Son of Perdition
“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Before the antichrist, or as he is called in this verse, “the son of perdition” is revealed, there will first be a worldwide falling away from God. The word for “falling away” in the Greek language conveys the idea of a rebellion against God. We have seen this increasing in the world even among those who identify themselves as Christian.
Let’s think about it. For billions of people to welcome this world leader and believe his lies, a massive change would have to occur in the world’s attitude towards God, the Bible, Christians, and Jews. We are witnessing the spirit of hatred and anti-Semitism towards Jewish people, as we have not seen since Hitler and the Nazi’s during World War 2.
In addition, thousands of Christians are being murdered all over the world and for the most part the news media is silent about it. Once an anti-God mentality dominates society, the world will be prepared to receive the antichrist. Paul says the man of sin will then be revealed. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no one deceives you.”
The world is being prepared or primed for this world leader’s domination. Media has been feeding us lies and narratives that sound good and compassionate. Yet these lies sow anger, hatred and division into the hearts and minds of people. Will this future global leader use the media to deceive the world and gain support? You can bet on it. But for now, this man of sin is hidden or concealed. It’s interesting that his title in
2 Thessalonians 2:3 is the “son of perdition.” In the Scriptures, the only other reference to the son of perdition is in John 17:12. This is regarding Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. The word “perdition” is mentioned in several verses including 2 Peter 3:7, Hebrews 10:39 and Philippians1:28.
2 Peter 3:7 says, “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
In Strong’s Concordance the word is ap-o-lay-ah and has the meaning of “the destruction which consists of eternal misery and perdition, excluded from the kingdom of God. Doomed to eternal ruin.”
Son of Perdition is a fitting title, as this world leader will literally bring extreme ruin and destruction to the earth and to mankind. He will be opposed to God and all that God represents. He is also described as the man of lawlessness – he will be without law – more than a lawless attitude.
We see this spirit at work now throughout the world in leaders who exalt themselves above the law with no regard for established laws, and devise laws to perform their evil deeds. It is as Psalms 94:20 states, “…which frameth mischief by a law.”
2 Thessalonians 2:4 also tells us that when the son of perdition is revealed he will begin to “exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, He will come as an angel of light – a savior to the world.” This is exactly what Lucifer attempted to do in Isaiah14:13-14 which says, “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will be like the most High.” And we know that Satan will completely take over and possess this world leader.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 also says that he will enter a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, where he will declare himself to be God incarnate, and that he will use supernatural signs and wonders to try to prove he is God.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:24 about the last days. He says, “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.”
People will be so amazed at his feats that they will follow him. In the world’s eyes, his signs will look extraordinary. Maybe this is where we will see the real intended use of AI and technology. Any faithful Christian who is growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His word, can sense the time is very short before the rapture of the Church and the start of the 7-year tribulation.
The good news is that the Gospel is being preached, many people are committing their lives to Jesus Christ, and many more are becoming soul winners. Many are praying and fasting for others, and many are examining their lives to walk in a way worthy of their Lord and Savior. God is cleansing His Church. Young people across the world are waking up and surrendering their lives to Jesus with a passion for God.
Barna surveys are reporting that Gen Z (13-17 year olds) are motivated to continue learning about Jesus. An October 2022 Barna survey of 2000 U.S. adults stated that 3 out of 4 (74%) say they want to grow spiritually. 77% say they believe in a higher power and nearly half (44%) say they are more open to God today than before the pandemic.
Let’s remember not to fear man, but to fear God. Let’s share God’s love and truth with others, and reveal Jesus to a lost and dying world.
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By Bill Wiese, author of 23 Minutes in Hell