Man of Sin (2 Th 2)

A very important passage to gain a better understanding of the Antichrist is found in 2 Thessalonians 2. In this passage, we find the Man of Sin (son of perdition). This is a parallel passage to the Antichrist since the character and actions of the Man of Sin are similar to other titles, symbols and types of the Antichrist. Click on the below icon to watch a You Tube video, or continue with the study below.

When this passage in 2 Thess 2 is examined we find the following characteristics and actions of the Man of Sin:

Characteristics
Man of sin (see lawlessness)
Son of perdition
Sits (authority) in the temple of God (where God’s people are) – ‘To sit’ points to the authority, teaching, judgment and honor of the Antichrist in the nominal church
Actions
Pride / exalts himself above all called god
Lawlessness (iniquity / wickedness) – rebellion from obedience to God’s Word
Power, signs and lying wonders
Deception (lies) of unrighteousness (worldly pleasure)

Background to I and II Thessalonians

Man of Sin (Lawlessness)

Lawlessness

Law of Moses and the Prophets

Changing of the Law – Fulfilled in Christ / Nailed to the Cross

Law of Christ

Christians (Indwelt by the Holy Spirit) Fulfill the Law of Righteousness

Antichrist – Lawlessness (Iniquity)

Sits in the Temple of God

Temple (Naos)

Sits

Summary

Pride – Opposes God and Exalted as God

Power, Signs and Lying Wonders

Deception of Unrighteousness, no Love of the Truth

Son of Perdition

Study Notes on 2 Th 2:1-12

2 Th 2:1-2 – Call to Patience for the Coming of the Day of Christ

2 Th 2:3 – Apostasy First, then the Man of Sin is Revealed

2 Th 2:4-5 – Man of Sin Sits in Temple as God

2 Th 2:6-7 – God Holds Down His Revealing, Iniquity Already Works

2 Th 2:8 – The Wicked One Revealed, Lord will Destroy Him

2 Th 2:9 – Wicked One comes with Power Signs and Lying Wonders

2 Th 2:10 – Deception of Unrighteousnsness

2 Th 2:11 – God Sends Strong Delusion

2 Th 2:12 – Judgment on those are Pleased with Unrighteousness

Summary – Characteristics and Actions of the Man of Sin

Background to I and II Thessalonians

The books of I and II Thessalonians contain many passages of prophecy (i.e., things to come). This may be due to the persecution that the apostles and believers in Thessalonica endured:

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. (Act 17:5-7)

In I and II Thessalonians, the following prophetic themes exist:

God’s people will be delivered from the wrath to come – 1 Th 1:10, 1 Th 2:16, 1 Th 5:9
The Coming of Christ (‘Rapture’ of God’s people) – 1 Th 2:19-20, 1 Th 3:13, 1 Th 4:13-18, 1 Th 5:23
But, God’s people must patiently wait for the coming of the Day of the Lord, which comes as a thief in the night for those who are not God’s people – 1 Th 5:1-4, 2Th 3:5
The Last Day is a day of rest for God’s people who are persecuted, but a day of flaming fire for those who are not God’s people – 2 Th 1:4-10, 2 Th 3:16
But, before the Last Day, there will be an Apostasy and the Revealing of the prideful Man of Sin with lawlessness, power, signs, lying wonders and deception of unrighteousness – 2 Th 2:1-12

Man of Sin (Lawlessness)

Let 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 … (2Th 2:3)

The description, Man of Sin, refers to the Antichrist. The words ‘man’ and ‘sin’ provide valuable insights into the Antichrist. The word ‘man’ is the Greek word anthropos (G444) literally, means to be ‘man-faced’. That is, this word does not necessarily refer to male, but rather the more generic reference to humankind. This word occurs 560 occurrences in the New Testament, while the word for a male (e.g., husband, man, etc.) is the Greek word aner. This word refers to a male and occurs 214 times in the New Testament. Therefore, the ‘Man’ of sin reflect that this Antichrist individual will come from humankind. Some have incorrectly believed that the ‘Man of Sin’ is a reference to Satan. In Rev 13:2, the Bible teaches that the Dragon (i.e., Satan) will give His power and authority to the Leopard Beast of Rev 13:2, further suggesting that Satan will power the Antichrist.

The Man of ‘Sin’ points to the overall character and actions of the Antichrist. Sin (Greek: hamartia, G266) is discussed extensively in the Bible. The Greek (G266) and Hebrew (H2398) words for sin mean to ‘miss the mark’. Or in other words to not do the commands of the Bible.

An overall definition of sin is:

Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1Jn 3:4)

In 1 John 3:4, the words ‘transgresses’ and ‘transgression’ are translated from the Greek words for ‘without the law’ (e.g., Greek, anomos). So, the Bible in 1 John 3:4 teaches that sin is to be without the law (i.e., lawlessness). Later in 2 Th 2:7-8, the Greek words reappear as ‘iniquity’ and ‘wicked’ in referring to the Man of Sin (see further discussion on lawlessness below). Also, sin in the Bible is referred to as ‘rebellion’ (Deut 9:7, Josh 1:18). Rebellion from God similarly consists of being without law to God, or rebelling from submission to His law.

The law of God is in the Word of God, the Bible. We know that the Antichrist is opposed / against Jesus as the Christ. Notably, Jesus as the Prophet points to Jesus as the Word of God, where we find the law of God. So, the ‘Man of Sin’ is a parallel reference to the Antichrist. The Antichrist is opposed to Christ as the Prophet (Word of God) and the King (subjection and obedience to Jesus as the Word of God).

When we examine the character and action of all the other titles, symbols and types of the antichrist, we find sins such as pride, deception, lies, persecution, etc. In 2 Th 2, we find similar sins which are discussed further below under lawlessness (literally, without law).

Therefore, in order to understand the nature of being ‘without the law’ (i.e., sin, transgression, iniquity, wickedness), it is imperative to understand what the law is.

Lawlessness

Law of Moses and the Prophets

In its most basic sense, the ‘Law’ of the Bible are those commandments (as well as ordinances, statutes) that are given to humankind:

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. (Deu 30:10)
Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. (Deu 33:4)
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: (1Ki 2:3)
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mat 22:40)
But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. (Rom 7:8)
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. (Rom 7:9)
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Eph 2:15)

But, the Old Testament contained the Law of Moses and the Prophets (e.g., Lk 24:44, John 1:45, Acts 28:23), while the New Testament revealed the Law of Christ.

Changing of the Law – Fulfilled in Christ / Nailed to the Cross

Because nobody was able to keep the Law of Moses and the Prophets, there was a need for a changing of the Law:

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things … (Heb 10:1)
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle … (Heb 8:5)
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come … when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (Heb 8:5-8)
- Them – people could not ‘keep’ the holy law of God

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh (Rom 8:3)
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Gal 2:16)
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Gal 3:11)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Php 3:9)
See also: Rom 3:20, Rom 7:5-11; Act 13:39; Gal 3:21; Heb 7:18-19, Heb 10:1-10, Heb 10:14

Jesus Christ (Perfect) fulfilled the Law of Moses (Old Testament Law):

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luk 24:44)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom 10:4)
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luk 24:27)
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:3-4)
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Eph 2:15)
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:17-20)
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (Joh 1:45)
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (Act 26:22)
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (Act 28:23)
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Heb 10:12-14)
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Heb 7:26-28)
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Heb 5:8-9)
See also Heb 10:1-14, Heb 9:7-14

Nailed to the Cross:

… quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Col 2:13-14)
… how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (Gal 4:9-10)
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (Col 2:16-17)

Law of Christ

Because the Law of the Old Testament was changed, God’s people are no longer ‘under’ that Law:

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Rom 3:19)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Rom 6:14)
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Rom 6:15)
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (1Co 9:20)
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (1Co 9:21)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Gal 3:10)
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (Gal 3:23)
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law (Gal 4:4)
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Gal 4:5)
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Gal 4:21)
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Gal 5:18)

Rather, Christians (God’s people) are under the Law of Christ. The Law of Christ is the receiving of the grace of God resulting in loving God and others by the working of the indwelling Spirit of life in Christ Jesus:

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:17)
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? (Joh 12:34)
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Rom 7:4)
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom 10:4)
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (1Co 9:21)
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Gal 2:16)
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (Gal 3:17)
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:24)
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Gal 5:4)
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Php 3:9)

The Law of Christ is can also be summed as the keeping of the 2 great commandments:

Greatest commandment ‑ Mat 22:34‑40, Mk 12:28‑31, Lk 10:25‑37
Mat 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. (35) Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, (36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Mar 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? (29) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (32) And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: (33) And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (34) And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Luk 10:25-27 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (26) He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? (27) And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Neighbor – Parable of the Good Samaritan:
Luk 10:28-37 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. (29) But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (30) And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. (31) And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. (32) And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. (33) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (34) And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (35) And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (36) Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? (37) And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
The Rich Young Ruler:
- And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Mat 19:17-21)
- And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mar 10:17-22)
- And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. (Luk 18:18-23)

Christians (Indwelt by the Holy Spirit) Fulfill the Law of Righteousness

The Law of Christ results in God’s sovereign work in His elect by giving them the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16, Gal 2:20, Phil 3:9, etc.). The Holy Spirit indwells God’s people (2 Tim 1:14, Ro 8:9) resulting is righteousness in the their spirits.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Rom 3:31)
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:2-4)
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Gal 3:23-25)
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom 10:4)

Antichrist – Lawlessness (Iniquity)

The Man of Sin is a description of the Antichrist. In addition to the primary reference to sin as being lawless ness (1 John 3:4), the Greek words for lawlessness also appear in 2 Thess 2:7-8:

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And 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: (2Th 2:7-8)

In this passage, the words ’iniquity’ and ‘Wicked’ are both based on the Greek word (e.g., anomos) that literally means ‘without law’. In other words we find that the Man of Sin is referred to as the ‘Lawless one’. It is important to recognize that in 2 Th 2:7, the Bible teaches that iniquity (i.e., lawlessness) was already in existence. But, once the antichrist is revealed (i.e., the loosing of Satan from the Bottomless Pit – Rev 20:3,7-8), the Wicked one (Antichrist) will be revealed. The pattern of iniquity already existing in the 1^st century writing of 2 Thessalonians, but there will be a future Wicked one is a parallel to 1 John 2:18:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1Jn 2:18)

The meaning of lawlessness (iniquity) provides important insight into the nature of not only the Man of Sin (Antichrist), but also the Great Tribulation. Lawlessness means ‘without law’. Based on the discussions above concerning the Law, it is possible to further understand ‘Lawlessness’ in this manner:

Under the Law of Christ – God’s people
Under the Law of Moses / Prophets (Old Testament) – Legalism, those working for their salvation
No Law (Lawlessness) – those who are neither God’s people, nor those who are even trying to work for the salvation discussed in the Bible\

In short, ‘Lawlessness’ refers to those who do not live their lives with a moral code of right and wrong. Of course, that moral code is the Word of God, to which all people should obey. The Man of Sin will have a disregard for obedience. His teaching, judgment (decision-making) and authority will involve the allowance for lawlessness. End-time Babylon will be lawless in that spiritual fornication will be the code of conduct. Spiritual fornication is the worship of other gods and idols (a.k.a., worldliness). The Bible teaches that those who are not God’s people will practice lawlessness and receive judgment:

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Mat 7:23)
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (Mat 13:41)
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Mat 23:28)
And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. (Mar 15:28)
- Quote from Isa 53:12 – transgress (H6586, pasha – to break away) – 41 occurrences
- Also transgression (H6588, pasha – a revolt) – 93 occurrences
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. (Luk 22:37)
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (Act 2:23)
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (Rom 2:12)
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Rom 4:7)
- Quote from Ps 32:1 – iniquities = transgression (OT, H6588, literally a revolt)
I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. (Rom 6:19)
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (1Co 9:21)
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2Co 6:14)
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (1Ti 1:9)
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Tit 2:14)
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Heb 1:9)
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 8:12)
- See Psa 25:7, Psa 65:3; Isa 43:25, Isa 44:22 (H6586 / H6588)
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 10:17)
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1Jn 3:4)
Lawlessness Verses – Great Tribulation
- And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Mat 24:12)
- For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2Th 2:7)
- And 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: (2Th 2:8)
- For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds (2Pe 2:8)

Sits in the Temple of God

Who 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. (2Th 2:4)

Temple (Naos)

First, it is important to understand what the temple of God refers to and what it means to sit in the temple of God.

In this world, the temple (Greek: naos) of God symbolically represents the location of God’s people. Consider the following examples:

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1Co 3:9-17)
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph 2:20-22)
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2Co 6:16)

Based on the above Scriptures it can be concluded that the temple of God in the context of 2 Th 2 is where Christians gather together, commonly known as the ‘church’. This congregation would include a mixture of wheat and tares (Mat 13:24-30) referred to as the gold, silver and precious stone compared with the wood, hay and stubble.

Sits

2 Th 2:4 also teaches that the man of sin, as God, sits in the temple of God (the church). In other words, the man of sin enters into the church and sits down (Greek: kathizo, G2523). When the idea of sitting down is further examined, it can be found that it is a place of:

Teaching (Mat 5:1, Mat 23:2, Mk 9:35, Acts 13:14, Lk 4:20, Lk 5:3, John 8:2, Acts 8:31, Acts 13:14, Acts 18:11)
Judgment (Mat 13:48, John 19:13, Mat 19:28, Mat 25:31, Rev 20:4, Lk 22:30, Lk 14:28-31, Acts 2:3, Acts 25:6,17, 1 Cor 6:4)
Honor and Authority (Mat 20:21-23, Heb 1:3, Heb 8:1, Heb 10:12, Heb 12:2, Rev 3:21, Mk 16:19, Eph 1:20)

G2523 – (Gr: kathizo) – to set / sit down (48 occurrences)
- And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: (Mat 5:1)
- Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad (Mat 13:48)
- And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Mat 19:28)
- And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy (Mat 20:21)
- And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my (Mat 20:23)
- Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: (Mat 23:2)
- When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Mat 25:31)
- Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray (Mat 26:36)
- And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mar 9:35)
- () They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy (Mar 10:37)
- But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. (Mar 10:40)
- And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring (Mar 11:2)
- And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon (Mar 11:7)
- And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in (Mar 12:41)
- And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. (Mar 14:32)
- So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mar 16:19)
- And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on (Luk 4:20)
- And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. (Luk 5:3)
- For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luk 14:28)
- Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? (Luk 14:31)
- And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write (Luk 16:6)
- Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. (Luk 19:30)
- That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luk 22:30)
- And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luk 24:49)
- And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught (Joh 8:2)
- And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, (Joh 12:14)
- When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, (Joh 19:13)
- And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Act 2:3)
- Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; (Act 2:30)
- And he said, ( ) How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with (Act 8:31)
- And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, ( ) sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto (Act 12:21)
- But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. (Act 13:14)
- And on( ) the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted (Act 16:13)
- And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among (Act 18:11)
- And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. (Act 25:6)
- Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. (Act 25:17)
- If then ye( ) have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the (1Co 6:4)
- Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (1Co 10:7)
- Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Eph 1:20)
- Who 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 (2Th 2:4)
- Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Heb 1:3)
- Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (Heb 8:1)
- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Heb 10:12)
- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)
- To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his (Rev 3:21)
- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand (Rev 20:4)

Summary

Combining these thoughts together, it is evident that the man of sin (the Antichrist) will influence the church by its teaching, judgment (decision-making, not enforcing godly standards) and honor and authority. Lawlessness (no interest in obeying the laws of the Bible, whether the Law of the Old Testament or the Law of Christ). Since the antichrist will receive the power and authority of Satan (Rev 13:2, Dan 8:24, Rev 17:12-13), the Antichrist will believe in Jesus, bit will bring his doctrines that deny Jesus as the Christ:

Against Jesus as Prophet – does not respect the authority and importance of the Bible (Jesus as the Word of God) – lawlessness
Against Jesus as the Priest – does not accept the gracious work of the sacrifice of Jesus (other ways of salvation, salvation by works-based means)
Against Jesus as the King – does not regard that obedience to Jesus (Word of God) is important

The Antichrist will also represent Satan’s kingdom (worldliness), which are the nations of this world (Mat 4:8-10):

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2Co 4:4)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1Jn 2:15-17)

This love of the world within the temple of God (i.e., the church) is on display in Babylon (Rev 17-18). This Babylon uses spiritual fornication (worship of other gods and idols, a.k.a., worldliness) to corrupt all her members and the nations of the world. Babylon is powered by the Scarlet Beast (kingdom of Satan), which is headed by the 7^th head of the Scarlet Beast (which is the Antichrist).

Pride – Opposes God and Exalted as God

Who 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. (2Th 2:4)

As the Antichrist sits in the temple of God (i.e., the church – Babylon), the Bible teaches us that he opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped. The Greek word for ‘opposes’ (antikeimai) literally means to lay against. The nature of the Antichrist is to be against (anti) the work of Christ as the Prophet, Priest and King (see above discussion). So, once again, there is harmony in that the Man of Sin is the same as the Antichrist.

By denying Jesus as the Christ, the Man of Sin exalts himself due to him sitting in the temple of God. As discussed above, to sit in the temple of God is to be able to teach (influence doctrine), influence decision-making (judgment) and to be honored in authority. We find the same pride in other titles, symbols and types of the antichrist:

Leopard Beast of Rev 13:
- … and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? … And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:4, 8)
- And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. (Rev 13:5-6)
Little Horn of Daniel 8
- Magnified himself even to the prince of the host (Christ) – Dan 8:11
- Magnify in his heart – Dan 8:25
- Will stand up against the Prince of princes – Dan 8:25
King of the North
- And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (Dan 11:36-37)

King of Babylon’s Pride (Is 14, Dan 4)
- That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon … For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isa 14:4,13-15)

Nebuchadnezzar – like a lifted tree high to heaven – Dan 4:10-11, 20, 37

Babylon (led by 7^th Head of scarlet beast) – Jer 50, Rev 17
- Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud … And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him … The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. (Jer 50:31-33)
Prince of Tyre’s Pride (Eze 28)
- … say unto the prince of Tyrus … Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches (Eze 28:2-5)

Power, Signs and Lying Wonders

Notable characteristics of the Man of Sin (Antichrist) is that of power, signs and wonders.

Power

The Greek word for power is dunamis (G1411). This word literally means to have the capability or ability to do something. It is often translated as power. This is the same word used in Rev 13:2 that describes Satan giving the Leopard Beast his power:

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (Rev 13:2)

The word is also used in Rev 17:12-13 to describe the 10 horns giving their power to the scarlet beast of Revelation 17 (7^th head of the scarlet beast is the Antichrist):

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (Rev 17:12-13)

This power that is given to the Man of Sin allows this individual to have power over Babylon and the nations of the world through deception, lawlessness and worldliness.

Signs and Lying Wonders

An important feature of the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation are ‘signs and wonders’. These two words (signs, wonders) often occur together because of the close affinity of the ‘wonder’ that people usually have when they see a sign.

The Greek word for ‘wonder’ is teras (G5059), which literally means prodigy, omen or something odd or unique. The Greek word for ‘sign’ is semeion (G592), which literally means an indication or symbol. This Greek word is translated as ‘sign’ or ‘miracle’. A sign was typically something out of the normal including healings, raising the dead, speaking with tongues, or other miracles recorded on the Bible. They are called signs because they were symbols for deeper spiritual truths.

Valid ‘signs and wonders’ existed during the time of Christ and the 1^st century apostolic church. The ‘signs and wonders’ validated the work of Christ as well as the apostolic (1^st century) church:

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (2Co 12:12)
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Heb 2:4)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Mar 16:17)
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mar 16:20)
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Rom 15:19)
Apostolic signs and wonders- 2 Cor 12:12, Heb 2:4, Heb 6:5, Ro 15:19, Acts 2:19, Acts 2:22, Acts 2:43, Acts 4:30, Acts 5:12, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:36, Acts 14:3, Acts 15:12, Dan 4:2, 6:27,1 Cor 12:10 gifts, Mk 16:20

The ‘apostolic age’ existed in the 1^st century and resulted in the writing of the New Testament. Valid ‘signs and wonders’ performed by God’s people existed during the time. However, once the New Testament was given by God to the apostles, ‘signs and wonders’ ceased as the apostolic church passed away. Please consider the following You Tube videos to understand the nature of ‘signs and wonders’:

https://youtu.be/B4T9uhNI8gY – False Prophet Rev 13
https://youtu.be/RO0cAl7zaAE – Fire from heaven, signs and wonders

Subsequent to the 1^st century church, ‘signs and wonders’ are false signs:

False signs and wonders – Col 2:18-19, 1 Tim 4:1-4, 2 Tim 4:3-4, 2 Cor 11:3-15, Mat 24:24, Mk 13:22, Rev 13, Mat 7:15-22, Rev 16:13-14, 19 :20, Mat 16:4,12, Mat 12:39, Lk 11:29-32, 1 Tim 1:3-4, 2 Tim 2:16-20, 23, 2 Thess 2:9, 1 Tim 6:20, Titus 1:10-16, 2 Cor 11:4, Rev 2:2

Moreover, false ‘signs and wonders’ are an important characteristic of the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation:

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Mat 24:5)
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Mat 24:11)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Mat 24:24)
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mar 13:22)

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mar 13:22)
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luk 21:11)
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luk 21:25)
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, (Rev 13:13)
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Rev 13:14)
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Rev 16:14)
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Rev 19:20)

Deception of Unrighteousness, no Love of the Truth

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2Th 2:10-12)

Another important action of the Man of Sin is deception by allowing for unrighteousness. The Greek word for ‘deception’ is apatao, which means to deceive by charming words. This is the same word used in 1 Tim 2:14, where the Bible speaks of the deception of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The Serpent’s deception was subtle (charming). Also, in Mat 13:22 and Mk 4:19, the same word is used in describing the deception of the cares of this world and the pursuit of riches:

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Mat 13:22)

Other passages similarly describe other deceptions that on the surface may appear harmless, but in reality are serious:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22)

In 2 Th 2:10, the Bible teaches that unrighteousness is deceptive (subtle / charming). In 2 Th 2:12, the Bible teaches that those who are deceived by the pleasures of unrighteousness will be damned (condemned / judged). The Greek word for unrighteousness is adikia (G93), which literally means ‘without justice’. It is to not be righteous; not to be just. To be just, one must have a code of what is right and what is wrong. The Word of God (the Bible) is the source of truth and is what defines righteousness.

Other passages in the Bible that discuss unrighteousness include:

Persecution of the righteous:
- For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. (1Pe 2:19)
All unsaved people:
- For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1Pe 3:18)
- The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (2Pe 2:9)
- Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (1Co 6:9)
To not regard faithful work
- For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Heb 6:10)
Unjust steward who cheated, but provided a positive worldly effect
- And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (Luk 16:8)
- If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luk 16:11)
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus Christ for money:
- Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. (Act 1:18)
The tongue / words:
- And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (Jas 3:6)
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (1Jn 5:17)
To not love the truth – anything that is not of the truth
- The truth is the Word of God – John 17:17, John 8:40
- But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (Rom 2:8)
- That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Th 2:12)
- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Rom 1:18)
- And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2Th 2:10)

Son of Perdition

Let 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; (2Th 2:3)

The son of perdition description provides additional insight into the character and actions of the Antichrist. There are two important features: the meaning of perdition and the fact that Judas Iscariot was given the same title by Jesus Christ in John 17:12.

Perdition

In 2 Th 2:3, ‘perdition’ is the Greek word apollumi (G622) and literally means to destroy fully. This word along with its cognate apoleia (G684) occurs over 100 times in the New Testament and is also translated as damnation and destruction. Notably, its other cognate, Apollyon (G623) is the name found in Rev 9:11 for Satan. In Rev 9:1-11, the context is the 5^th trumpet of Revelation. The 5^th trumpet is a symbolic reference to the Great Tribulation and involves the opening of the Bottomless Pit (a parallel passage to Re 20:3,7-8 involving the loosing of Satan). Locusts are loosed out of the pit and go out to destroy by deception. Therefore, we find that the Man of Sin is also the son of perdition (destruction). His destructive strategies include those discussed in 2 Th 2:1-12 (deception, lying, unrightoeusness, lawlessness, sin, etc.). In this regard, he is truly the son of Apollyon. Apollyon is Satan as he walks about seeking to destroy people (1 Pet 5:8) as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:3-4,13-15). Satan’s son is none other than the antichrist, the son of perdition of whom Satan gives his power and authority to during the Great Tribulation (Rev 13:2).

Judas Iscariot as the Son of Perdition

The only other entity referred to as the Son of Perdition is Judas Iscariot:

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (Joh 17:12)

The scripture being fulfilled can be found in Ps 109. The following excerpt provides additional parallel information concerning the son of perdition:

Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; and let another take his office. (Psa 109:6-8)

In this passage we find similar truths as to the character and actions of the Antichrist. We see that the son of perdition, Judas Iscariot was wicked (similar to what is found in 2 Th 2:8-9). He was a man of sin. His days were few, similar to the ‘little season’ of the Great Tribulation (Rev 6:11, Rev 20:3, etc.). Finally, in Ps 109:6, we see that Satan stands at his right hand. That harmonizes with the fact that Judas Iscariot was actually became indwelt by Satan (John 13:2, John 13:27). This is a parallel that the dragon (Satan) gives the leopard beast his power and authority (Rev 13:2).

Satan indwells Judas Iscariot
- Lk 22:3 – Satan entered into Judas Iscariot (then he went and communed with the chief priests and captains on how they might betray Jesus (Judas given money) – see Lk 22:4-6)
- John 13:27 – After the sop, Satan entered into Judas and Jesus told him to do quickly what he would do.
- John 14:30 – The prince of this world is coming and he hath nothing in me (referring to Judas Iscariot filled with Satan)
Judas Iscariot
- John 6:70 – Jesus chose the twelve, but one was a devil
- John 13:2 – Devil put betrayal into the heart of Judas Iscariot
Suicide or desire for suicide in the Bible
- Judas Iscariot – Mat 27:5, Acts 1:18-19
Judas did not care for the poor, he was a thief (to steal kill and destroy – John 10:10)
- Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. (Joh 12:4-6)