Signs of the Coming Antichrist – Part 2

Let’s stand together, church family, as we continue our special mini-series, “Signs of the Coming Antichrist.” We’ve paused our study in the Book of Romans to focus on this timely and compelling topic. If you missed last week’s session, you can catch up online. Today, we’ll read together from 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, a passage that’s both powerful and, at times, controversial—just as we discussed in our introduction last week. For the record, this isn’t my opinion. This is the Word of God. Some may disagree, but any objections should be directed at what the Bible clearly says, not at personal interpretations.

Now, let’s read 2 Thessalonians, beginning in chapter 2. This is a key passage, rich in meaning. As Paul writes: “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be easily shaken or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.” The Apostle warns, “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” Paul’s words remind us that spiritual lawlessness is already at work, a hidden force gradually unfolding.

Only He who now restrains this lawlessness will continue to do so until He is removed. The coming of the lawless one will be according to Satan’s power, complete with deceptive signs and lying wonders. Because people will reject the truth, God will allow them to believe what is false. This is a sobering reminder of the need for steadfast faith in God’s Word.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, as we delve into Your Word, grant us the clarity and insight to understand Your truth. We are here today not just to gain knowledge, but to see Jesus more clearly. In Your name we pray, Amen.

You may be seated.

As we delve into the signs of the coming Antichrist, some may wonder why we study this topic. First, it’s essential to understand the theological framework our church holds. We adhere to a premillennial view of biblical prophecy. This perspective aligns with the belief that Jesus Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth, as described in the Scriptures. By contrast, other viewpoints—such as amillennialism—interpret these prophecies differently. For example, those from Catholic backgrounds often hold an amillennial perspective, viewing the “millennium” more symbolically rather than as a literal future event.

What sets the premillennial view apart is its emphasis on the literal fulfillment of prophecy. Throughout history, we’ve seen God’s promises come true exactly as foretold. The Bible prophesied the rise of the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman Empires. These events unfolded just as God said they would, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of Scripture.

Interestingly, the Roman Empire, though it seemed to fragment over time, never entirely vanished. It evolved, forming the Western and Eastern branches, based in Rome and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). In some form, the influence of the Roman Empire continues to persist, just as God’s Word foretold. This serves as a reminder that God’s plan is unfolding precisely as He declared, and His Word can be trusted.

So, as we study these prophecies, we do so with confidence that what God says He will do, He will surely accomplish.