Many Christians will apostatize when the “Lawless One,” the “Son of Destruction,” seats himself in the “sanctuary.”

As Paul explained, the “Day of the Lord” will not arrive until the “apostasy” occurs and the “man of lawlessness” is unveiled. He will take his seat “in the sanctuary of God” and oppose “all that is called god.” In addition to the “lawless one,” the Apostle labeled him “the son of destruction.” Is there significance in this double appellation or is it for stylistic purposes?

Repeatedly, the New Testament warns of the coming “apostasy” that is linked to the future man of lawlessness.

To the church at Thessalonica, Paul explained that the “Day of the Lord” will NOT commence until “first,” the “apostasy” occurs, and second, the “man of lawlessness” is revealed, two events that are inextricably linked. In this statement, Paul is reiterating the warning found elsewhere in the New Testament that originated with Jesus.

Two events must occur before the “Day of the Lord” – The apostasy and the unveiling of the Man of Lawlessness – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

Next, Paul explained why the “Day of the Lord” had NOT commenced. Two key events must occur first – the “apostasy” and the unveiling of the “man of lawlessness, the son of destruction.” In Thessalonica, the men who were spreading false information about the coming of Jesus were deceiving believers by raising false expectations about the nearness of that day.