2 Thessalonians

The Parousia or Second Coming of the Lord

Brothers and sisters, let’s discuss the coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord, and our gathering to meet him.

Do not be easily shaken. Do not be alarmed by what a prophet says, or by any report, or by some letter supposedly from us claiming that the day of the Lord is near. 

Never let yourselves be deceived. Apostasy must happen first when the man of sin appears, 

this servant of evil who opposes and defiles whatever is considered divine and holy, even to the point of sitting in God’s temple and claiming to be God.

Don’t you remember I told you about this when I was still with you? 

But you also understand what stops him from showing up until his appointed time. 

The mystery of lawlessness is already active, but the one who restrains it must be taken away now. 

Then the wicked one will be revealed, whom the Lord will strike down with the breath of his mouth and destroy in the splendor of his coming.

This rebellious one will come with the power of Satan, doing miracles and amazing signs to deceive. 

All of evil’s deceptions will then be used to ruin those who refuse to love the truth and accept salvation. 

That is why God will send them a strong delusion so they will believe what is false. 

In this way, anyone who rejects the truth and chooses evil will be condemned.

Mutual Prayers

But we have to give thanks to God for you at all times, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. For God chose you from the beginning to be saved through genuine faith and to be made holy by the Spirit.

To this end, he called you through the gospel we preach, because he wanted you to share in the glory of Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions we taught you, whether by word or letter. 

May Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has loved us, and God our Father, who, in his mercy, gives us everlasting comfort and steadfast hope, strengthen you. 

May he strengthen your hearts and help you stay steadfast in every good deed and word.

May the grace of Christ Jesus our Lord be with you.