1Now, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,
2Not to be easily shaken or be disturbed by either a spirit, message, or a letter alleged to be from us, that claims that the day of the Lord has already come.
3Let no one deceive you by any means! For that day will not come until the apostasy (rebellion against God) first occurs, and when the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition (destined to destruction).
4He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and so he will sit in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
5Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I told you about these things?
6And you know what restrains him now, so that he will be revealed when his time comes.
7For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; only He Who now restrains (holds him back) will continue to do so until He steps out of the way.
8And then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will be overthrown and killed with the breath of His mouth (Job 4:9), destroyed by the splendor of His (Christ’s) coming;
9This lawless one that is coming will work much like how Satan works; and will display all kinds of power with signs and wonders that will serve to perpetuate the falsehood,
10And will use every evil device to deceive those on the way to destruction. They will perish because they refused to accept and love the truth that would save them.
11And for this reason, God shall send them strong delusion, so that they will believe these lies,
12That they all will be judged and condemned who would not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
13But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14It was for this He called you through our gospel (Rom.8:30), that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the teachings passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or letter from us.
16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself and God, our Father, Who has loved us and by His grace, has given us eternal comfort and wonderful hope,
17Comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good thing you say or do. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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