My heart has been deeply stirred these past weeks as I've embarked upon the study of Antinomianism and it's effects upon the Church of today. I believe the deadly result of believing and practicing antinomianism is that it prepares one for the coming of the antichrist. In 2 Thessalonians 4, Paul refers to him as the 'man of sin' or the man of lawlessness. He says in v. 7, "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (restraineth) will let, until he be taken out of the way." The 'mystery of iniquity' is a secret or a behind-the-scenes activity of powers throughout te course of human history, preparing the way for the apostasy and the man of sin. It is an insidious process that entraps unbelievers and prepares many within the church ato turn from the true faith and to accept the lie embodied in the apostate church. It involves a spirit or movement against true Biblical faith and divine law. It seeks to gain freedom from moral restraint and to take pleasure in sin (2 Thess. 4: 10-12). The 'mystery of iniquity' will increase until it reaches its climax in complete ridicule of and disregard for any standards and commandments held sacred int he Bible. Because of a prevailing spirit of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. (Matt. 24:10-12)
We must not disregard Paul's exhortation in Hebrews 3:12, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Back in 2Thess. 4:10-12, we see that God will send a strong delusion to those who 'receive not the love of the truth, that that should believe a lie.' I tremble when I think of how dreadful that state would be, and desire to live in full obedience to God's Word, being led of His Spirit continually, that those words never be spoken of me! From the very beginning of creation, the central issue in man's relationship with God, has been either his disregard of the Word and truth of God, or his love for them. This response to God's Word is also a pivotal issue in the last days of this age. Salvation will be realized only by those who by faith in Christ, maintain a fervent and sincere 'love of the truth', who believe with unwavering conviction what God has said and who reject all new 'revelation' or teaching that conflicts with that truth. (Many excerpts from the commentary in the Ful Life Study Bible.)
We must not disregard Paul's exhortation in Hebrews 3:12, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Back in 2Thess. 4:10-12, we see that God will send a strong delusion to those who 'receive not the love of the truth, that that should believe a lie.' I tremble when I think of how dreadful that state would be, and desire to live in full obedience to God's Word, being led of His Spirit continually, that those words never be spoken of me! From the very beginning of creation, the central issue in man's relationship with God, has been either his disregard of the Word and truth of God, or his love for them. This response to God's Word is also a pivotal issue in the last days of this age. Salvation will be realized only by those who by faith in Christ, maintain a fervent and sincere 'love of the truth', who believe with unwavering conviction what God has said and who reject all new 'revelation' or teaching that conflicts with that truth. (Many excerpts from the commentary in the Ful Life Study Bible.)