who do you say is the Restrainer

[Littlelambseativy]

Getting back to the OP the Restrainer can be none other than the Holy Spirit..because it is He Who also seals the believer. It cannot be the church because the church is taken out in the rapture and the a Holy Spirit will still be active during the Tribulation but will not seal anyone. It cannot be Michael because he is an angel and is the angel in charge of Israel and has no power to speak to the hearts of men today or any day as the Holy Spirit can. Michael will protects and will fight for Israel not the church.

[JesusisGod2]

Some think the restrainer is actually the USA

[Last Daze]

Some think the restrainer is actually the USA

 

The restrainer was restraining in Paul's day.

 

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.  2Thess 2:7

[JesusisGod2]

Hi Last Daze,  I agree with you but, Actually Paul is speaking about the end times here, which is the subject matter he is addressing concerning the  rapture and resurrection of the saints

 

So I am not saying the USA id the restrainer per say. Nor am I saying that they are the restrainer at all.

 

But I read a pretty interesting article from I really cant remember where (that is food for thought) The Lord is using the USA as a restraining force preventing the enemy from attacking Israel and when the USA withdraws from the middle east which they are always talking about, that this is indeed what will happen. Is it fact? I do not know as the bible really isn't specific on it.

 

Some think its God Himself while others think it is a human government, its really not clear, although it is when this restrainer is taken out of the way that the antichrist will be revealed

 

 

 

 

[Bible2]

Sonseeahray said in post 50:

 

So the real message of John had to be very simple and relevant to their time.

 

Note that just as Jesus' 2nd coming in Revelation 19:7 to 20:3 has always been relevant to Christians despite the fact it has never been fulfilled, but will be fulfilled almost entirely literally in our future, so the highly-detailed and chronological events of the preceding tribulation in Revelation chapters 6 to 18, and the subsequent millennium and other events in Revelation chapters 20 to 22, have always been relevant to Christians despite the fact they have never been fulfilled, but will be fulfilled almost entirely literally in our future.

 

To put it another way, the future fulfillment of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24, before Jesus returns immediately after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19:7 to 20:6), should be relevant to every Christian regardless of whether or not he thinks he will still be alive to go through it, just as, for example, the past fulfillment of Genesis chapters 1 to 11 should be relevant to every Christian regardless of him not being alive at that time to experience it. For all scripture regarding all times is profitable to all Christians in all times (2 Timothy 3:16).

 

Also, the future fulfillment of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24 should be especially relevant to every Christian alive today. For the main reason the Bible gives clear warning ahead of time about everything Christians alive at the time of the tribulation will have to face (Mark 13:23, Revelation chapters 6 to 18, Revelation 1:1, Revelation 22:16), before Jesus returns immediately after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19:7 to 20:6), is so Christians can be better prepared mentally not to be blindsided (1 Peter 4:12-13) or deceived by anything that is coming (Matthew 24:4-5,23-25, Revelation 13:13-18, Revelation 19:20), and so they can be better prepared mentally to endure the future tribulation with patience and faith to the end (Matthew 24:9-13, Revelation 13:7-10, Revelation 14:12-13, Revelation 20:4-6), and not commit apostasy during the tribulation (Isaiah 8:21-22, Matthew 24:9-13, Matthew 13:21), to the ultimate loss of their salvation (Hebrews 6:4-8, John 15:6; 2 Timothy 2:12).

 

On the other hand, preterism (whether full or partial), as well as historicism (in its various modern forms), and pre-tribulation rapturism, symbolicism, and spiritualism, could all be animated by the same spirit of fear: that the church alive today throughout the world would otherwise have to physically suffer through the future, almost-entirely literal, worldwide tribulation of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24. For these 5 views of preterism, historicism, pre-tribulation rapturism, symbolicism, and spiritualism, in their different ways, each gives a mistaken assurance to the church alive today that it won't have to physically suffer through that tribulation.

 

Preterism says the tribulation happened in 70 AD (or a few years before and including 70 AD). Historicism says it happened over a long period in history (e.g. during the rise and height of the RCC's power in Europe during the Middle Ages and after, or during the rise and spread of Islam in the Middle East and elsewhere during the Middle Ages and after). Pre-tribulation rapturism says Jesus will return and rapture the church into the 3rd heaven before the tribulation. Symbolicism says the tribulation is only symbolic of theological themes which those in the church have always had to struggle with (e.g. Matthew 6:24), and is symbolic of only-local physical persecutions which some in the church have always had to face, and are still facing today in some places. And spiritualism says the tribulation is only spiritual events which go on only within the hearts of individuals.

 

But when the almost-entirely literal, worldwide tribulation of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24 begins in our future, the shaky doctrinal wall which (in their different ways) these 5 views have each tried to build up between the church and the tribulation, will be completely shattered (Ezekiel 13:10-12) as the church worldwide begins to physically suffer through the tribulation (Matthew 24:9-31, Revelation 13:7-10, Revelation 14:12-13, Revelation 20:4-6). These 5 views may have left some in the church unprepared mentally to undergo this physical suffering, to where these 5 views could even contribute to some in the church ultimately losing their salvation because of committing apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8, John 15:6; 2 Timothy 2:12) during the tribulation, when they become "offended" that God is making them and their little ones physically suffer through it (Matthew 24:9-12, Matthew 13:21, Isaiah 8:21-22, Luke 8:13).

 

Even though the church today throughout the world will have to physically suffer through the future tribulation, the church need not fear this (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 2:10). For even though many in the church will suffer and die during that time (Revelation 13:7-10, Revelation 14:12-13, Revelation 20:4-6, Matthew 24:9-13), this will be to their gain, as it will bring their still-conscious souls into heaven to be with Jesus (Philippians 1:21,23; 2 Corinthians 5:8; see also 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:12), and it won't rob them of the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of obtaining eternal life (Titus 1:2, Titus 3:7) in an immortal, physical resurrection body (Romans 8:23-25, Philippians 3:21, Luke 24:39) at Jesus' 2nd coming (1 Corinthians 15:21-23,51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, Revelation 19:7 to 20:6), which will occur immediately after the future tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Revelation 19:7 to 20:6).

 

Sonseeahray said in post 50:

 

The only consideration is that the SECOND COMING has been delayed and has slid into our time . . .

 

In Matthew 24:48-51, the evil servant became evil and was surprised by the Lord's return, because when the Lord didn't return sometime before or during the tribulation, the evil servant thought the Lord was indefinitely "delaying" his return (Matthew 24:48). But in fact, the Lord's return won't be delayed at all, but will occur "immediately after the tribulation" (Matthew 24:29-31). Also, even when believers know this truth, they still need to live each day knowing that any of them could die at any time (Luke 12:20, James 4:14).

 

Sonseeahray said in post 50:

 

This book ends historically with the final judgment of Rome the literal city and its foul, corrupt, and evil ruler ship.

 

Note that while the corrupt aspects of ancient Rome are included in what Revelation's symbolic "Babylon" (Revelation chapters 17-18) represents, it represents much more than just the corrupt aspects of ancient Rome. For ancient Rome just by itself didn't reign over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18). Nor was ancient Rome the only place where people bought merchandise (Revelation 18:11). Nor was ancient Rome the place where all martyrs had been killed (Revelation 18:24). Nor had ancient Rome just by itself corrupted the entire world (Revelation 18:3). Nor had ancient Rome been continuously supported by the empires of fallen man throughout history (Revelation 17:9-10). Instead, Revelation's symbolic "Babylon" represents all of mankind's corrupt political (Revelation 17:18), economic (Revelation 18:11), and religious (Revelation 18:24) systems throughout the earth (Revelation 18:3), and throughout history (Revelation 17:9-10).

 

Also, when Revelation's symbolic "Babylon" is destroyed, it will be found no more at all (Revelation 18:21), forever (Revelation 19:3), unlike ancient Rome, which was found again after its only-temporary destruction in 410 AD.

 

The 10 kings of the Antichrist's empire will destroy with fire what Revelation's "Babylon" represents (Revelation 17:16-17) when they destroy the cities of the nations (Revelation 16:19), probably with nukes (and probably with Fission-Fusion-Fission, "FFF", or "666", nukes, "F" representing the number six in English gematria), at the time of the 7th vial (Revelation 16:17,19), which will be the final event (Revelation 16:17) of the future tribulation of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24, right before Jesus' 2nd coming (Revelation 19:2 to 20:6, Matthew 24:29-31). They could do this under the direction of Lucifer/Satan (Isaiah 14:17,12), who could want to leave only a literal "scorched earth" for Jesus to return to.

 

Near the very end of the future tribulation, Lucifer (employing the ancient lies of Gnosticism) could say to the Antichrist and his 10 kings something like: "Our great battle against the evil, tyrant god YHWH is about to begin [Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:19], a battle which we will win, and so we will be able to escape YHWH's prison house, this material universe, and return to the wholly-spiritual Pleroma [i.e. Heaven]. So let us now destroy this prison cell, this foul planet, and let us, as it were, burn up all the gewgaws which we have hung upon our cell walls. Let us burn up all our great cities, all our magnificent systems. Let us break all our chains of attachment to this vile physical realm, that we might more freely ascend back to our rightful place in the Pleroma [cf. Isaiah 14:13-14]".

 

Of course this will be a lie. For at his 2nd coming, Jesus (who is YHWH: John 10:30, Zechariah 14:3-4) will completely defeat the world's armies, arrayed against YHWH (Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:19-21). And Jesus will have Lucifer bound in the bottomless pit during the subsequent 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-6, Isaiah 14:15). And Jesus will restore ruined parts of the earth and make them like the Garden of Eden (Ezekiel 36:35, Isaiah 51:3). And after the 1,000 years and subsequent events (Revelation 20:7-15), God will create a new heaven (a new 1st heaven, a new sky/atmosphere for the earth) and a new earth (a new surface for the earth) (Revelation 21:1). And then God will descend from the 3rd heaven in the literal city of New Jerusalem to live with saved humanity on the new earth (Revelation 21:2-4).

 

Sonseeahray said in post 50:

 

That is the end (The final 7th bowl of wrath) of the historical book of Revelation.

 

The world won't experience the 7 last plagues of the 7 vials (or bowls) of God's wrath (Revelation chapters 15-16), the last stage of the future tribulation of Revelation chapters 6 to 18 and Matthew 24, until after the never-fulfilled Revelation chapters 6 to 15 have been fulfilled. At the 1st vial, an awful sore will appear on only those people who will have received the Antichrist's mark and worshipped his image (Revelation 16:2). At the 2nd vial, the sea will become like the blood of a dead man, and every living creature in the sea will die (Revelation 16:3). At the 3rd vial, all natural, surface sources of fresh water will become blood (Revelation 16:4). At the 4th vial, men will be scorched with fire shot out from the sun (Revelation 16:8). This would be a solar-flare coronal mass ejection of solar plasma, which could make its way down to the surface of the earth due to the earth's magnetic field being disrupted during a magnetic-pole reversal which could occur near the end of the future tribulation.

 

At the 5th vial, the whole world will be plunged into literal darkness (Revelation 16:10). At the 6th vial, unclean spirits like frogs will come out of the mouths of Lucifer (the dragon, Satan: Revelation 12:9), and the Antichrist (the individual-man aspect of the beast), and the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13). And these unclean spirits like frogs will go forth and perform amazing miracles to convince the world's armies to gather together in an attempt to defeat YHWH God (Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:19). The Euphrates will dry up so that the armies of "the kings of the east" (Revelation 16:12) (i.e. the vast armies of China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Iran, Indonesia) can easily cross the riverbed and gather at the "place" called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16) (Har Megiddo: Mount Megiddo in northern Israel). Once they have gathered there, as only a staging area, with all the other armies of the world (Revelation 16:14,16), they won't wage battle there (that is why the Bible doesn't refer to a "battle" of Armageddon). Instead, they will travel south to pillage Jerusalem, right before Jesus returns and defeats them (Zechariah 14:2-21, Revelation 19:19-21).

 

At the 7th vial, right before Jesus returns (Revelation 16:17,19, Revelation 19:2-21), there will be a huge earthquake which will affect the whole world (Revelation 16:18-20), and 100-pound hailstones will pummel the earth (Revelation 16:21). The 7th vial will also be when Revelation's symbolic (and worldwide) "Babylon" (Revelation chapters 17-18) will be destroyed (Revelation 16:19).

[Littlelambseativy]

The U.S. cannot be the "HE" Who is called the restrainer...a male 'type' reference. The U.S. is not even mentioned nor does it appear to have any influence...other than it's waning power why would you think so. The Holy Spirit is the One with the Power to restrain Satan and his work.

[BlindSeeker]

I believe this verse has been greatly misunderstood by many and has given way to much error in endtime theology. After much research, prayer and study I have become persuaded  it is speaking of "Rome" falling from it hieght of power and given way to a great apostasy that would become Roman Catholicism with an apostate apostle claiming to be the Vicar of Christ.

II Thessalonians 2:3 - 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.

The above verse is widely taught in Christendom today as referencing an end-time antichrist world leader figure. However, when researching old protestant commentaries, even the widely trusted Matthew Henry Commentary, it is hard to find one who fails to relate this “son of perdition” to the position of the papacy, or the succession of popes of Roman Catholicism. Some commentators, like the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary printed in 1871, recognize this verse as ultimately being fully realized in an individual “whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.” However, they too affiliate this verse with the papacy position, but to the end that there would be one pope, the last pope in the latter days, which would with greater boldness oppose the Lord, His word and Jesus the Christ openly.

“Doubtless "the apostasy" of Romanism (the abstract) is one of the greatest instances of the working of the mystery of iniquity, and its blasphemous claims for the Pope are forerunners of the final concentration of blasphemy in the man of sin, who shall not merely, as the Pope, usurp God’s honor as vicegerent of God, but oppose God openly at last.”

What many believers nowadays are ignorant of is that this theology which is being widely taught and accepted by non-Catholics concerning the antichrist rebuilding the temple and becoming a world leader was originally taught by a French monk known as Adso of Montier-en-Der who died in 992 A.D. Though he was a prolific writer of poems, hymns, and biographies of the lives of saints, Adso’s most famous work was his “Letter to Queen Gerberga on the Place and Time of Antichrist,” which became known as the “Little Book on the Antichrist,” whcih cn be found here - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/apocalypse/primary/adsoletter.html

However this theology, which was so articulated over a thousand years ago by a Catholic monk, was rejected by essentially every protestant commentator who sought to defend the truth with their pen. For they acknowledged Paul’s speaking in II Thessalonians 2:3 of “a falling away first” as being the rise of Roman Catholicism, and “that man of sin… the son of perdition” as the succession of popes.

Perhaps part of the answer has been obscured by Paul’s not writing about the subject openly in his Second Epistle to the Thessalonians; but only alludes to it by directing his readers to “remember” that which he had taught them when he was there with them.

II Thessalonians 2:5 - Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

Paul’s manner of writing here leaves me asking the question, "Why didn't Paul just articulate these things again in more detail in his epistle?" With a matter of such great importance, what could be his reason for not putting forth a clear and coherent teaching on this apostasy which the Holy Spirit had revealed to him was going to take place? Especially when Paul’s normal pattern in his epistles was to be very meticulous and thorough when presenting to the saints the oracles of God; yet here he goes no further than to write to them “Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?” It is evident Paul felt it was wisdom to trust the Holy Spirit to help them recall these pertinent things, for he continues with “ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.” Hence it seems evident that the Apostle Paul under the unction of the Holy Spirit was writing with great carefulness and was unwilling to formally document those things which he had communicated to them in person. 

[Ezra]

There's just a couple of problems with your interpretation:

1. Paul is referring literally to the Temple at Jerusalem, not St. Peter's Basilica.  That Temple is now being rebuilt in Jerusalem, not in Rome.

2. The Man of Sin literally says "I AM GOD".  No pope has ever dared to say that, although they may have acted in that manner, claiming to be the Vicar of Christ.

 

[BlindSeeker]

There's just a couple of problems with your interpretation:

1. Paul is referring literally to the Temple at Jerusalem, not St. Peter's Basilica.  That Temple is now being rebuilt in Jerusalem, not in Rome.

2. The Man of Sin literally says "I AM GOD".  No pope has ever dared to say that, although they may have acted in that manner, claiming to be the Vicar of Christ.

 

    Well, that’s a pretty succinct and confident rebuttal there. Would you mind sending me a picture or link to the temple’s construction site, I'd like to see how far along they are.

     Nevertheless, you're bold assertion as to what Paul was referring "literally to" is at odd with more commentators than not. It doesn’t take much research to see that you're unwavering position that is “commonly understood” has only begun to gain such popularity in the last 100-130 years. 

After the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans under Titus, both Israel as a nation and their religion of Judaism as defined and practiced under the stringent guidelines of the Levitical Law “was not.” From that time forward it was impossible for the Jews to lawfully offer sacrifices, for the priests were killed or dispersed and the priesthood record of genealogy forever lost, and the sanctuary, the altar and the Holy of holies with all its furniture were lost or destroyed. I believe all this was the mercy of God in His judgment towards the Jews; destroying a dead system which sole purpose was to point them to Jesus Christ, but could by no means save them. Thus the destruction of the Temple, along with all that was mandatory under the Levitical Law pertaining to the performance of its prescribed sin-offerings, sacrifices and oblations, has left the Jews obligated to look elsewhere for their salvation to be wrought by God.

Because of these things I am persuaded the words “He shall make it desolate” refers to what Jesus’ prophesied regarding the destruction of the Temple. However, this destruction of the Temple was said to be “even until the consummation,” which is a most interesting word for the translators to have elected to use. For “consummation” can literally mean two different things, as its definition can imply either the act of completing, as in fulfilling something, or the bringing it to conclusion to be no more, which are polar opposites. This is why this Hebrew word that was so translated “consummation,” has been translated in other parts of scripture to signify “a full end.”

     Jeremiah 46:28 - Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

      Ezekiel 11:13 - And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

     Clearly we can see that this word can be used to imply "to utterly destroy so as never to arise again." This is verified by Nahum’s use of the word below where it was translated “an utter end.”

      Nahum 1:2 - God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5 The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. 8 But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies. 9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

      Since the Hebrew word in Daniel’s vision which was translated “consummation” has elsewhere been translated a “full end” and “an utter end” to imply never to rise again, then what are we to believe regarding the destruction of the Temple which was obviously brought to “a full” and “utter end?” Ignoring all the religious chatter of religious zealots out there, the question of whether the temple will or will not be rebuilt can only be truly answered by the scriptures and not popular opinion or the goal of men. SO as I stated earlier, I am inclined to believe what Paul said about in the last days men won't be holding to sound doctrine, but will instead be embracing fables, doctrines of devils, and imaginations of men.

     Concerning your point number 2, well, let's just say that if that was your third swing of the bat you'd wouldn't be running to first base. Perhaps a more thorough examination of the implication of "Vicar of Christ" is in order .But since you are not likely to take my word for it, perhaps the witness of just a few notable commentators will stir you into some more research of your own.

 

 Albert Barnes' NT Commentary:

showing himself that he is God. This does not necessarily mean that he actually, in so many words, claimed to be God; but that he usurped the place of God, and claimed the prerogatives of God. If the names of God are given to him, or are claimed by him; if he receives the honours due to God; if he asserts a dominion like that of God, then all that the language fairly implies will be fulfilled. The following expressions, applied to the pope of Rome by Catholic writers without any rebuke from the Papacy, will show how entirely applicable this is to the pretended head of the church. He has been styled "Our Lord God the Pope; another God upon earth: King of kings and Lord of lords. The same is the dominion of God and the Pope. To believe that our Lord God the Pope might not decree as he decreed, is heresy. The power of the Pope is greater than all created power, and extends itself to things celestial, terrestrial, and infernal. The Pope doeth whatsoever he listeth, even things unlawful, and is more than God."

See the authority for these extraordinary declarations in Bishop Newton on the Prophecies, xxii. How can it be doubted that the reference here is to the Papacy? Language could not be plainer, and it is not possible to conceive that anything can ever occur which would furnish a more manifest fulfilment of this prophecy. Indeed, interpreted by the claims of the Papacy, it stands among the very clearest of all the predictions in the sacred Scriptures.

 

Brethren NT Commentary:

 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God. He opposes and presumes to rise above all divine authority. He is, in fact, antichrist. (See on 1Jo 4:3.) He assumes the highest authority pertaining to ecclesiastical regulations, even above the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. He stands against and persecutes those who embrace the Gospel and regard Christ as the Head of the church. He himself is called “father,” and pretends to be the head of the church. As such he professes to forgive sins, which God alone can do. He grants indulgences to commit sins, which God will not do. (For further information concerning the works of the succession of men who most clearly fill the measure of the “man of sin,” see the history of Wickliffe, Huss, and Jerome of Prague, of the Waldenses, of the Inquisition, of Mary Queen of England, of St. Bartholomew’s Day in France, of pope Leo X., of the archbishop of Mayence, of Tetzel and of papal indulgences.”) He “practically annuls the laws of God,” and substitutes his own. As instances of this presumptuous evil, the decisions made at the council of Trent are prominent, viz., “Whosoever shall say that it is not more blessed to remain in virginity or celibacy than to be joined in marriage, let him be accursed;” and the pope’s injunction, “Be careful to preserve the people not only from the reading of papers, but from the reading of the Bible, -- shun with horror the reading of such poison.” Thus the pope exalts his own decrees above the commandments of God. (See Dr. James Butler’s Catechism, and Dens’ Moral Theology.)

-- As God, i. e., assuming the attitude of God pertaining to the church.

-- Sitteth in the temple of God, i. e., he assumed the chief position at the head of church affairs; even higher than the former bishops; pretending to blend into one both the offices of bishop and mediator; thus assuming a position higher than either, claiming the honors which belong only to God, such as, “Our Lord God the Pope,” “Another God upon earth,” “King of kings and Lord of lords,” etc.

-- Shewing himself that he is God, or, “setteth himself forth as God.” (R. V.) It is important to him that his subjects be always impressed with the idea of his supremacy, that they may not become heretics. Therefore he must set himself forth in the appearance and attitude of God, -- of supreme authority.

 

British Family Bible:

-- so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, &c. "The temple of God," means the Christian church, in the usual style of the Apostles. See 1Co 3:16, 17; 2Co 6:16; 1Ti 3:15; Re 3:12. The man of sin's "sitting in the temple of God," that is, in the church of Christ, implies his ruling and presiding there; and "sitting there as God," implies his claiming Divine authority in things spiritual as well as temporal; and "showing himself that he is God," implies his doing it with great pride and pomp, with great parade and ostentation. The pope is in profession a Christian and a Christian bishop, having a seat or cathedra in the Christian church: and he "sitteth there as God," especially at his inauguration, when he sitteth upon the high altar in St. Peter's church, and maketh the table of the Lord his footstool, and in that position receiveth adoration. At all times he exerciseth Divine authority in the church, "showing himself that he is God," affecting Divine titles and attributes, as holiness and infallibility, assuming Divine powers and prerogatives in condemning and absolving men, in retaining and forgiving sins, in asserting his decrees to be of the same or greater authority than the word of God, and commanding them to be received under the penalty of the same or greater damnation. He has been styled, and pleased to be styled, 'Our lord god, the pope; another god upon earth; king of kings and lord of lords.' The same is asserted to be the dominion of God and the pope. These and the like blasphemies have been not only allowed, but are even approved, encouraged, rewarded, in the writers of the church of Rome; and they are not only the extravagances of private writers, but are the language even of public decretals and acts of council. So that the pope is evidently the god upon earth; at least there is no one like him, who "sitteth as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." Bp. Newton.

 

Family Bible Notes:

 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God; opposeth the gospel of Christ as revealed in the Bible, and persecutes those who embrace it. See the history of Wickliffe, Huss, and Jerome of Prague, of the Waldenses, of the Inquisition, of Mary queen of England, and of St. Bartholomew's day in France. Who invades the prerogatives of God, pretending to be the head of the church, to forgive sins, and to do what God himself cannot do--grant indulgences to commit sins. See the history of pope Leo X., of the archbishop of Mayence, of Tetzel, and of papal indulgences. Who practically annuls the laws of God, and substitutes for them the commandments of men; as when the council of Trent decreed, "Whosoever shall say that it is not more blessed to remain in virginity or celibacy than to be joined in marriage, let him be accursed;" and when the pope says, "Be careful to preserve the people not only from the reading of papers, but from the reading of the Bible"--"shun with horror the reading of such deadly poison;" thus exalting himself above the word of God. See the Catechism of Dr. James Butler, Dens' Moral Theology, and other papal works. As God; assuming the right to control the conscience, receiving the titles, and claiming the honors which belong only to God--called by his deluded followers, "Our Lord God the Pope," "Another God upon earth," "King of kings and Lord of lords."

 

William Burkitt New Testament:

Our apostle proceeds in the further description of this man of sin, by a two-fold note of distinction, namely, by his enmity and opposition, and by his dignity and exhaltation.

 Observe, 1. His enmity and opposition;  He opposeth himself, that is, against Christ, as his name Antichrist signifies, opposing him in his doctrine, in his offices, in his members; corrupting his doctrine, debasing his offices, persecuting his members.

 Observe, 2. His dignity and exaltation, which consists of two parts,

 1.He exhalteth himself above all that is called God, or is worshipped; that is, he exalteth himself above all magistrates, emperors, kings and princes, who are called gods, because representing his person, as his vicegerents, usurping a power over all civil authority, enthroning and dethroning princes at his pleasure.

 Observe, 3. His arrogance is set forth, in relation to God himself, that as God he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. By the temple of God, understand the church of God, the external, visible church, which professeth the faith of Christ and bears his name; in this temple of God he sitteth as an officer or bishop: and sits as God, that is, as God upon earth, whom all must adore: kings kissing his feet, emperors holding his stirrup; and claiming the same power that Christ hath in and over the church, namely, an universal supremacy, an absolute authority, and an unerring infallibility.

 And the usurped titles given to him declare that he sheweth himself that he is God; he is called supremum numen in terris; "the chief god upon earth;" and that from him it is affirmed, that no appeals are to be made, no, not to God himself; that he can change the sacraments delivered by Christ, and decree contrary to scripture. Now to accept of these flattering titles, and to pretend to such an unlimited power, is to shew himself that he is God.

 

[Ezra]

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