“If I only knew . . . .”

The human heart can long to know the future, particularly those who want to be ready for whatever might come. Some read horoscopes or seek those with crystal balls or some “gift” in the art of prediction.

God forbids this, mostly because such activity is usually demonic and therefore deceptive. However, the Bible does offer hints about the future. A big one is that Jesus will return. Scripture also describes some of the events that will happen at that time. While many mock these prophesies, or argue about their meaning, these descriptions are helpful as we watch the daily news. Are we getting closer to the day of the Lord? Obviously. But is that day hundreds of years away or is it much sooner?

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1–4)

Because it happens first, our focus should be on wide-spread rebellion. Daily news indicates the world is in a mess. Some say it only seems worse because the media focus is ‘bad news’ with modern technology putting it into our homes ‘live’ or soon after. This idea that rebellion has always happened is not a new idea. About 2000 years ago, Paul wrote this:

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8)

What is the ‘mystery of lawlessness’? John wrote, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18) and “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” (1 John 4:3)

This “lawlessness” is a denial that Jesus is from God. That idea has been around for a long time even though it seems to be increasing. More than ever, Christians are persecuted for believing Jesus is from God. The more Jesus is denied, the greater the level of lawlessness. The Bible says that this is the work of the evil one . . .

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12)

These verses bring tears to my eyes. They remind me of Jesus’ saying He would separate His sheep from the goats. It seems that great divide is happening. The separation of those who believe in Jesus and those who do not is becoming more distinct, wider, stronger. It makes me sad, to say the least. However, Paul writes these encouraging words:

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:13–17)

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Dear Jesus, You tell me to hang on. The world says our faith is ‘out of date’ and not relevant. You say to hold on to our beliefs. The world looks for comfort in human ability, or from pills, alcohol, and all sorts of attractions and distractions. You offer us everlasting love, eternal comfort, and a life of saying and doing Your will — with the result of eternal glory in You and with You. This contrast is what makes lawlessness a mystery. Why pass up salvation and eternal life for a life of rebellion? It makes no sense to choose condemnation and an eternity separated from You and Your great love.