THAT MAN OF SIN

ISRAEL IN BIBLE PROPHECY | home

2 Thessalonians 2:3 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

"...and that man of sin be revealed..."

It would seem that "that man of sin" and "the son of perdition" are interchangable terms, but who is this? The above verse is the only verse in Scripture that discusses that "man of sin".

2 Thessalonians 2:4 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.

2 Thessalonians 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

"...he as God sitteth in the temple of God..."

Can we get to know that "man of sin" better by finding out more about where he "sitteth" - that is - the temple of God? Following are all of the verses that include the term "temple of God":

Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

This first verse is a reference to the literal temple that Jesus prophesied would be torn down - every stone - as it indeed was.

Matthew 26:61 And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

We learn that the temple of God referenced in the verse above is Jesus' body. John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

The "build it in three days" being Jesus resurrection is further confirmed by the following:

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

So we learn that the bodies of regenerate believers are the temple of God. The above three verses are not open to interpretation. Scripture offers no other option than our bodies as the location of the temple of God. Nowhere does the Lord redefine the term. To suggest it is somewhere else, would cheapen the perfection of Jesus' shed blood and completed work on the Cross.

Next occurrence of "temple of God" is our target verse so it would seem we are left with no choice but to understand that the "man of sin" may be revealed in the body of a regenerate believer.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 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.

Next, the figurative language in the following two verses from John's vision in Revelation are sometimes interpreted to suggest that the "temple of God" is somewhere other than our bodies, but to do so would contradict the truth of the verses that clearly peg the location of the "temple of God" that are not open to interpretation. This ignores the perfection of Jesus finished work on the Cross.

Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

We can see that the final use of the term in Revelation 11:19 above, locates the temple of God in the heavenlies which, would be consistent with Ezekiel's account.

Some claim that Ezekiel's book calls for a future rebuilt temple but within the context of that description we find:

Ezekiel 43:7 And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

Are we to expect God to live in an earthly temple, built by the hands of men, forever? Or even for a thousand years? We have assurance that He will not, in the New Testament:

Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

So any temple built with men's hands would be desolate from the start by God's owns design.

Some that readily recognize a new covenant, and know where the temple of God is, support the building of a third temple where Jews would resume animal sacrifice. That a few Jews from whose eyes the Lord may not yet have lifted the spirit of slumber, this may be understandable.

But for Christians, was Jesus work on the Cross really so incomplete as to require a restoration of the old covenant? Of course not. It would also fly in the face of scripture. Here are just a few examples:

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

For a Christian to believe that the temple of God resides somewhere other than in the bodies of regenerate believers during the Christian era, is a product of a 19th century doctrine. Jesus warned the Pharisees of such, but the church can't seem to see it:

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

But how can the "man of sin" sitteth in a regenerate individual?

2 Thessalonians 2:4 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.

1) When pondering the aspects in the verses above, consider a Christian that proudly declares he is a "self-made man". While this may be a little simplistic, and perhaps seem somewhat unfair, consider how it measures up to scripture.

2) What about when we are driven by our egos? We know what God wants:

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Yet sometimes we march off in lockstep with Satan, putting him at the helm, knowing full well what is right. Perhaps even pointing our fingers in judgment of other persons (shewing) to boot. Who's talking inside us.

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God..."

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

3) Consider the slim majority of nicolaitan bishops ordaining a man as Bishop who had divorced his wife, abandoned the home of his wife and two minor daughters, and was living in a homosexual relationship when ordained.

1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

1 Timothy 3:1 This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Believing themselves to be wise, the House of Bishops acted contrary to these verses regarding the qualifications for bishop. Did they exhault themselves above all that is called God?

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Was a "man of sin" sitting in them and acting "as GOD"? Taking God's place by misinterpreting God's Holy Word to conform it to this world?

It should have been no surprise then that just as the bishop related scriptures indicate, it would seem he was prone to the "snare of the devil", as he checked himself in to an alcohol rehab center just a couple of years later.

4) Some Christians don't hesitate to proclaim God's judgment on our Jewish Brethren, from whose eyes the Lord may have not yet lifted the "spirit of slumber", and as a result may not yet recognize Jesus as their Messiah (and for some, it would seem, may not lift it until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in).

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Has the Christian that proclaimed judgment on our Jewish Brethren "opposeth" by going directly against what we learn from God's Holy Word? Did he "exalteth himself above all that is called God"?

5) What about a Christian husband that may misunderstand his "authority" over his wife. If his wife is regenerate and walking in her own lead of the Holy Spirit, and he makes demands that she stop attending a particular church, or insist on a church of his choosing, is he exercising his own will over the lead of the Holy Spirit in her life? Wouldn't this presume that his understanding is necessarily correct? What if he's wrong?

Why are there so many denominations if every one is correct in detail? The following verse makes a qualification:

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Isn't it about how best to love?

If a husband only sees the first part, his relationship with his wife risks being like that prescribed by the Koran.

6) Speaking in tongues is a gift of the spirit.

THE BIBLE IS VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT THIS.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1 John 4:3 And 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.

If we don't test or "try the spirits" we are inviting Satan right into our congregation, and encouraging him to remain seated in that individual's temple of God, if the tongues are coming from an unclean spirit.

(Note: When tongues are to be tested in a born again individual, it is the spirit that has to be tested, not the person.)

Not uncommonly these spirits, that sitteth in the temple of God - the regenerate Christian - and right there in the congregation, are found to be unclean spirits.

7) Regenerate believers with multiple personality disorder sometimes have a host of spirits, some unclean, some even demonic, while others operate in the capacity of guardians, or protectors, doing their best to maintain order within the community of alternate personalities.

Are some folks so doctrinally preoccupied with picking up a pitchfork in one hand and a torch in the other, running to and fro, looking for some future "man of sin", some - someday - "son of perdition", that they may not be able to see him right before them?

New Testament Greek Definition:

584 apodeiknumi {ap-od-ike'-noo-mee}

from 575 and 1166;; v

AV - approve 1, prove 1, set forth 1, show 1; 4

1) to point away from one's self, to point out, show forth, to

expose to view, exhibit

2) to declare, to show, to prove what kind of person anyone is,

to prove by arguments, demonstrate

When Christians make judgments in regard to other persons, particularly when judging the condition of another's heart, like Christians that tend to be "wise in their conceits" regarding our Jewish brethren for example, have we then assumed the role of God, since we cannot know God's judgments? When we judge others don't we exalt ourselves above God by so doing? Have we then seated the man of sin?

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

How about Mohammed adding his Quran to the bible? While he wasn't Christian, so perhaps not a "temple of God", might he have a role further along in this passage?

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book...

Declaring himself a prophet he put his book above the Bible with claims that it is the Bible and Christians and Jews that were corrupted. An illiterate 6th century desert dwelling caravan plunderer who never performed a miracle, and inspired a book of unwitnessed revelations that nullifies the 1600 years of scripture and all of the miracles and prophets of the bible.

The rest of this passage is a very good fit with Islam.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-14 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: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 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: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While the church has been dead in Europe for much longer, the falling away, or apostasy of the Church, has been going on double time in the U.S. since 1948, punctuated by the founding of the World Council of Churches in 1948, with stated socialist goals, is perhaps best known for spending Church funds to prop up tin-horn dictators and leaders of communist countries to further their oppression of the poor. Also marking the U.S. entry into the "time of the end" was the Everson decision in 1947 with the so-called "separation of Church and State" (had only been brought before the courts on two other occasions in the prior 150 years), followed by the McCollum decision in 1948, which ended religious instruction in schools. It is more difficult to see the falling away, or apostasy, if we believe that the man of sin is some indistinct individual feature of the future, as a result of our failure to understand where the "man of sin" sitteth . *


	ISRAEL IN BIBLE PROPHECY \| home INDEX \| DANIEL'S BEASTS \| DANIEL'S "TIMES" PROPHECIES \| LBL \| ANTICHRIST \| JOHN'S EIGHT BEASTS \| JOHN'S 1260 "DAYS" \| BEAST 42 "MONTHS" \| 666 \| THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION \| GENTILE 42 "MONTHS" \| 69 WEEKS \| DANIEL'S 1290 "DAYS" \| DANIEL'S 1335 "DAYS" \| FIG TREE \| SOME JEWS BLINDNESS TO THE GOSPEL \| TWO WITNESSES \| THAT MAN OF SIN \| CHRISTIAN POLYTHEISM \| ISLAM, DECEPTION, AHMED DEEDAT, AND TAQIYYAH \| NOT THE SAME GOD \| LAMB SLAIN \| THE STRONG DELUSION \| DEEDAT, ISLAM, HITLER AND HATE \| APOLOGY TO MUSLIMS \| ISLAMIC HATRED OF JEWS \| ISLAM AND FRIENDSHIP \| ISLAMIC JIHAD \| THE TEMPLE OF GOD \| THE BEAST OF REVELATION 13 \| TEXTUAL INTEGRITY - BIBLE VS QURAN \| NEW COVENANT \| ISLAM: THE PERFECT OPPOSITE \| MOHAMMED'S HEAVEN \| ISLAM AND SCRIPTURE \| ISLAM 101. \| CHURCH TRADITION \| QURAN & ABROGATION \| THE NAME ALLAH \| GAZA \| QURAN INSPIRATION \| YHWH MANIFEST \| BANU QURAYZA MASSACRE \| JIHAD \| JESUS' CRUCIFIXION IN PROPHECY \| THE SCRIPTURES WERE CORRUPTED \| THE PALE HORSE \| YAHWEH YAHSHUA \| OLD TESTAMENT VIOLENCE \| ZIONISM \| Anti-Zionism & Anti-Zionists THAT MAN OF SIN 2 Thessalonians 2:3 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 "...and that man of sin be revealed..." It would seem that "that man of sin" and "the son of perdition" are interchangable terms, but who is this? The above verse is the only verse in Scripture that discusses that "man of sin". 2 Thessalonians 2:4 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. 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? "...he as God sitteth in the temple of God..." Can we get to know that "man of sin" better by finding out more about where he "sitteth" - that is - the temple of God? Following are all of the verses that include the term "temple of God": Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, This first verse is a reference to the literal temple that Jesus prophesied would be torn down - every stone - as it indeed was. Matthew 26:61 And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. We learn that the temple of God referenced in the verse above is Jesus' body. John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body. The "build it in three days" being Jesus resurrection is further confirmed by the following: 1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are. 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. So we learn that the bodies of regenerate believers are the temple of God. The above three verses are not open to interpretation. Scripture offers no other option than our bodies as the location of the temple of God. Nowhere does the Lord redefine the term. To suggest it is somewhere else, would cheapen the perfection of Jesus' shed blood and completed work on the Cross. Next occurrence of "temple of God" is our target verse so it would seem we are left with no choice but to understand that the "man of sin" may be revealed in the body of a regenerate believer. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 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. Next, the figurative language in the following two verses from John's vision in Revelation are sometimes interpreted to suggest that the "temple of God" is somewhere other than our bodies, but to do so would contradict the truth of the verses that clearly peg the location of the "temple of God" that are not open to interpretation. This ignores the perfection of Jesus finished work on the Cross. Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. We can see that the final use of the term in Revelation 11:19 above, locates the temple of God in the heavenlies which, would be consistent with Ezekiel's account. Some claim that Ezekiel's book calls for a future rebuilt temple but within the context of that description we find: Ezekiel 43:7 And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. Are we to expect God to live in an earthly temple, built by the hands of men, forever? Or even for a thousand years? We have assurance that He will not, in the New Testament: Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; So any temple built with men's hands would be desolate from the start by God's owns design. Some that readily recognize a new covenant, and know where the temple of God is, support the building of a third temple where Jews would resume animal sacrifice. That a few Jews from whose eyes the Lord may not yet have lifted the spirit of slumber, this may be understandable. But for Christians, was Jesus work on the Cross really so incomplete as to require a restoration of the old covenant? Of course not. It would also fly in the face of scripture. Here are just a few examples: Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. For a Christian to believe that the temple of God resides somewhere other than in the bodies of regenerate believers during the Christian era, is a product of a 19th century doctrine. Jesus warned the Pharisees of such, but the church can't seem to see it: Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. But how can the "man of sin" sitteth in a regenerate individual? 2 Thessalonians 2:4 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. 1) When pondering the aspects in the verses above, consider a Christian that proudly declares he is a "self-made man". While this may be a little simplistic, and perhaps seem somewhat unfair, consider how it measures up to scripture. 2) What about when we are driven by our egos? We know what God wants: Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Yet sometimes we march off in lockstep with Satan, putting him at the helm, knowing full well what is right. Perhaps even pointing our fingers in judgment of other persons (shewing) to boot. Who's talking inside us. "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God..." John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 3) Consider the slim majority of nicolaitan bishops ordaining a man as Bishop who had divorced his wife, abandoned the home of his wife and two minor daughters, and was living in a homosexual relationship when ordained. 1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Timothy 3:1 This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Believing themselves to be wise, the House of Bishops acted contrary to these verses regarding the qualifications for bishop. Did they exhault themselves above all that is called God? John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Was a "man of sin" sitting in them and acting "as GOD"? Taking God's place by misinterpreting God's Holy Word to conform it to this world? It should have been no surprise then that just as the bishop related scriptures indicate, it would seem he was prone to the "snare of the devil", as he checked himself in to an alcohol rehab center just a couple of years later. 4) Some Christians don't hesitate to proclaim God's judgment on our Jewish Brethren, from whose eyes the Lord may have not yet lifted the "spirit of slumber", and as a result may not yet recognize Jesus as their Messiah (and for some, it would seem, may not lift it until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in). Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Has the Christian that proclaimed judgment on our Jewish Brethren "opposeth" by going directly against what we learn from God's Holy Word? Did he "exalteth himself above all that is called God"? 5) What about a Christian husband that may misunderstand his "authority" over his wife. If his wife is regenerate and walking in her own lead of the Holy Spirit, and he makes demands that she stop attending a particular church, or insist on a church of his choosing, is he exercising his own will over the lead of the Holy Spirit in her life? Wouldn't this presume that his understanding is necessarily correct? What if he's wrong? Why are there so many denominations if every one is correct in detail? The following verse makes a qualification: Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Isn't it about how best to love? If a husband only sees the first part, his relationship with his wife risks being like that prescribed by the Koran. 6) Speaking in tongues is a gift of the spirit. THE BIBLE IS VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT THIS. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1 John 4:3 And 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. If we don't test or "try the spirits" we are inviting Satan right into our congregation, and encouraging him to remain seated in that individual's temple of God, if the tongues are coming from an unclean spirit. (Note: When tongues are to be tested in a born again individual, it is the spirit that has to be tested, not the person.) Not uncommonly these spirits, that sitteth in the temple of God - the regenerate Christian - and right there in the congregation, are found to be unclean spirits. 7) Regenerate believers with multiple personality disorder sometimes have a host of spirits, some unclean, some even demonic, while others operate in the capacity of guardians, or protectors, doing their best to maintain order within the community of alternate personalities. Are some folks so doctrinally preoccupied with picking up a pitchfork in one hand and a torch in the other, running to and fro, looking for some future "man of sin", some - someday - "son of perdition", that they may not be able to see him right before them? * Please visit: beholdthebeast.com Strong's: http://www.olivetree.com/cgi-bin/EnglishBible.htm shewing New Testament Greek Definition: 584 apodeiknumi {ap-od-ike'-noo-mee} from 575 and 1166;; v AV - approve 1, prove 1, set forth 1, show 1; 4 1) to point away from one's self, to point out, show forth, to expose to view, exhibit 2) to declare, to show, to prove what kind of person anyone is, to prove by arguments, demonstrate When Christians make judgments in regard to other persons, particularly when judging the condition of another's heart, like Christians that tend to be "wise in their conceits" regarding our Jewish brethren for example, have we then assumed the role of God, since we cannot know God's judgments? When we judge others don't we exalt ourselves above God by so doing? Have we then seated the man of sin? Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! How about Mohammed adding his Quran to the bible? While he wasn't Christian, so perhaps not a "temple of God", might he have a role further along in this passage? Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book... Declaring himself a prophet he put his book above the Bible with claims that it is the Bible and Christians and Jews that were corrupted. An illiterate 6th century desert dwelling caravan plunderer who never performed a miracle, and inspired a book of unwitnessed revelations that nullifies the 1600 years of scripture and all of the miracles and prophets of the bible. The rest of this passage is a very good fit with Islam. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-14 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: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 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: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Notes: While the church has been dead in Europe for much longer, the falling away, or apostasy of the Church, has been going on double time in the U.S. since 1948, punctuated by the founding of the World Council of Churches in 1948, with stated socialist goals, is perhaps best known for spending Church funds to prop up tin-horn dictators and leaders of communist countries to further their oppression of the poor. Also marking the U.S. entry into the "time of the end" was the Everson decision in 1947 with the so-called "separation of Church and State" (had only been brought before the courts on two other occasions in the prior 150 years), followed by the McCollum decision in 1948, which ended religious instruction in schools. It is more difficult to see the falling away, or apostasy, if we believe that the man of sin is some indistinct individual feature of the future, as a result of our failure to understand where the "man of sin" sitteth . * *