Proclamation:
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to
the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our
Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good
hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and
word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15-16 (NIV)
Explanation:
These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the
influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at
Thessalonica. He began this second
chapter by discussing the antichrist and reminded them that he had told them
about these things when he was with them. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5) The coming of the antichrist will be in
accordance with how Satan works using displays of power through signs and
wonders to support his lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10) The false prophets were spreading the word
that the Day of The Lord had already come and Paul was telling the believers
that it had not come yet. (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3) Then Paul encourages them to stand firm and
hold on to the teachings which they had received. He ends by praying that God will encourage
and strengthen them.
Application:
After the rapture, the day of The Lord will begin. The Day of The Lord is a technical phrase
which refers to the period of time beginning with the Great Tribulation. (Read
Matthew 24:3-28) The antichrist will
reveal himself during this period and present himself as God. (2 Thessalonians
2:4) He will have power and he will
deceive the world. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10)
As bad as thing are in the world today, they will get worse because the
day of The Lord has not yet come. When
it does come, believers will not be here to see it because it will occur after
the rapture. So, keep the faith and keep
spreading The Word of God by mouth and by actions. We can rest assured that we are safely within
God’s hands. (John 10:29)
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