THE REVEALING OF JESUS AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LAWLESS ONE By Josimar Salum

THE REVEALING OF JESUS AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LAWLESS ONE

A Biblical Teaching from 2 Thessalonians 2 and the Epistles of John

By Josimar Salum

The Lawless One Revealed and Destroyed

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (NKJV)

This striking passage reveals not the “Antichrist”—a term Paul never uses—but the lawless one, also described as the man of sin and the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He is a prophetic figure who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God.

“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 (NKJV)

What Is the “Temple of God” in 2 Thessalonians 2:4? Does it means a literal rebuilt temple in Jerusalem?

Some interpreters claim that Paul is referring to a future, literal temple in Jerusalem. According to this view, the “man of sin” is a political or religious figure who will physically enter a rebuilt Jewish temple and declare himself to be 'God's..

However, this interpretation presents a serious issue: nowhere in Paul’s letters—nor anywhere in the New Testament or Old Testament—does Scripture teach that the temple will be rebuilt, apart from the historical reconstructions by Nehemiah and later by Herod. On the contrary, the New Testament clearly teaches that the temple standing in the first century pointed to the body of Jesus, which He said would be raised in three days.

There is no direct or indirect biblical support for such a prophecy.

In fact, this idea is inconsistent with Paul’s entire biblical framework, which emphasizes the 'spiritual', not physical, nature of God’s dwelling place.

Paul’s Consistent Definition of the Temple

Throughout his letters, Paul consistently uses the term “temple of God” to refer to the Church—the collective body of believers in whom the Spirit of God dwells, not a physical structure made with hands:

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16

“For we are the temple of the living God.” — 2 Corinthians 6:16

This interpretation aligns perfectly with Paul’s declaration in:

Acts 17:24 – “God, who made the world and everything in it… does not dwell in temples made with hands.”

According to this interpretation the “man of sin” will not enter a physical stone building in Jerusalem, but will instead try to infiltrate and seek to corrupt the Church—placing himself at the center of worship and authority among the people of God. So is this truly an individual man, a literal eschatological leader, as many believe?

The most biblically faithful and theologically consistent interpretation of the phrase “temple of God” in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 is that it refers to the Church, not a future rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.

The “man of sin” exalts himself within the sphere of the Church, not within a physical building, but among those who profess to be God’s people. He seeks to usurp spiritual authority and occupy a place that belongs only to Christ.

This understanding is rooted entirely in Paul’s own writings, which consistently teaches that the people of God are the dwelling place of God—not bricks and mortar.

His coming is according to satanic operation:

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 (NKJV)

Paul emphasizes that this lawlessness was already active in his time—2,000 years ago:

“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.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV)

Therefore, this lawlessness cannot refer exclusively to a future, unique individual. It represents an ongoing spiritual rebellion already at work in the world, though it will be manifested ultimately in a man figure, but what kind of spiritual entity, as it says it is "a mystery of lawlessness"?

Paul uses:

• Singular nouns: man, son

• Singular pronouns: he, himself

These terms indicate a personal figure—yet Scripture never names him. Nor does it say he is the Antichrist, the Beast, or the king of Daniel 11.

What the Bible Says — and Does Not Say

Paul introduces unique titles in 2 Thessalonians:

• “Man of sin”

• “Son of perdition”

• “Lawless one”

These titles appear nowhere else in the Old or New Testament. While some link this figure with the “little horn” (Daniel 7), the “king who exalts himself” (Daniel 11:36), or the “Beast” (Revelation), these connections are interpretive, not textual.

John and the Spirit of the Antichrist

John is the only biblical writer who uses the term “Antichrist,” but he does not refer to one specific future man. Instead, he defines Antichrist as:

• A spirit (1 John 4:3)

• Many persons (1 John 2:18)

• Anyone who denies Christ (1 John 2:22; 2 John 1:7)

“Even now many antichrists have come.” — 1 John 2:18

“He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” — 1 John 2:22

“This is the spirit of the Antichrist… already in the world.” — 1 John 4:3

“This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” — 2 John 1:7

John never uses Paul’s language. He does not speak of a “man of sin,” “lawless one,” or “son of perdition,” and he does not identify the Antichrist with the Beast of Revelation.

Is the Man of Sin Necessarily One Man?

Not necessarily. Consider the biblical pattern:

• Jesus is one man, yet represents a new humanity.

• The Beast is one figure, yet symbolizes an empire or system.

• The Antichrist is a spirit and a category of persons.

Therefore, the man of sin can't be referred biblically to:

1. A literal future individual

2. A type of ruler or religious deceiver

3. A symbol of satanic rebellion

4. A person representing a system (like Babylon or the Beast)

What is certain: Paul presents him as a singular, self-exalting being who will oppose God and be destroyed at Christ’s appearing.

Just as Christ is referred to as the One Man, could the man of sin be the counterfeit—an antithesis to Christ, the One Man? And just as Christ will be revealed, so too will the lawless one be revealed?

The Glorious Appearing of Jesus

“…whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:8

The Greek word epiphaneia means a glorious, public manifestation. It is not a hidden event but a visible, final revelation of Christ.

“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” — Acts 2:36

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” — Colossians 1:13

Christ already reigns. His appearing does not inaugurate His Kingdom—it exposes falsehood, destroys rebellion, and consummates His reign.

Every Eye Will See Him

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.” — Revelation 1:7

This is not a secret rapture, but a global manifestation.

The Joy of the Bride

Jesus spoke of His absence in bridal terms:

“But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” — Luke 5:35

The Bride, like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, prepares in holiness and longing:

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” - Revelation 19:7

Restoration and Final Judgment

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,

so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,

whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things…” — Acts 3:19–21

Christ’s coming brings both judgment and restoration.

Glory for the Righteous, Wrath for the Rebellious

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath…

who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life…

but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth—indignation and wrath…” — Romans 2:4–11

THE GREAT DIVIDE — NOT THE GREAT RESET

This is the final divide:

• Destruction for the lawless one

• Judgment for those who reject the truth

• Glory and eternal joy for those who wait in holiness

THE COMING OF CHRIST WILL DESTROY THE LAWLESS ONE.

The mystery of lawlessness is the active power of fallen flesh, the old nature, still operating in those who reject truth. Christ will destroy this fully at His appearing.

“Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature…” — Colossians 3:4–5

“Our old self was crucified with Him…” — Romans 6:6

“Put off the old man… and put on the new man.” — Ephesians 4:22–24

“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 15:50

“The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” — 1 Corinthians 15:26

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory… then He will sit on the throne of His glory…” — Matthew 25:31–34

“Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father…” — 1 Corinthians 15:23–25

“We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.” — 2 Peter 3:4, 7, 10, 13

ONE CHURCH — ONE SHEPHERD — ONE KINGDOM — ONE KING

“There is one body and one Spirit.” — Ephesians 4:4

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body.” — Romans 12:5

The Kingdom is already in operation. Christ reigns now. His coming will consummate all things.

“Those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace… will reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:17

#ASONE