2 Thessalonians 2
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I wrote this blog 5 years ago. There is no such thing in THIS CHAPTER as a Falling Away, it's a DEPARTURE [of the Church].
Is the Falling Away is a False Teaching?
I have evolved with much study on this. I used to argue to all that there had to be this great Falling Away also. All because of this one passage. 2 Thessalonians 2:3. I do agree that the world gets far eviler towards the end (now), as foretold in Romans chapter 1, and as Peter said, there will be scoffers in the last days, etc., etc. But I do not think the true Church can “Fall Away”, either you are of Christ/God or you are not, and will be left ben this earth by the Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Anyway, here is my understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NASB) This verse is used by many, and they say it implies a “Falling Away” from the faith. But a guy named Tommy Ice has shed some exceptional light on this passage.
Mr. Ice has pointed out that the Greek noun, apostasia, is used only twice in the new testament. The other occurrence is in Acts 21:21 where it states that an accusation was made against Paul that he was “teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake [apostasia] Moses.”
The word is used in verb form a total of 15 times in the New Testament, and only three of these have anything to do with a departure from the faith (Luke 8:13, 1 Timothy 4:1, and Hebrews 3:12). In other settings, the word is used for departing from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19), departing from ungodly men (1 Timothy 6:5), departing from the temple (Luke 2:27), departing from the body (2 Corinthians 12:8), and departing from persons (Acts 12:10 and Luke 4:13).
This insight about the use and meaning of the word was certainly compelling, but the argument Mr. Ice presented that was most convicting was his revelation that the first seven English translations of the bible rendered the noun, apostasia, as either “departure” or “departing.”
They were as follows:
1.The Wycliffe Bible (1384)
2.The Tyndale Bible (1526)
3. The Coverdale Bible (1535)
4. The Cranmer Bible (1539)
5. The Great Bible (1540)
6. The Beeches Bible (1576)
7. The Geneva Bible (1608)
Mr. Ice also noted that the Bible used by the Western world from 400 AD to the 1500s — Jerome’s Latin translation known as “The Vulgate” — rendered apostasia with the Latin word, discessio, which also means “departure.” The first translation of the word to mean apostasy in an English Bible did not occur until 1611 when the King James Version was issued. So, why did the King James translators introduce a completely new rendering of the word as “falling away”? The best guess is that they were taking a stab at the "false teachings of Catholicism".
One other point Mr. Ice made that I think is significant is that Paul used a "definite article" with the word apostasia. The significance of this is emphasized by Daniel Davey in a thesis he wrote for the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary:
Since the Greek language does not need an article to make the noun definite, it becomes clear that with the usage of the article, reference is being made to something in particular. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the word apostasia is prefaced by the definite article which means that Paul is pointing to a particular type of departure clearly known to the Thessalonian church.
In light of this grammatical point, Tommy observed that “the use of the definite article would support the notion that Paul spoke of a clear, "discernible notion.” And that notion he had already identified in verse 1 when he stated that he was writing about “our gathering together to Him [Jesus].” This interpretation also corresponds to the point that Paul makes in verses 6 and 7 where he states that the man of lawlessness will not come until what “restrains” him “is taken out of the way.”
And what it is that restrains evil in the world today? The Holy Spirit working through the Church. I think when the Church departs, the Anti-Christ will be free to come to power. I think the church rendered the sixth head of the beast with a mortal wound that will only be healed after the church Departs.
I do not think this has anything to do with a Falling Away. It is the Church departing before the Anti-Christ is brought forth. The King James Bible changed the known understanding that has been around for 1500 some odd years, to a departing of the faith, when faith is not spoken about in the entire chapter. So, the RCC and the Church of England were playing politics, hmm, sounds about right, I mean they did both torture people in those days.
Is the Falling Away is a False Teaching?
I have evolved with much study on this. I used to argue to all that there had to be this great Falling Away also. All because of this one passage. 2 Thessalonians 2:3. I do agree that the world gets far eviler towards the end (now), as foretold in Romans chapter 1, and as Peter said, there will be scoffers in the last days, etc., etc. But I do not think the true Church can “Fall Away”, either you are of Christ/God or you are not, and will be left ben this earth by the Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Anyway, here is my understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction…” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NASB) This verse is used by many, and they say it implies a “Falling Away” from the faith. But a guy named Tommy Ice has shed some exceptional light on this passage.
Mr. Ice has pointed out that the Greek noun, apostasia, is used only twice in the new testament. The other occurrence is in Acts 21:21 where it states that an accusation was made against Paul that he was “teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake [apostasia] Moses.”
The word is used in verb form a total of 15 times in the New Testament, and only three of these have anything to do with a departure from the faith (Luke 8:13, 1 Timothy 4:1, and Hebrews 3:12). In other settings, the word is used for departing from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19), departing from ungodly men (1 Timothy 6:5), departing from the temple (Luke 2:27), departing from the body (2 Corinthians 12:8), and departing from persons (Acts 12:10 and Luke 4:13).
This insight about the use and meaning of the word was certainly compelling, but the argument Mr. Ice presented that was most convicting was his revelation that the first seven English translations of the bible rendered the noun, apostasia, as either “departure” or “departing.”
They were as follows:
1.The Wycliffe Bible (1384)
2.The Tyndale Bible (1526)
3. The Coverdale Bible (1535)
4. The Cranmer Bible (1539)
5. The Great Bible (1540)
6. The Beeches Bible (1576)
7. The Geneva Bible (1608)
Mr. Ice also noted that the Bible used by the Western world from 400 AD to the 1500s — Jerome’s Latin translation known as “The Vulgate” — rendered apostasia with the Latin word, discessio, which also means “departure.” The first translation of the word to mean apostasy in an English Bible did not occur until 1611 when the King James Version was issued. So, why did the King James translators introduce a completely new rendering of the word as “falling away”? The best guess is that they were taking a stab at the "false teachings of Catholicism".
One other point Mr. Ice made that I think is significant is that Paul used a "definite article" with the word apostasia. The significance of this is emphasized by Daniel Davey in a thesis he wrote for the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary:
Since the Greek language does not need an article to make the noun definite, it becomes clear that with the usage of the article, reference is being made to something in particular. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 the word apostasia is prefaced by the definite article which means that Paul is pointing to a particular type of departure clearly known to the Thessalonian church.
In light of this grammatical point, Tommy observed that “the use of the definite article would support the notion that Paul spoke of a clear, "discernible notion.” And that notion he had already identified in verse 1 when he stated that he was writing about “our gathering together to Him [Jesus].” This interpretation also corresponds to the point that Paul makes in verses 6 and 7 where he states that the man of lawlessness will not come until what “restrains” him “is taken out of the way.”
And what it is that restrains evil in the world today? The Holy Spirit working through the Church. I think when the Church departs, the Anti-Christ will be free to come to power. I think the church rendered the sixth head of the beast with a mortal wound that will only be healed after the church Departs.
I do not think this has anything to do with a Falling Away. It is the Church departing before the Anti-Christ is brought forth. The King James Bible changed the known understanding that has been around for 1500 some odd years, to a departing of the faith, when faith is not spoken about in the entire chapter. So, the RCC and the Church of England were playing politics, hmm, sounds about right, I mean they did both torture people in those days.
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I've read similar arguments and they don't work. Here's why:
Because the alleged departure [of the church] in a hoped-for pre-trib rapture doesn't happen until the day of Christ's return and our being gathered to Him does not happen until Christ returns.
Skip a few verses down and it's evident Jesus doesn't return until after the man of sin (anti-Christ figure) is already in the temple claiming to be God. Jesus destroys this man with the brightness of His coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
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:
This conclusively means that Jesus returns to end the great tribulation, marking it with the annihilation of the wicked man of sin known as the anti-Christ. The departure of the church in a rapture won't happen until after the great tribulation.
I don't know Greek, but the people who translated a great variety of translations and versions do. There's widespread consensus that the "departure" is actually a departure from a faith once held, not a departure from one geographical location to another. It means apostasy and it's what we would refer to as falling away, abandoning our faith, etc.
So, in my honest opinion, you gave it a good shot, but ultimately what you're suggesting just doesn't fit the context.
Because the alleged departure [of the church] in a hoped-for pre-trib rapture doesn't happen until the day of Christ's return and our being gathered to Him does not happen until Christ returns.
Skip a few verses down and it's evident Jesus doesn't return until after the man of sin (anti-Christ figure) is already in the temple claiming to be God. Jesus destroys this man with the brightness of His coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
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:
This conclusively means that Jesus returns to end the great tribulation, marking it with the annihilation of the wicked man of sin known as the anti-Christ. The departure of the church in a rapture won't happen until after the great tribulation.
I don't know Greek, but the people who translated a great variety of translations and versions do. There's widespread consensus that the "departure" is actually a departure from a faith once held, not a departure from one geographical location to another. It means apostasy and it's what we would refer to as falling away, abandoning our faith, etc.
So, in my honest opinion, you gave it a good shot, but ultimately what you're suggesting just doesn't fit the context.
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As I have pointed out so many times, the word 'apostasia' can be translated as 'defection, apostasy, departure (implying desertion), falling away, etc. If you use the word 'departure' then it must retain the original meaning of 'apostasia.' Therefore departure must mean to depart from faith and cannot mean departing up into the wild blue yonder. It can't be used that way! The only other place that the word 'apostasia' is used, is in Acts 21:21 which is referring to departing from the law of Moses. It can't be forced to mean to depart up into the air.
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Also, I might add that the "restrainer" most likely is not the Holy Spirit. There's a few problems with that:
1. The two witnesses of the great tribulation perform miracles. Miracles are performed through the working of the Holy Spirit. No Holy Spirit of God - no miracles.
2. Those on Earth who make up the church will be present for the great tribulation, meaning that if the restrainer is the Holy Spirit and He is removed then the whole church just lost their Born Again status.
3. If you don't agree that all of those on Earth who make up the church will be present for the great tribulation then there's evidence in Revelation that says there will be some saints present in the mark of the beats period. No Holy Spirit - no saints.
Just doesn't work. I propose to you that the restrainer is Michael the Archangel. Read the later chapters in Daniel. It seems most likely.
1. The two witnesses of the great tribulation perform miracles. Miracles are performed through the working of the Holy Spirit. No Holy Spirit of God - no miracles.
2. Those on Earth who make up the church will be present for the great tribulation, meaning that if the restrainer is the Holy Spirit and He is removed then the whole church just lost their Born Again status.
3. If you don't agree that all of those on Earth who make up the church will be present for the great tribulation then there's evidence in Revelation that says there will be some saints present in the mark of the beats period. No Holy Spirit - no saints.
Just doesn't work. I propose to you that the restrainer is Michael the Archangel. Read the later chapters in Daniel. It seems most likely.
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Obey what?
John 6:
28Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”
John 13:34
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another
Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
If a person is born again, then they have eternal life. It is not dependent on subsequent behaviour, as the case of the Corinthian sinner demonstrates. Obedience should be the hallmark of a Christian. But it is the result of being born again, not the requirement to be born again. Yes, OSAS. However, people can be disqualified from the Kingdom of God and miss out on the rewards that Lord Jesus promised. But no born again believer will be found in hell.
John 6:
28Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”
John 13:34
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another
Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
If a person is born again, then they have eternal life. It is not dependent on subsequent behaviour, as the case of the Corinthian sinner demonstrates. Obedience should be the hallmark of a Christian. But it is the result of being born again, not the requirement to be born again. Yes, OSAS. However, people can be disqualified from the Kingdom of God and miss out on the rewards that Lord Jesus promised. But no born again believer will be found in hell.
Why do you ask…
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to explain the Word of God to you…
The Holy Spirit is the only one that knows the Truth…He is The Spirit of Truth….and our Teacher, Guide, Counselor, and Comforter….just saying…”Why are you asking us???!!!”
Perhaps you should be in your prayer closet asking Him all these questions..,,
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to explain the Word of God to you…
The Holy Spirit is the only one that knows the Truth…He is The Spirit of Truth….and our Teacher, Guide, Counselor, and Comforter….just saying…”Why are you asking us???!!!”
Perhaps you should be in your prayer closet asking Him all these questions..,,
There is another take on this. The restraining is the influence of Christians who are like the wise virgins, Matthew 25. They maintain their Christian walk and they do not grieve the Holy Spirit, so retaining the anointing. Other Christians give up and cease to be active in the faith. I've been there and it is a terrible place to be.
Those who "overcome", as in the messages to the 7 churches, will be taken up before the tribulation. Those who have ceased to be active, or who never really got started, will remain to face the tribulation. God intends for those people to repent and turn to Him for mercy and grace in the time of trouble.
There are many theories. I would not quote mine if I did not believe it. I read many Watchman Nee books, which is where I found the theory. However, I could easily be wrong. We will find out in due course!
I have reasons to believe the theory. Christ is building His church and the gates of hell cannot stand before her. We share in the victory of Christ, if we will receive it. Those who are praying, engaging in spiritual warfare and resisting Satan keep him from carrying out his foul purpose. Once they are removed, Satan will be free to do as he pleases. Already the world is being programmed to accept a world ruler without question. The world hates the truth and God's delusion is at work. AntiChrist forces are stronger than ever. An Indonesian epidemiologist coined the phrase "herd stupidity". It describes the Western world very well. It was in the context of COVID responses, but it applies equally to all that is woke, transgender promotion, CRT, BLM, white privilege and all the other crackpot movements that make up the stupidity pandemic.
Those who "overcome", as in the messages to the 7 churches, will be taken up before the tribulation. Those who have ceased to be active, or who never really got started, will remain to face the tribulation. God intends for those people to repent and turn to Him for mercy and grace in the time of trouble.
There are many theories. I would not quote mine if I did not believe it. I read many Watchman Nee books, which is where I found the theory. However, I could easily be wrong. We will find out in due course!
I have reasons to believe the theory. Christ is building His church and the gates of hell cannot stand before her. We share in the victory of Christ, if we will receive it. Those who are praying, engaging in spiritual warfare and resisting Satan keep him from carrying out his foul purpose. Once they are removed, Satan will be free to do as he pleases. Already the world is being programmed to accept a world ruler without question. The world hates the truth and God's delusion is at work. AntiChrist forces are stronger than ever. An Indonesian epidemiologist coined the phrase "herd stupidity". It describes the Western world very well. It was in the context of COVID responses, but it applies equally to all that is woke, transgender promotion, CRT, BLM, white privilege and all the other crackpot movements that make up the stupidity pandemic.
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This is a very good question Hakawaka.
I am a bit busy, but the parable of the tares explains how God judged Jerusalem in fire.
Also this will help:
Matthew 26
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And indeed, one of the legions which razed Jerusalem was the 12th legion, the Fulminata. The Thunderbolt.......
I am a bit busy, but the parable of the tares explains how God judged Jerusalem in fire.
Also this will help:
Matthew 26
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And indeed, one of the legions which razed Jerusalem was the 12th legion, the Fulminata. The Thunderbolt.......
I would say that the possibility that the church is the restrainer is definitely feasible due to the aforementioned falling away.
Jesus said to His disciples that they're the salt of the Earth. Salt prevents restrains the decay of meat. In spiritual terms, I think Jesus was just saying that they prevent moral and spiritual decay. I believe this can apply to the church as well.
Matthew 5:13
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
We will find out for sure.
Jesus said to His disciples that they're the salt of the Earth. Salt prevents restrains the decay of meat. In spiritual terms, I think Jesus was just saying that they prevent moral and spiritual decay. I believe this can apply to the church as well.
Matthew 5:13
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
We will find out for sure.
Why do you ask…
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to explain the Word of God to you…
The Holy Spirit is the only one that knows the Truth…He is The Spirit of Truth….and our Teacher, Guide, Counselor, and Comforter….just saying…”Why are you asking us???!!!”
Perhaps you should be in your prayer closet asking Him all these questions..,,
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to explain the Word of God to you…
The Holy Spirit is the only one that knows the Truth…He is The Spirit of Truth….and our Teacher, Guide, Counselor, and Comforter….just saying…”Why are you asking us???!!!”
Perhaps you should be in your prayer closet asking Him all these questions..,,
2) Er...yes
3) You have inadvertently led me to this book https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Question-Questions-Asked-Answered/dp/1426755147
4) I can give answers as well
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Really?
17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.
18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children.19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.
18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children.19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
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Really.
Do you know who the Medes are?
Do you realize that the city of Babylon - today - is the richest city on earth?
(Yes - the same city of Babylon - the old one which is also the new one.)
The city of Babylon has "come full circle" - did you know that?
Today, there are more riches in Babylon than anywhere else on earth - including the Vatican.
Do you know who the Medes are?
Do you realize that the city of Babylon - today - is the richest city on earth?
(Yes - the same city of Babylon - the old one which is also the new one.)
The city of Babylon has "come full circle" - did you know that?
Today, there are more riches in Babylon than anywhere else on earth - including the Vatican.