THAT MAN OF SIN: THE SON OF PERDITION
by Pastor Jeromy John Visser
(Introduction:)
Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, a few days ago Hurricane Katrina demolished a major section of the state of Louisiana and in the aftermath of this destruction many local minorities have instigated riots, engaged in looting, inspired race-attacks and participated in several rapes where most of the victims were children as young as eleven years old. Many Christians are now seeing Yahweh's wrath rightfully poured out upon a city with a longstanding reputation of blatant sin, more are awakening.
Since the so-called "911 attacks" the Christian world has witnessed major atrocities in both weather and wars on a practically daily basis while more and more end-time prophecies are coming to pass at an accelerated rate. Like labor pangs bringing forth the dawn of a new age, many believers have began asking themselves if this is the beginning of the end. This morning I intend to look into several Biblical passages that all show us 'signs' of what to look for at the coming end of this particular earth 'age.'
We'll begin by covering the entire second chapter of II Thessalonians and examine the son of perdition and then compare the similarities of 'The Willful King' found in Daniel 11. After that, we'll turn to the Gospels and study the teachings of Jesus Christ on the abomination of desolation while scrutinizing His list of end-time clues, including the Parable of the Tares and Wheat. Some rapture-ready 'believers' might not enjoy this morning's study topic but I promise it will be taken directly from the Word of God.
Concerning the end of time, no man knows the hour nor minute of its coming (Matthew 24:36) but a wise man can certainly discern the times for himself (Matthew 16:3) and keep a watchful eye. I pray that this sermon will help many come out of Babylon and spark a renewed desire in the scriptures for those Christians who are returning. Without the Word of God a soldier doesn't have their weapon (Hebrews 4:12) and Faith alone cannot "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16)."
I hope that in light of current events, this morning's subject will strengthen our Faith in the returning Jesus and help us all to discern 'the sign of the times.' As you follow along, you might just be surprised to see how many "clues" are now in effect in the world all declaring the end of the age so I hope to present this exciting topic without naming any names. Today, I intend on giving you a lot of Bible verses that will substantiate our already-solid position so no man can say I'm teaching a 'new doctrine.'
So, let's begin in II Thessalonians 2; "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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 (II Thessalonians 2:1-3)."
Before even really beginning this morning's sermon I've already shattered the fictitious "rapture doctrine." Paul says we should not let anyone deceive us and explains that 'the day of Christ' shall not come until there is a falling away or apostasy. Those days are now upon us as so many Christians are being led away by jewish myths or simply splintering into their own so-called denominations. Still, the return of Jesus Christ doesn't happen until after 'the son of perdition' is revealed to the world.
Here's what this "man" does -- pay close attention; "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way (II Thessalonians 2:4-7)."
The "instead of Christ" or antichrist is called the son of perdition and he will sit in the temple of Yahweh pretending to be God and swindle many with signs and miracles. "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work" means that this antichrist teaching is already in the world working its twisted agenda in aiding the return of the false Christ. One merely needs to look around at the type of false doctrines being promoted behind the pulpits of many 501(c)3 churches to see that these days are upon us now.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie (II Thessalonians 2:8-11)."
Seemingly tying into 'the reprobate mind' of Romans 1:28, the purpose for this sequence of events is to separate the wheat from among the tares by destroying all those who don't desire to know God or His eternal Truth. The son of perdition's antics will include "signs and lying wonders" that only the wicked seek after (Matthew 12:39) and this freak show will mislead many who aren't already Christians "in name only." The Word is Truth (John 17:17) and those who deny its teachings shall perish.
"That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thessalonians 2:12-14)." These verses apply to the remnant "first-fruits" who were chosen from the beginning.
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work (II Thessalonians 2:15-17)." All three elements required to stand fast are the Word of God -- Biblical traditions, the Old Testament Word or New Testament epistles.
What I'd like us all to focus on most is the fact that antichrist comes before Jesus' return. The word "rapture" doesn't appear in the Bible and Christ plainly taught that the imposter tares are burned first while the chosen are witnesses to the act. If your church teaches this abominable doctrine dreamed up by the eccentric teenager Margaret MacDonald then be aware right now that they're not teaching a Biblical concept -- Beelzebub's name means "lord of the fly (#H1176)" so know that it's his deceitful doctrine.
(Indignation Be Accomplished:)
Having laid that groundwork, let's now turn to Daniel 11:29 and read a very similar passage; "At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant (Daniel 11:29-30)."
Like most "types" of Satan to be found in the scriptures he listed as yet another man-king, this time as the "little horn" Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 8:19). Still, we should compare these passages in a futurist sense so we can notice the many similarities and familiarize ourselves with "the abomination of desolation" as spoken of by Daniel the prophet. Antiochus was known to "take away the daily sacrifice" by placing an image of Jupiter on the very alter of Yahweh, in short -- they're graven or false images.
"And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days (Daniel 11:31-33)."
Like Antiochus' bogus image of Jupiter Olympius, during the end-times the true seat of Yahweh will be temporarily replaced by "the abomination that maketh desolate" or more simply put -- the abomination of desolation. Notice that the antichrist flatters those who do wickedly against the covenant meaning the Law while those who do know their God and His Will are strengthened in the ordeal and will do exploits? All things work together for the elect (Romans 8:28) against this bastardized version of Jesus.
"Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed (Daniel 11:34-35)." Many well-meaning Christians will fall aside during the antichrist's apostasy but Yahweh's true remnant of believers are completely protected through the dismal process until the time appointed for divine vengeance.
"And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all (Daniel 11:36-37)." Like we read earlier; "he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."
"But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:38-39)." That says the enemy will be found "dividing the land for gain" -- honestly, cannot we see this effect in today's world?
Let me emphasize a commandment from Jesus -- Take heed that no man deceive you. The Savior continues to say that many will be deceived proving that "the deceiver" is at work in the world. Like II Peter 2:1-2 states; "There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."
Jesus says all these things shall be, period. An in-depth study on "nation against nation" called Armageddon: Ultimate Race War! is available from Pastor Morris L. Gulett in his audio section at Legion of Saints. Nonetheless, in order to spot "the beginning of sorrows" we should all be looking for famines, pestilences and earthquakes in divers places. One only needs to go outside and look around to notice that the world is 'off-kilter' right now and all three of these elements are active today.
Iniquity is another word for lawlessness and because of false teaching by false prophets the love of many will become cold and frigid. Love is considered the key word in these passages when Christ says "but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" so in today's apostasy let's all be careful to continue to love our brethren. Here, Jesus refers us back to the Old Testament and to the very verses we've already laid down as our proof-text. Beware of "images" or antinomian teachings.
The similarities of these two Gospels in capturing the Words of Christ is a testament to the sanctity of the scriptures within itself but there are small differences. In both accounts Jesus says true Christians will be "delivered up" as a sort of witness for Biblical Truth against their false teachings. Whether it be in secret councils or before enforcers of the antichrist 'man-law' we are to be a testimony against them always telling the truth yet we should all pay close attention to the following admonitions:
We can use these teachings in every facet of our walk with Christ, not just in an end-time analogy. For example, many Christian Pastors around the world have been imprisoned for speaking out against homosexuality and now find themselves in "legal troubles." Speaking from experience, we have more power during man's 'legal' judgment when we're praying only for Yahweh's Will than we do in dreaming up excuses or attempting to impress the judge and lawyers. Bow to no God but Jesus Christ!
"Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Mark 13:13)." We should take note of Jesus' Words and believe, true Christians shall -- not might -- be hated of all men, or the majority. Which particular Christian group is the most persecuted for their undying love of Jesus Christ? As many fall aside to "no devil doctrines" worse, let's all be careful to 'endure to the end' by trusting in Yahweh's perfect commandments and doing the Savior's Will.
The 'days of vengeance' are partially described in Parable of the Tares and Wheat so we should briefly look at these passages for even further clarification of the "sequence of events." You will see that there is no so-called 'rapture' and Jesus taught adamantly against such a doctrine. "Thus saith the Lord Yahweh; I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, the souls that ye hunt to make them fly (Ezekiel 13:20)."
Based on the very Words of Jesus, a true Christian must accept the teaching that there are two seedlines -- the children of the kingdom and the children of the wicked one. The tares, or wicked seed, are all gathered first and cast into the lake of fire and Psalm 37:34 adds; "Wait on Yahweh, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." If the remnant see the wicked tares removed from the Kingdom than the only 'rapture' is that of the wicked.
At the end of the world age, Jesus Christ sends forth His angels to remove all offensive things including lawless Christians and they are cast into a furnace of fire. Afterwards, the righteous or holy seed of God shine forth in the Kingdom of God "in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). These are the clear-cut teachings of the Bible yet so many like to hurl insults at this Pastor for saying Jesus said these same Words. Nonetheless, I intend on 'enduring unto the end' so I might be found worthy of joining this:
"I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God (Revelation 19:11-13)." The return of our beloved Savior is a blessed event for those who will be following Him to victory.
Here's why; "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:14-16)." No King but Jesus and no Law but His forevermore!
We should once again quickly examine the the three defining marks of the antichrist, they are -- #1) They will deny that Jesus is the Christ (or 'Messiah'), #2) They deny Jesus as Lord and #3) They confess that Jesus hasn't come in the flesh. Can any of these concepts be seen in today's society? Sure, Christianity and its morals are continually under attack by liberal groups and the enemies of Jesus Christ. The 10 Commandments are under defense and prayer is completely gone in today's secular schools.
As if government-funded educational agendas weren't bad enough, add to that "churches" that are also controlled by Uncle Scam by way of various tax-exempt statuses and pro-homosexual grants. The very church I would frequent as a youth is now one of today's biggest homosexual, multicultural congregations in the city of Los Angeles. How could such a radical change overtake society in a mere twenty years? I lay the blame upon the heads of snakes, false prophets and demons behind the pulpit.
For example, I John 4:3 says; "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." Again, we're taught that the spirit of iniquity or lawlessness is already in the world and remains as such yet how many modern believers truly trust these Words? To the godless, it is Pastors like myself or my allies who are "false teachers" because the wicked appear as righteous.
The Law is eternal, it's required and mandatory. Sure, we're saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8) but we also cannot forget that; "Faith without works is dead (James 2:20)." The opposite of law-abiding is lawlessness which is iniquity so let's all be careful to never fall into Satan's lawless traps -- all sin is a transgression of the Law (I John 3:4) and we must sin no more (John 5:4). This rule only applies to Yahweh's Law however and when man's inferior law clashes with our God's we must take the proper path.
Perhaps you've unfortunately been taught that "the Law was nailed to the cross" or something to that effect and this is relatively new concept to you. If so, I hope you'll hearken unto the Words of Jesus who says that those who teach the Law is "done away with" are considered 'the least in the Kingdom of Heaven' while those who properly teach adherence are 'called great' in that same Kingdom. Neither Heaven nor earth have passed away so every jot and tittle is binding and must be followed, period.
Don't be caught up in the antichrist spirit of lawlessness and support those who teach abominable doctrines that can't be substantiated in the Word of God. We're held accountable for our decisions and the very groups we support so always prayerfully seek the proper side of the fence in all matters. Many so-called "Christians" are out there fighting to protect queers, witches, mixing and so much worse -- these snakes aren't of the flock and we should be wiser then they are (Matthew 10:16).
(Intention:)
My intention with today's particular study is only to prove there is no so-called "rapture" and that the Word of Yahweh clearly teaches as such. If you're the type of student that requires even more proof against the so-called "flying away" of God's people, then the internet or your local library will provide all the tools you desire to shatter this judeo-Christian myth. Don't be caught up in the world's deception nor be found serving other gods (Exodus 20:3) when the Bridegroom returns for His bride.
At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I should also mention that Tactics and Strategies of the Satanic will be available soon from Covenant People's Books and pre-orders are now being accepted. Many titles out there denounce Lucifer's existence so this latest work will be known as this full-length book covers practically every aspect of the adversary Satan beginning with his creation, expanding upon Jesus' dealings with him and then ending with end-time events all centering around the deceiver.
It's my sincere prayer that this morning's topic will inspire you to dig deeper into Yahweh's eternal Word and see for yourself that these are Biblical teachings. Beware of the media and their slanted agenda -- we should never blindly trust the opinions of anyone regardless of intent, always contrast what you're being taught by man with the Bible. If there be any 'lost sheep' in Louisiana during this time of sorrows it's my earnest hope that they will learn to lean towards God and accept His protection. Amen.
[ Date:
Sunday, September 4th, 2005 ]
(Last Page Update:
March 28, 2010)
Covenant People's Ministry
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