The Man of Lawlessness

1Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the [†]coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the [†]apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above [†]every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the [†]sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God. 5Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord [†]Jesus WILL SLAY WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH and bring to an end by the appearance of His [†]coming— 9whose [†]coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and [†]signs and false wonders, 10and with [†]all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11And for this reason God sends upon them a [†]deluding influence so that they will believe [†]what is false, 12in order that they all may be [†]judged who did not believe the truth, but [†]took pleasure in unrighteousness.

13But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you [†]as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification [†]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14[†]It was for this He called you through our gospel, [†]that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter [†]from us.

16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.