The Next Big Thing? Pt. 10

If you have been following this series of posts, you will appreciate a chart which takes the eschatological terms from 1st and 2nd Thessalonians and assembles them into a chronological framework. Events are defined by bubbles because the text doesn't allow for more precision. Click on the chart to get a bigger view. Note that this chart only shows the horizontal perspective - the view of what lies ahead for those who oppose the Gospel. We will eventually add to this chart (in the upper half) the "vertical perspective" which looks at the same future through the eyes of those who will participate in the "welcome." When we have completed our chart, I will provide a downloadable copy. Any questions so far?

Comments

[Jeff]

I'm a little confused on the difference between the Apostacy and the Man of Lawlessness.

[Jim Fleming]

Jeff,
The apostasy and the revelation of the man of lawlessness are distinguishable events but occupy the same general time period. The apostasy is a cultural phenomenon: Society will find its purpose in opposing God. The revelation of the man of lawlessness is a political event, the public recognition of a dynamic leader for this apostate movement. He will be a messianic pretender who champions living in defiance of God's standards. Together these terms describe the man and his movement.

[Jeff]

Ahhhhhhh, ok. I was thinking that, but wasn't sure if it was the movement that made the man or the man started the movement. Sounds like it's the former.

Not made made, but made him "The Guy."

[ms]

How did you decide to keep the apostasy bubble out of the present?

[Jeff]

If I understand the diagram and the corresponding verses correctly, the mystery of lawlessness is where the apostasy is held back until whatever holds it back is taken away. Then, the apostasy and the man of lawlessness will both be revealed for what they are. Is that about right?

[Jim Fleming]

MS,
There is no doubt that we see the erosion of our society by apostasy today. "The Apostasy" is the crowning expression of this philosophy and it is described in 2 Thess. 2:1-12 as a definite future event. It either represents the first event in the "Day of the Lord" or immediately precedes it - so I have drawn my bubble to span both possibilities. It also seems to be accompanied by the "revelation of the man of lawlessness," which suggests that one is not present without the other. Until this man hits the stage, we are just dealing with apostasy warm-ups, not the main event. Note how my bubble kisses the present - 2 Thess. 2:1-12 suggests the apostasy and the revelation of the man of lawlessness are the first definitive and identifiable events to begin the count-down to Jesus' return.

[Jim Fleming]

Jeff,
Yes, you are correct - with this one modest correction. When "the restrainer" is removed, the apostasy will not just be revealed, it will grow unrestrained, like cancer. The world will enter a period where apostasy becomes its dominant and pervasive philosophy.

[ms]

Does the revelation of the man of lawlessness coincide with the 7-year treaty with Israel?

[Jim Fleming]

MC,
It seems reasonable to make such a connection since many of the descriptive features of 2 Thess. 1:1-12 could be made to fit with a scenario from Daniel that includes Dan. 9:27. BUT, we have no clear and compelling biblical basis for making this connection. So, I prefer to answer, "It is possible, but we cannot say with absolute certainty."