What Must Necessarily Come First (2)

Deeper Reflection
THE “MAN OF LAWLESSNESS” WILL APPEAR WITH “THE apostasy” before Christ’s Second Coming (v.3). This “man of lawlessness” is what John calls “the antichrist” (1 Jn 2:18). Paul’s description of the antichrist is parallel to that of the anti-god figure prophesied in Daniel 11:21-45: “who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship…proclaiming himself to be God” (v.4) parallels “he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods” (Dan 11:36); “he takes his seat in the temple of God” (v.4) parallels “[he] will desecrate the sanctuary fortress…set up the abomination of desolation” (Dan 11:31).This Daniel 11 prophecy had its initial fulfilment in Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 169 B.C. when he invaded Israel and “arrogantly entered the sanctuary” and “erected a desolating sacrilege [the abomination of desolation] on the altar of burnt offering”⁴². In predicting the 70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, Jesus highlighted “the abomination of desolation…standing in the holy place” to be another fulfilment of the Daniel 11 prophecy (Matt 24:1-2, 15-16). The appearance of the “man of lawlessness” will be the ultimate fulfilment of Daniel 11:21-45. He will come into the church and try to take control of the church by carrying out further deception in it that will lead many to fall away from the faith.⁴³ He will assume so much influence and religious authority in the worldwide community of faith that he becomes like God – the epitome of blasphemy.⁴⁴So, be spiritually prepared for the coming of the antichrist.

---

⁴² 1 Maccabees 1:20-21, 54 (NRSV) in the Apocrypha ⁴³ G. K. Beale, 210 ⁴⁴ G. K. Beale, 210