keiichi
Favorite Answer
The Watchtower incorrectly states that the man of lawlessness is the clergy class that developed hundreds of years ago as a result of Christianity gradually drifting away from the truth into apostasy.
If that was so, then Paul's prophecy really does not provide much helpful information as regards when the parousia might begin since the apostasy occurred many centuries ago.
On the other hand, the prophecy certainly gives the impression that the apostasy occurs as an immediate prelude to Jesus' presence and that it is a growing concern among God's people up until the moment that Christ intervenes.
The prophecy says that the man of lawlessness "sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god."
God's temple is the entire body of anointed believers at any given time.
Concerning the identity of the man of lawlessness Paul calls him "the son of destruction." Significantly, the only other place in the Scriptures where that phrase is used is in connection with Judas. At John 17:12, Jesus said in prayer:
"When I was with them I used to watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me; and I have kept them, and not one of them is destroyed except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled."
So, like Judas, the man of lawlessness stands at the ready; destined by the word of God, to betray God's sons into the hands of Satan's imperial tyrant during the last hour.
conundrum
Paul warned that first the great apostasy had to come, and “the man of lawlessness” had to be revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) Now, in this 21 century, we can appreciate the vast extent of that apostasy and how lawless the clergy of Christendom are in God’s sight. During these last days, the clergy have heaped up a tremendous blood-guilt by supporting the ‘beating of plowshares into swords.’ (Joel 3:10)
Anonymous
The man of lawlessness is the clergy of Christendom. Long ago they abandoned the truths of God’s Word and adopted pagan teachings, such as the Trinity, hellfire, and immortality of the soul. In addition, they produced works contrary to God’s laws. Like those Paul warned Titus against, “they publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.”—Titus 1:16.
Jesus said: “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them.” False prophets would produce “worthless fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) An evidence of the clergy’s bad fruitage is their enormous bloodguilt. For centuries they have supported crusades, inquisitions, and wars that have shed the blood of millions. They have prayed for and blessed both sides in wars in which members of their own religions have killed one another. In contrast, the apostle Paul was able to state: “I am clean from the blood of all men.” (Acts 20:26) The clergy are not. To such ones God declares: “Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled.”—Isaiah 1:15.
G
First of all, correctly identify all the players in this prophecy.1) In Greek (Strong's number 444) "the anthropos of sin" is literally translated person, not a man or woman, of sin. 2) In Greek, (Strong's #3952) "Parousia" is literally translated (prefix: para #3844) alongside or near, (root: #3776) substance, essence, entity, female gender. It is translated into English wrongly as presence. This root word is a gender specific word, ousa can have a male gender ending or female (see Mt.6:11 epi-ousion substance in, upon; modifies arton, male gender, bread ).
Debs
2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. I am thinking it is the Anti Christs.
I Kalika is not a Jehovah's Witness as I do not mislead no one.