The “mystery of iniquity” is a term found in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, referring to the spirit of lawlessness that will culminate in the coming of the Antichrist. This mysterious power of evil has been working since New Testament times, but is destined to reach its zenith right before Christ’s return. Let’s explore what the Bible says about this important end-times topic.
1. The Context of 2 Thessalonians 2
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul is addressing confusion among the Thessalonian believers about the end times. Apparently a forged letter claiming to be from Paul had circulated, saying that the day of the Lord had already come (vs. 2). Paul sets the record straight by explaining certain events that must take place before Christ’s return. One of these is the revelation of the “man of lawlessness” (vs. 3), also called the Antichrist (1 John 2:18). Paul says this man will oppose God and exalt himself as an object of worship, even taking his seat in the temple of God to proclaim himself as God (vs. 4). But first, the mystery of lawlessness must be at work (vs. 7).
2. The Restraining Power Holding Back the Mystery of Lawlessness
Paul explains that the mystery of lawlessness is presently being restrained, until the time is right for the man of lawlessness to be revealed (vs. 6-7). Speculation abounds as to what this restraining power might be, but Paul does not explicitly identify it. Many interpreters believe he is referring indirectly to the restraining power of the Roman empire’s law and order, which would have to be removed before antichristic lawlessness could prevail. Others see the restraining power as the binding of Satan (Rev 20:2), or the general restraint of the Holy Spirit in this present age. In any case, the mystery of lawlessness is brewing, though held at bay for now.
3. The Nature of the Mystery of Lawlessness
This term “mystery” refers to truths that were previously hidden but are now revealed (e.g. Eph 3:4-5). The exact nature of the lawlessness that Paul describes is somewhat mysterious, but he identifies it as already being at work in the world (2 Thes 2:7). It involves deception (2 Thes 2:9-10) and a powerful delusion permitting people to believe what is false (2 Thes 2:11). It appears to involve demonic and ungodly forces, as well as human agents, paving the way for the final apocalyptic showdown between God and Satan.
We should not fall into the mistake of believing Satan is sovereign over this process. God remains fully in control, setting boundaries around the mystery of lawlessness (Job 1:12, 2:6). But within certain limits, this mystery of evil operates to dishonor God and oppose His kingdom.
4. Old Testament Background of the Mystery of Lawlessness
Though this specific phrase comes from 2 Thessalonians, the concept of an iniquitous mystery finds earlier roots in the Old Testament. For example, the antichristic ruler foreshadowed:
- In Daniel 7-8, depicted as a blasphemous horn persecuting the saints.
- In Daniel 11, portrayed as the king of the North who exalts himself and defiles the temple.
- In Revelation 13, described as a beastly ruler demanding worship.
The mystery of evil also has roots in Eden’s deception (Gen 3), Cain’s murderous act (Gen 4), the Nephilim’s corruption (Gen 6), the Tower of Babel’s rebellion (Gen 11), and warnings of antichristic world rulers in Psalms and prophets (e.g. Isa 14, Ezek 28). The New Testament draws upon these Old Testament strands to describe the full bloom of the mystery of iniquity through the Antichrist figure.
5. New Testament Depictions of Mystery Lawlessness
Building on the Old Testament, New Testament writers repeatedly warn against the operate in the last days:
- Jesus warns against false messiahs who will deceive many (Matt 24:4-5, 23-27).
- Paul calls the Antichrist figure the “man of lawlessness” who will be revealed in the last days (2 Thess 2:3-12).
- John calls him the antichrist and a spirit of falsehood already in the world (1 John 2:18, 4:3).
- Revelation portrays blasphemous corruption by the beast and false prophet (Rev 13:1-18).
This mystery of evil will empower the final rebel world system under Satan, in opposition to God and His kingdom.
6. Characteristics and Activities of Mystery Lawlessness
What are some key characteristics and activities of the mystery of iniquity? Looking at the various descriptions throughout Scripture, we see:
- Deception – misleading signs, wonders, beliefs (2 Thess 2:9-12).
- Blasphemy – slander and arrogance against God (Rev 13:1, 5-6).
- Persecution – oppression and conquest of believers (Dan 7:25, Rev 13:7).
- Corruption – immoral values and conduct (2 Tim 3:1-5).
- Human Apostasy – rebellion and falling away (2 Thess 2:3).
- Demonic Activity – Satan’s power at work (2 Thess 2:9, Rev 16:13-14).
This mystery produces egregious sin, hardness of heart, a seared conscience, doctrinal confusion and open defiance of God’s ways.
7. God’s Perspective on the Mystery of Lawlessness
Though these lawless powers rage against the Lord, Scripture makes it clear God remains sovereign over them. Consider a few biblical principles:
- God sets boundaries on the mystery’s activities (Job 1:12, 2:6).
- In the end, God will be victorious over all His enemies (1 Cor 15:24-27).
- God’s eternal plan cannot be overturned (Psalm 33:11).
- God uses all things, even evil, to accomplish His purposes (Gen 50:20; Romans 8:28).
- God allows deception and evil to humble the proud (2 Thess 2:10-12).
Though the mystery of lawlessness brings destruction for a time, God remains all-wise and sovereign over human and demonic rebellion.
8. How the Mystery of Lawlessness Operates
Let’s consider some primary ways this mystery of lawlessness operates in our world:
- Within human hearts – All people must contend with the flesh and its lawless desires (Gal 5:19-21).
- Through ungodly philosophies – Deceptive ideas proliferate in culture, opposed to Christ (Col 2:8).
- Within false religions – Paganism and the occult promote demonic bondage and corruption.
- Through compromised churches – Apostasy and doctrinal erosion deceive many (1 Tim 4:1-3).
- In corrupt institutions – When earthly systems oppress people and oppose biblical values.
- Through political powers – Unjust rulers and governments can crucify Christ again through their policies (Heb 6:6).
We must be alert to how these conduits of lawlessness may impact our lives, families, churches and nations today.
9. How Christians Should Respond to the Mystery of Lawlessness
In light of this sobering reality, how should believers respond? Here are a few key ways:
- Expect an increase of spiritual deception and social corruption as Christ’s return draws near (2 Tim 3:1-5).
- Expose fruitless deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11).
- Test all teachings carefully against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
- Pray for spiritual discernment and wisdom (James 1:5).
- Put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-18).
- Love what is good and hate what is evil (Rom 12:9).
- Earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).
- Be steadfast and immovable (1 Cor 15:58).
- Marvel at God’s sovereignty over all things (Revelation 15:3-4).
The darkness is no match for the Light who has come into the world (John 1:5). As we abide in Christ, we overcome the mystery of lawlessness.
10. The Eventual Defeat of the Mystery of Lawlessness
Praise God we know the end of the story! Though this mystery of lawlessness wages war against the saints for a time, its defeat is certain. Here is what Scripture reveals about its end:
- The man of lawlessness will be slain and destroyed at Christ’s return (2 Thess 2:8).
- He will be cast into the eternal lake of fire (Rev 19:20).
- Satan himself will be bound and then released for final judgment (Rev 20:1-3, 7-10).
- There will be no more curse of evil (Rev 22:3).
- God’s kingdom will reign forever in righteousness and peace (Dan 7:27).
- The mystery of iniquity will be remembered no more (Rev 21:1-4).
May this glorious future quicken our hearts as we await the return of our King!