12 is soon to be accomplished the we can expect that at this present time the world is within the same time period described by the man in linen of "an appointed time, appointed times and a half" or 1260 days. If this is correct then the reader may be concerned when those1260 days started.
Please see the following blog entry, which provides an answer:
This Generation will by no means pass away ß
-------- Click
I have not exhausted the things I want to write about this man of lawlessness and will continue to add and edit this document.
Please keep returning to re-examine and contemplate the profundities.
In order to properly reveal this "man of lawlessness" please also ensure your family, friends and associates read this.
The revealing of the "man of lawlessness" indicates that Jesus is soon to come.
What should we do next?
At the present time all I can think of is to echo the words of John the Baptist.
"REPENT, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."
‘Prepare the way of Jehovah, YOU people! Make his roads straight.’"
With Christian love.
ablebodiedman
