The RESTRAINER of II Thessalonians

24, 2007

The Restrainer
The Restrainer of II Thessalonians 2:6-7
Danny McDowell
II Thessalonians 2:
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13But 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: 14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
It is declared universally amongst pre-tribulationism, that “he who now letteth” of verses 6 through 8, is speaking specifically of “the Holy Spirit” and that “when the Holy Spirit is moved out of the way – the Church (indwelt by the Holy Spirit) will be removed from the earth” and THEN antichrist can be revealed.
It is declared that this is “PROOF” of a pre-tribulation rapture. There are no cross references given to verify this thought to date. CAN THIS RESTRINER OF II THESSALONIANS BE IDENTIFIED?
Read Below The Restrainer
The RestrainerCan you say S-P-E-C-U-L-A-T-E? Sure you can! “the restraining force of II Thessalonians 2 is the Church, indwelt by the Holy Spirit!” (can also be used and interchanged with the word C-O-N-J-E-C-T-U-R-E)
FACT!There is not a single cross reference in the entire Bible to validate this position. NOT ONE! The shameful part of all of this is that even prominent pre-tribulation theologians confess this to be true. Writers such as Drs. Pentecost and Ryrie admit this, but not without volumes of vague speculation worthy only of a Compost Pile (Piled High and DEEP)! PhD.
Who then is the restrainer of II Thessalonians 2? The Bible standard for establishing a truth is that “a thing must be established in the eyes of two (or more) witnesses. Are there witnesses to identify the restrainer of II Thessalonians 2? The answer is YES!
The first thing we must understand is that this reference (the restrainer) is placed within a larger context. The context of II Thessalonians 2 is as follows; Paul the apostle is reviewing his previous Thessalonian indoctrination in regard to the resurrection of the righteous, and “our” (those who are alive and remain at Christs’ coming) GATHERING TO BE WITH HIM.
Paul had previously spoken on this matter on a prior visit to the Thessalonians as well as in his first epistle to the Thessalonian church. He clearly explained to the church (in these prior teachings) that they should NEVER sorrow regarding those who had already died.
I Thessalonians 4:13-17:“13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
In his second epistle, Paul recites doctrine that he has already spoken of. He CLARIFIES doctrine regarding THE COMING of THE LORD and OUR GATHERING TO BE WITH HIM. It is clear by this passage that the Coming, and the Gathering, are to happen AT THE SAME TIME! Let’s take a close look.
II Thessalonians 2:“1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13But 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: 14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”
Verse 1:“1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,”
Paul is saying “Please pay particular attention to this matter of “the coming of the Lord and our gathering to be with Him.” OUR GATHERING TOGETHER TO BE WITH HIM! There can be no question as to the identity of this event. This IS the rapture of the Church!
Verse 2:“2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
a) Even if you receive a FORGED letter (as if from US) to say that “the Day of Christ” (the rapture) is at hand”
Verse 3:3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
b) “Let NO MAN deceive you by any means.” Paul states here that those who teach an IMMINENT Return of Jesus for His Church ARE DECEIVERS!
c) “That Day” what day? Verse 1, “the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering to be with Him!”
“SHALL NOT COME.” The word NOT is an interesting word in this passage. Are you ready for a reveling translation of this word? (Let the reader understand.) The word “not” in this passage means “NOT!” That day of Christ and our gathering to be with Him will NOT come until –
d) there comes a “Falling Away First, and The Man of Sin Be Revealed, the Son of Perdition.
Matthew 24:15:
“15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)”".
Is there a message here? Our gathering will NOT come until 1st) the FALLING AWAY and 2nd) the MAN OF SIN IS REVEALED!
Verse 4:“4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
e) Antichrist is revealed by “sitting in the temple of God, showing himself TO BE God.
f) He opposes ALL that is called God. IT is commonly believed that this “man of sin” will profess to be Christ himself. This verse clearly states that he opposes ALL that is called God.
Verse 5:“5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”
Paul has previously recited this doctrine to the Thessalonians.
NOW THE CRUX
Verse 6:“6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”
Do you think that the Thessalonians might actually KNOW who it is that is withholdingthe revelation of Antichrist?
Verse 7:“7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”
“He who now letteth” is the “Restrainer” in question in this matter. He will restrain until he is taken “Out of the way.” It is said in pre-tribulationism that the HE (restrainer) in this verse is the HOLY SPIRIT (indwelling the church). Please take a moment to ask yourself this question; Who is it that will take GOD ALMIGHTY (the Holy Spirit), out of the way?
It is also a common claim that it is the church of Jesus Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit that is RESTRAINING EVIL in the earth, and that when the church is removed – evil will prevail. I can hardly contain the laughter at this ridiculous notion. LOOK AROUND YOU…NUFF SAID!
Verse 8-12:“8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
The Man of Sin is revealed; so “WHO” is the restrainer of II Thessalonians 2?
We must not forget that the Bible (the only Bible) that was available to Paul at that time was the Old Testament. Paul was not only familiar with the Old Testament, he was a Scholar, having NO EQUALS in the Church. Peter confesses the difficulties of Paul’s teaching.
II Peter 3:16:“16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
Paul was teaching of that same event as recorded in the Olivet Discourse.
Matthew 24:15:“15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)”
This is the revelation of Antichrist! Jesus clearly tells us where (in scripture) this event is found. It is found in the writings of Daniel! Paul, therefore, was teaching from Daniel. He is teaching here, the events of the SECOND HALF of 70th week of Daniel and pin points THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST HALF OF THE WEEK!
Since Paul is clearly teaching “The [second half of] the Seventieth Week of Daniel,” it is reasonable to believe that the “Restrainer” of II Thessalonians may be found in the writings of Daniel. Let’s take a look.
Daniel 12:1-3:“1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
A) At that time shall “Michael” stand up! Michael is the Arch-Angel Protector of the people of Israel! Daniel 10:13-14: “13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” and Daniel 12:1, “1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”
The words “stand up” in Daniel 12:1, is translated from the Hebrew word “AMAD” (Strong’s reference #5975). “AMAD” in the Hebrew language means to “STAND and to CEASE.” In military terms it means to “stand at ease” to “stand down.” This is the activity of the beginning of the LAST HALF of the Seventieth week of Daniel – To “STAND DOWN!” We know this to be emphatically true because Daniel reveals to us the CAUSE and EFFECT of this event. Michael (“STANDS DOWN”) and “THE GREAT TRIBULATION BEGINS.” Persecution of the Jews at that time will be horrific.
B) Matthew 24:16-21, “16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
C) Revelation 12:1-6, “1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days [3 ½ years].” The woman in Revelation 12:6 is (and can ONLY BE) ISRAEL!
D) This is the TIME of JACOBS TROUBLE.
Please note in Revelation 12:7-9, “7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” “Michael” and his angels battle with “Satan” and his angels. Satan and his angels are “CAST TO EARTH.” Note in Revelation 12:12, “12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” WOE TO THE INHABITERS OF THE EARTH! The devil has come to you, having “GREAT WRATH because he knows that he has but a short time.
I must take time here to ask a very important question; It is emphatically claimed in pre-tribualtionism, that the entire 70th week of Daniel [7 years] is synonymous to “The WRATH of GOD.” Look closely at Revelation 12:12: Where does this WRATH come from? Is this the WRATH OF GOD?
This passage clearly answers the question regarding “WHOSE WRATH” is involved in the Great Tribulation that begins the SECOND HALF of THE SEVENTIETH WEEK OF DANIEL! Here is a brief synopsis to that event;
1. Michael is restraining the full fury of Satan in the heavenlies.
2. Michael and his angels defeat Satan and his angels and Satan (and his angels) ARE CAST TO EARTH!
3. Antichrist is possessed by Satan (to begin the final HALF of the Seventieth Week of Daniel).
4. Great tribulation begins.
5. Michael “STANDS DOWN” AMAD!
Paul is clearly teaching from the book of Daniel regarding the events of the beginning of the SECOND HALF of the week.
Can the identity of the restrainer of II Thessalonians 2 be ascertained by two (or more) scriptural witnesses? Yes! Witness #1-Daniel 12:1 and Witness #2-Revelation 12:7-9. It is MICHAEL the angelic PRINCE OF ISRAEL!