What other scriptures discuss the "man of lawlessness" or similar figures? Anchor Text: The Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3–10) “Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) • vv. 8-10 add that this figure is revealed, empowered by Satan, uses counterfeit signs, and is destroyed by the Lord’s appearing. Foreshadowed in Daniel’s Prophecies • Daniel 7:8, 25 – the “little horn… a mouth that spoke words of arrogance… He will speak words against the Most High and oppress the saints.” • Daniel 8:23-25 – “a fierce-looking king… not by his own power… he will destroy many… he will rise against the Prince of princes.” • Daniel 9:27 – he ends sacrifice and sets up “the abomination that causes desolation.” • Daniel 11:36-37 – “The king will do as he pleases, exalting and magnifying himself above every god… He will show no regard for any god but will exalt himself above them all.” • Daniel 12:11 – timing of the abomination linked to the end. Echoed by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse • Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14 – “when you see standing in the holy place the abomination of desolation.” • Matthew 24:23-24 – false christs and false prophets with “great signs and wonders” to deceive. • Luke 21:20 – Jerusalem’s desolation signals the same period. John’s Writings and the Name “Antichrist” • 1 John 2:18 – “just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming.” • 1 John 2:22 – denies “the Father and the Son.” • 1 John 4:3 – “the spirit of the antichrist… now is already in the world.” • 2 John 1:7 – “the deceiver and the antichrist” refuses to confess Christ’s incarnation. Revelation’s Beastly Portrait • Revelation 13:1-8 – beast from the sea, empowered by the dragon, blasphemes God, wages war on the saints. • Revelation 13:11-18 – second beast/false prophet performs signs, forces global worship of the first beast, marks his followers. • Revelation 17:8-14 – beast that “was, and is not, and is about to come,” allied with ten kings. • Revelation 19:19-20 – beast and false prophet captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire. Shared Traits Across the Passages • Self-exaltation and blasphemy against God. • Satanic empowerment and counterfeit miracles. • Persecution of God’s people. • A final period of unrivaled authority, followed by sudden divine judgment. • Tied to “abomination” in the sanctuary and global deception. Why These Connections Matter Scripture presents a consistent, literal portrait—from Daniel to Paul to John—of a final, lawless ruler who opposes God, deceives many, persecutes believers, and is ultimately destroyed by Christ Himself. Recognizing the echoes across these passages equips us to discern falsehood, remain steadfast, and look with confidence to the Lord’s triumphant return. |
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