Paving the Way for the Lawless One--2013 Prophetic Year in Review

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4). I am running a little late on my annual prophetic year in review. I have been busy with life— Christian’s health, family and work responsibilities, and working on my Doctor of Ministry.

However, although I may be running late, the prophetic clock is not. In other words, we are right on schedule so far as Bible prophecy is concerned. And although I would agree we are not seeing specific prophecies fulfilled today (with the exception of the existence of the modern state of Israel), the stage for their fulfillment is certainly being set. 

One such stage setting event that has escaped the notice of most is that which is paving the way for the man of lawlessness to be revealed. The man of lawlessness—he has numerous other names in scripture, too. Some translations of the aforementioned text refer to him as the “man of sin.” This is not a problem as the Bible teaches sin equals lawlessness. Daniel refers to him as “the prince who is to come” (Dan. 9:26) and “the little horn” (Dan. 7:8). John refers to him as “the beast” in Revelation 13, but he is best known as “the Antichrist” (1 John 2:18). 

No one knows who the Antichrist is—not yet, anyway. Many have tried to identify him down through the ages but the truth is his identity will remain a mystery until certain events take place, not the least of which is the Rapture of the Church. Furthermore, we must remember nothing happens in a vacuum. Although there is a specific person in the future who actually does the things prophesied of him in the scriptures, he does not just show up one day and force his rule upon the masses. Instead, the world at that time will have been prepared for his arrival and that preparation is happening now. 

Current events illustrate how a future world ruler could easily come on the scene and subvert religious freedom and moral law. In fact, I would be so bold as to suggest current political policies are paving the way for the man of lawlessness. Consider the Affordable Care Act with its employer mandated coverage for nearly every form of birth control, including abortifacients—substances that can induce abortions. Never mind if an employer holds a religious belief that all human life is sacred and begins at conception and therefore cannot support or otherwise provide such mandated coverage. The expectation is government policy trumps religious freedom. 

The Affordable Health Act is just one example. But it does not stop there. Laws are being enacted and court orders are being issued that are contrary to God’s Law. Consider a baker in Colorado who was ordered, against his personal religious convictions, to bake a cake for a same gender wedding. Or, a New Mexico photographer who was told by the courts he “must accept the reasonable regulations and restrictions imposed upon the conduct of their commercial enterprise despite their personal religious beliefs that may conflict with these government interests.” 

Now, this article is in no way suggesting any current political leader on the world scene today is the predicted Antichrist. I am simply pointing out the lateness of the hour and the fact there is a great effort underway to control public discourse and silence Christians and this effort is paving the way for the eventual arrival and rule of that global leader the Bible refers to as the lawless one. 

Regardless of what we witnessed in 2013 and no matter what 2014 portends, remember, Jesus promised His followers, “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). Jesus is coming soon for His bride—the Church. In fact, He could very well return this very moment. So, keep looking up!