Taken from the topic "Signs of the antichrist coming" from the Full Life Study Bible (NIV) page 1872
Unlike the rapture, the coming of the antichrist will not be without warning. Several signs point to his coming and his appearance. At least 3 events must occur before he appears on earth: (1) The secret power of lawlessness must intensify on earth (2Th 2:7); the "rebellion" must come (2Th 2:3); (3) "the one who now holds it back must be removed" (2Th 2:7).
(1) The behind the scenes activity of evil powers throughout the world will increase until it reaches it's climax in the complete ridicule of and disregard for any standards and commands held sacred in the bible. Because of a prevailing spirit of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:10-12; Lk 18:8). Yet a faithful remnant will remain loyal to the apostolic faith as revealed in the NT (Mt 24:13, 25:10; Lk 18:7). Through these people, the church will remain a "warrior" church, wielding the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:10-11).
(2) The "rebellion", literally meaning "departure," "falling away" or "abandonment" will occur. In the last days, many within the professing church will depart from biblical truth.
(a) Both Jesus and Paul paint a dismal picture of most of the visible church - morally, spiritually, doctrinally- as the present age closes (Mt 24:5, 10-13; 1Ti 4:1; 2Ti 4:3-4). Paul in particular stresses that the churches will be invaded by godless elements in the last days. (b) This "rebellion" within the church will have 2 dimensions. (i) Theological apostasy is the departure from and a rejection of a part or all of the original teachings of Christ and the apostles (1Ti 4:1; 2Ti 4:3). False leaders will offer "salvation" and cheap peace and ignore Christ's demand for repentance, separation from immorality, and loyalty to God and His standards (2Pe 2:1-3, 12-19). (ii) Moral apostasy is the severing of one's saving relationship with Christ and returning to sin and immorality. Apostates may proclaim right doctrine and NT teaching, yet abandon God's moral standards (Isa 29:13; Mt 23:25-28). Many churches will tolerate almost anything for the sake of numbers, money, success and honor. The gospel of the cross with it's call to suffer (Php 1:29), radically renounce sin (Ro 8:13), to sacrifice for God's kingdom and to deny oneself will become rare (Mt 24:12; 2Ti 3:1-5 4:3).
(3) When the one (The Holy Spirit) who holds him back is removed, When the restrainer is taken out of the way, the day of the Lord can begin (2Th 2:6-7). When the Holy Spirit's restraining influence is removed at the beginning of the great tribulation, the antichrist will be able to reveal himself.
Unlike the rapture, the coming of the antichrist will not be without warning. Several signs point to his coming and his appearance. At least 3 events must occur before he appears on earth: (1) The secret power of lawlessness must intensify on earth (2Th 2:7); the "rebellion" must come (2Th 2:3); (3) "the one who now holds it back must be removed" (2Th 2:7).
(1) The behind the scenes activity of evil powers throughout the world will increase until it reaches it's climax in the complete ridicule of and disregard for any standards and commands held sacred in the bible. Because of a prevailing spirit of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24:10-12; Lk 18:8). Yet a faithful remnant will remain loyal to the apostolic faith as revealed in the NT (Mt 24:13, 25:10; Lk 18:7). Through these people, the church will remain a "warrior" church, wielding the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:10-11).
(2) The "rebellion", literally meaning "departure," "falling away" or "abandonment" will occur. In the last days, many within the professing church will depart from biblical truth.
(a) Both Jesus and Paul paint a dismal picture of most of the visible church - morally, spiritually, doctrinally- as the present age closes (Mt 24:5, 10-13; 1Ti 4:1; 2Ti 4:3-4). Paul in particular stresses that the churches will be invaded by godless elements in the last days. (b) This "rebellion" within the church will have 2 dimensions. (i) Theological apostasy is the departure from and a rejection of a part or all of the original teachings of Christ and the apostles (1Ti 4:1; 2Ti 4:3). False leaders will offer "salvation" and cheap peace and ignore Christ's demand for repentance, separation from immorality, and loyalty to God and His standards (2Pe 2:1-3, 12-19). (ii) Moral apostasy is the severing of one's saving relationship with Christ and returning to sin and immorality. Apostates may proclaim right doctrine and NT teaching, yet abandon God's moral standards (Isa 29:13; Mt 23:25-28). Many churches will tolerate almost anything for the sake of numbers, money, success and honor. The gospel of the cross with it's call to suffer (Php 1:29), radically renounce sin (Ro 8:13), to sacrifice for God's kingdom and to deny oneself will become rare (Mt 24:12; 2Ti 3:1-5 4:3).
(3) When the one (The Holy Spirit) who holds him back is removed, When the restrainer is taken out of the way, the day of the Lord can begin (2Th 2:6-7). When the Holy Spirit's restraining influence is removed at the beginning of the great tribulation, the antichrist will be able to reveal himself.
