PROPHECY UPDATE NUMBER 256

December 30, 2005

AN EXPOSITION OF II THESSALONIANS 2:1-13!

Part 7 (Same First Page on Each New Part)

II Thessalonians 2:7 – For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

I long ago lost count of the number of requests I have received about the identity of the “he’s” referred to by Paul in II Thessalonians 2:7. I did not reveal what I believed on the “he’s” for some time, and did not start to say what I believed about it until I made a trip to Kenya in 1999. Joel Cobb asked me what I thought about the he’s while I was lecturing in the Seminary there. As I had done so often in the past, I turned the question back on the asker, asking him to first tell me what he believed about it. Before that, when the asking person had told me what he or she believed, I would quickly say – well, that is what everyone else that asked me the question believes, so you are on solid ground. And, indeed, those who had asked me previously, all thought it referred to the Holy Spirit being taken out when the rapture came at the first of the week. But, much to my surprise, I was shocked to find that Joel Cobb believed what I believed about the Scripture and, as far as I know, still does. So, at age 73, knowing my time on this planet is limited, in this series I intend to offer my case as to who I believe the “he’s” represent in II Thessalonians 2:7. The reason I believe so many have asked me who it represents is this – down deep inside some, who have been taught the “he” is the Holy Spirit, there has been a suspicion it could be someone else.

I intend to exposit line by line from II Thessalonians 2:1 to 12 in order to make my case, and this will be the beginning sheet on each new Series Part issued.

Please review Parts 1 to 6 before reading this continuing exposition of II Thessalonians 2:1-13.

II Thessalonians 2:10 – And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

At this stage of the antichrist’s earthly mission, the entire Islamic world will follow him as the incarnate Allah of the Prophet Muhammad. They would not put their faith in he testimony of the Prophet Jesus, who was God incarnate in sinless human flesh. Because they did not put their faith in the words of the Son of God, who was the promised Seed of Abraham through Israel, it will be required of the followers of Muhammad, and they will be cast into hell.

Deuteronomy 18:18,19 – I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. [19] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

John 12:48,49 – He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. [49] For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 5:40 – And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

They received not the love of the truth in Christ Jesus, but rather put their faith in the word of the false prophet Muhammad. So God allowed them to believe a strong delusion, and they believed Muhammad’s lies.

II Thessalonians 2:11 – And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie:

They had no pleasure in receiving the righteousness of Christ, but had pleasure in the unrighteousness of a lie. And, as a result of it, they remained condemned to the damnation of hell.

II Thessalonians 2:12 – That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

John 3:18 – He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

It was God’s plan before the foundation of the world to save anyone by instantaneous spiritual sanctification of their spirit, and the eternal setting apart of their souls by the sealing of his Spirit. It was all to be done by God in response to their faith in the ability of a risen Christ to perform it.

II Thessalonians 2:13 – 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:

Ephesians 1:4-6 – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.