Stand Firm, Paul tells the Thessalonians in his second letter to them. Not only was the faith of this church growing, but their love for each other was growing as well, in spite of the persecutions and trials they were facing. This is just evidence, he tells them, that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. - 2 Thess. 5-10 NIV
Don't be alarmed, he tells them, by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. - 2 Thess. 2:2-4 NIV
A lawless one will come at the end of time who will deceive with all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders. The ones who follow lawlessness will perish because they refuse to love the truth and be saved. But you, Paul tells them, have believed the truth and will share in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hold on to all you have been taught and stand firm.
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