an essay about

THE OPERATION OF ERROR& THE MAN OFLAWLESSNESS

(New World Translation of the Bible)

2 Thessalonians 2:11 So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie, NWT
Or as other translations have it: A power of deceit, a Misleading Influence, a Working of Error or a Strong Delusion 2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause, God will give them up to the power of deceit and they will put their faith in what is false: BBE 2Th 2:11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, AMP By implication, according to context at vss 2:1 and 2.and 2nd Thessalonians 2: 11, 12. this error or delusion finds its setting at the coming of our Lord Jesus which is accepted by virtually all Bible scholars to take place at or near the conclusion of an era in time which is commonly referred to as the time of the end. Most Bible scholars have come to recognize the time we live in as that era. 2 Thessalonians 2:,1, 2. Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. ESV This makes the Operation of Error spoken of at vs. 2:10, 11 and 12. more than a mere passing curiosity. What the Apostle Paul discloses in verses surrounding vs. 11. makes this Operation of Error or Delusion as some bibles have it a matter of life and death. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:12 that all who have not believed the truth but have approved wrongdoing may be condemned NAB Paul reveals that God allows this delusion to exist among them (those perishing) for the very important reason which is that they do not have a sufficient love for his truth in order for them to prefer it to the misleading utterances, powerful works, lying signs and portents supplied by the lawless one. For this reason, he allows them to wallow in a deluded state. This delusion is not based on a single false teaching but rather on a whole
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body of falsehood which exemplifies the man of lawlessness (lawless one, verse 8 of 2nd Thess. 2.) 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence. NWT or as another translation expresses it; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. NLT This lawless one, while he may indeed be portrayed as an individual with visible characteristics, more readily represents a composite entity made up of many individuals acting in concert in opposition to God's will. In verse 2 of 2 Thess. chapter 2, this lawless one is spoken of as appearing in the Day of the Lord and at the time of the final rebellion GNT. (final Apostasy, other translations). His having global influence alludes to more than one individual being involved. The fact that it is described as the '"final rebellion" ascribes a special historical importance to his course of rebellion. 2Thess. 2:9, 10a.: The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works with all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve to lie, and all the ways wickedness deceives those who are perishing NIV Or as other versions state; 2Thess. 2:9-10 - 9 But the lawless ones presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents 10 and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. NWT 2Thess. 2:9, 10- 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. In this verse we note that the man of lawlessness acts just as Satan has acted and continues to act. How? He will use all sorts of trickery, deceit, signs and wonders. These words spoken in terms of plurality clearly indicate that there are a number of falsehoods associated with this 'man of lawlessness'. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. NIV (John chapter 1 verse 1 refers to Lord Jesus Christ as the Word. Lord Jesus Christ is also spoken of in the book of Revelation as the faithful and true witness. The above
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ESV

cited scripture clearly indicates that at a divinely appointed time, Lord Jesus will expose the lawless one by having the truth revealed.) Although, as cited above, this lawlessness was already at work at the time Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, verse 8 of 2 Thess. chapter 2 states that the lawless one would not be overthrown until the coming of the Lord.) In defining lawlessness in the scriptural sense one must consider a number of variants: Lawlessness can be a lack of possessing law (that is being without law). Lawlessness can be violating existing law (ignoring or abusing it) and lawlessness can be can be going beyond or exceeding law. (adding to it without justification). So among the first things to determine is whose law or what law is being referred to by Paul in his citation at 2 Thessalonians 2:8 . . . What constitutes lawlessness? Any one of the following or combination of the following; 1. Being without law can consist of being under ones own determination of law, which is anarchy, being barbarous, uncivilized, savage, or being animalisticly selfish. (Being without law can pertain to an individual or to a group or organization composed of many individuals) 2. Disobedience to existing law is evidenced by either ignoring law or by criminal behavior in violation of law? 3. Altering law is going beyond existing law without authorization or justification, misinterpreting the law, or constantly revising coded law to conform to ones present desires. Interestingly, one Bible translation picked up on this aspect of lawlessness (iniquity) in the way it rendered Mtt.7:23. While most versions translate Strongs G458 avnomi,a anomia {an-om-ee'-ah} as doing lawlessness, the NLT translates it; But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized. In 2nd Thessalonians since Paul is speaking about a condition which affects professing Christians, the law he addresses can be none other than Gods law. Gods will is the basis for and the underlying means by which all of Gods laws are instituted. Whether we speak of the natural laws of the scientific universe or the social standards and moral laws under which men are expected to live according to his purpose, Gods will and his laws are inseparably bound together with one another. Therefore, a violation of Gods law is a violation of Gods will and a form of rebellion against it. Therein lays the basis for Pauls words at 2nd Thessalonians. They are directed at those who violate Gods will, who in doing so rebel against him. This is the sense in which they are seen as lawless. All three types of lawlessness described above are examples of violating Gods will. Lawlessness has roots in both the Old and New testaments. An observation found in Bakers Evangelical Dictionary of Bible Theology has this to contribute toward our understanding of what Biblical Lawlessness is;

LAWLESSNESS: The Old Testament. The concept of lawlessness comes to expression frequently in the Old Testament through more than twenty Hebrew terms (all of which the Septuagint translates with anomia [ajnomiva]). Although the Greek term anomia [ajnomiva], which translates all of these terms in the Septuagint, might lead one to suspect that breaking of the Mosaic Law (ho nomos) is primarily in view, the more general idea of iniquity or of acts that reflect rebellion against God is the basic one. The law as such may be the criterion or standard for determining what constitutes lawlessness (as with sin in general), but at its root lawlessness is rebellion against God, whether viewed as the condition of one's life or as specific acts that demonstrate a determined refusal to acknowledge God. The New Testament. These same ideas are visible in the New Testament's development of lawlessness (anomia [ajnomiva]). The unique circumstances that these writings address, however, called forth additional reflection that both confirms and enlarges on the picture drawn from the Old Testament evidence. The Relation of Lawlessness to Sin. First John 3:4 is perhaps the classic statement of the relation of lawlessness and sin. In asserting that "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness" the author was probably correcting a misconception about sin that had crept into the community through false teaching. Sin was being disregarded or trivialized, and 3:4 counters by defining it in terms of lawlessness. Sin is thus an act of rebellion against God, and cannot be thought of as harmless, neutral, or imaginary. Through the category of lawlessness, John clarifies that one cannot knowingly sin without declaring oneself to be in direct opposition to God. Romans 4:7 (quoting Psalm 32:1 ; see also Num 14:18 ) makes the same connection between sin and acts of lawlessness. Together with passages such as Titus 2:14 and Hebrews 10:17, Romans 4:7 indicates that Acts of lawlessness and the rebellious condition of fallen humankind that issues in these acts stand in need of God's forgiveness. Receiving the righteousness of God depends on being forgiven. Romans 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. NIV While in his preceeding dissertation Baker fails to clarify a difference between sin (inadvertent, or unintentional) and sin (on-going or deliberate), when it alludes to the Mosaic law*, within that body there is contained a provision that does recognize a difference between deliberate and unintentional sin. *According to the Law (see Leviticus Chapter 5 in Bakers book), the sin/guilt offering was in the case of unintentional sin; it was not for deliberate or premeditated wrongdoing or deliberate lawlessness.
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However, when exploring lawlessness as Paul referred to it in the context of his prophecy at 2Thess. 2:9, we are talking about lawlessness as it existed before the law of Moses and as it exists today after the law of Moses. This describes lawlessness in a much more universal sense than Baker does in framing lawlessness in the light of the Mosaic code for it also includes what the prophets, Jesus, Jeremiah and Paul spoke of as law written within ones heart, mind and conscience. Jeremiah 31:33 "But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day," says the LORD. "I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. NLT Mat 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. AMP Galatians 3:10 For all who depend on works of the law (Mosaic Law) are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law." NAB Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (Mosic Law) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." {13 Deut. 21:23} NIV Romans 2:15 They demonstrate that God's law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right. NLT Romans 7:6 But now we are free from the law, (Mosaic Law) having been made dead to that which had power over us; so that we are servants in the new way of the spirit, not in the old way of the letter. BBE The Mosaic code had as it main reason to point out the futility man would have in trying to comply with a long legalistic and detailed set of regulations. It served the purpose of pointing out that what was needed was a set of simple principals such as those which were taught by Jesus during his ministry on earth. Lawlessness and Righteousness. Righteousness is defined in its most basic terms as what is right in Gods eyes and Lawlessness in its most basic terms as what is wrong in Gods eyes. Furthermore, scripture paints righteousness as light and lawlessness as darkness In Bakers Bible Dictionary we find additional useful commentary on lawlessness and righteousness:

In Romans 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:14, and Hebrews 1:9, "lawlessness" as a state or condition is contrasted with righteousness. Righteousness is the condition characteristic of faith, while lawlessness is the condition characteristic of unbelief. As the contrast continues, it becomes clear that the two categories have nothing in common; they are as different as light and darkness. Moreover, as Hebrews 1:9 (quoting Psalm 45:7) reveals, the Son distinguishes himself in manifesting the attitude of God toward these two states: he hates lawlessness but loves righteousness. Lawlessness is the state defined by sin and sinning; righteousness, both declared and bestowed by God on believers, creates the possibilities of obedience and holiness. Finally, Romans 6:19 makes it clear that the Christian has a conscious choice to make: to live in the condition of lawlessness and do its deeds, or to serve righteousness and do its deeds. Thus, lawlessness comes to be seen in direct connection with opposition to the Messiah and his message. This connection is completed in the description in 2 Thess. 2:3, 7 of the eschatological "man of lawlessness, "who will lead the final rebellion against God that will precede Christ's second coming. In this figure the rebellion that has exerted itself against God's will in every prior age reaches its height in the last day. The lawlessness which Paul speaks of in the last days finds residence in a number of abodes as it can be seen in different forms. As already mentioned it manifests itself in individuals with visible characteristics, and as composite entities made up of many individuals acting in concert in opposition to God's will. It can also be found in the form of underlying concepts or philosophies behind their behavior. An end time example of this is found in the increasingly popular modern day movement towards Secular Humanism The Man of Lawlessness and Secular Humanism The spirit of lawlessness as stated began with the angel who rebelled against Almighty God by his disobedience. This spirit in humankind manifested itself in the first human pair. They were the first ones of what has been a continuous presence of humans all through history who have rejected and defied Jehovah God and relied on their own judgement and powers instead of God. Humanism is defined as "a system of thought that rejects religious beliefs and centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth". Secular Humanism is a philosophy that embraces human reason, ethics, social justice, and philosophical naturalism, while specifically rejecting God (supernaturalism) as a basis of morality and decision making. It postulates that human beings are capable of being moral and ethical without a "god" or worship of a "god". Secular Humanism is the driving ideology behind the so-called New World Order. Many may have the misconception that this concept is solely a recent modern phenomenon. It is not. There is a worldwide push to centralize all humankind in opposition to the only true God, just as Nimrod did. It includes the consolidation of government authority and power, economics, religion, and morality. As one religious observer put it, "Nimrod may have actually been the first secular humanist. It was all about him. It was all about them.
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God comes down to man that we might be lifted up to him. Nimrod and his religion say, "Let's build our own way. Lets do it on our own." While his great grandfather Noah, a humble man, found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Nimrod preferred making a name for himself, and raising himself to heaven independently of God. b. His religion was sinful. Well known individuals such as Oprah Winfrey have been teaching this philosophy, telling listeners that what is important is to be "spiritual". She and others are the 'pied pipers' who teach that it does not matter 'who' or 'what' the source of your "spirituality" is. Further they suggest that simply living to a high moral standard is sufficient enough. Their words and behavior well fit into the secular humanistic view. In adopting these viewpoints and behaviors, they have become a "god" and law unto themselves. From Jehovah God's standpoint and true worshipers of Him, they are lawless. The lawlessness Paul spoke of in 2nd Thessalonians is ingrained as a spirit which is a motivating force behind the behavior and actions of individuals, institutions, organizations and governments, who while posing as either benign or even as beneficial are in reality causing harm due to their opposition to Gods will. The lawless one may be manifest as an individual or as a group of individuals constituting an organization or even as an international ruling power such as a nation or consortium of nations. This lawless "spirit" was prevalent prior to the flood of Noah's day. Genesis 6:11 states: "the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." This "spirit" originates in the Devil and manifested itself among humanity all the way back in the Garden of Eden. (Here are two examples of pre-flood drift to lawlessness, God-defying behavior we might use: 1. Seths children; During the life of Seths son Enosh, people began to make images and statues to remind them of God. Later, however, the people began to worship the idols they had made. And so, they turned away from God, and neglected the laws of right conduct which God had given to Adam. God saw the evil doings of the new generation and punished it time and again by sending great floods which destroyed a third of all the people living, and by causing other disasters such as famines and epidemics. But, none of these warnings brought the people to their senses. 2. Methuselah; During the life on Enochs son, Methuselah (who lived nine hundred and sixty-nine years, longer than any other human being), the people again revolted against God, and there prevailed a state of lawlessness, cruelty, and corruption that brought doom and destruction upon the world.)
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All this lawlessness is traceable in its origins to the original rebel against God, Satan the Devil and his activity in the Garden of Eden. In the book of Ezekiel in chapter 28, verses 1-20, God prophetically speaks of Satan (manifested through the serpent in Eden) as the "king of Trye". Noting verses 12-20 12You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl.[b]Your settings and mountings[c] were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. 14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. 16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. 17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. 18 By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19 All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more. Thus, the man of lawlessness has its roots in the original spirit of rebellion exhibited and promoted by Satan the Devil to our first human parents Adam and Eve. In latter times the man of lawlessness or the lawless one is an entity that becomes such by taking on a persona of violating Gods will, not merely in a single instance (sin) but by promoting lawlessness as a way of life based on an entire body of teachings and doctrines by which followers are misled into a deluded state. What then constitutes the body of teachings that form the basis for this Operation of Error (delusion) sponsored by Gods arch enemy Satan the Devil? Scripture itself provides a unique set of characteristics which will help us recognize those teachings promoted by the lawless one. Note the parts of the verses are highlighted below in vss 2-4 as they represent the methodology in the Lawless ones character through which his false teachings are exposed. 2nd Thessalonians 2:2 not to be quickly shaken from YOUR reason nor to be excited either through (1) an inspired expression or through a verbal message or through a letter as though from us, to the effect (2). that the day of Jehovah is here.3 Let no one seduce YOU in any manner, because it will not come unless (3). the apostasy comes first and (4). the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.

4, (5.) He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called "god" or an object of reverence, so that (6.) he sits down in the temple of The God, (7). publicly showing himself to be a god. (1.) Using the forms of inspired expressions to mislead. The lawless one disguises his falsehood by claiming it has as its basis the same weight as apostolic revelation, in effect being authorized by Jesus and his father God almighty. Examples follow; a. The claimed infallibility of the Catholic Pope and what he says is Truth from God b. the so-called divine revelations given exclusively to Mormon founder Joseph Smith. c. the Jehovah's Witnesses Governing Body who in effect claim all edicts from it are from Almighty God and must be adhered to even when not based on or in harmony with scripture. d. post exit "anointed" ones who espouse doctrines and beliefs unilaterally and who have interpretations of prophecy solely given to them (contrary to two witness rule) (2.) Using a form of verbal communications as if they have apostolic authority, and making such claims as the Day of Jehovah is at hand or has arrived when clearly it is not so. The use of the expression Day of Jehovah casts a religious aspect on its contention that a day of Jehovahs intervention in mans affairs has already arrived. (3.) The Lawlessness is connected with an Apostasy against Jehovah and his Christ, not a contrived apostasy against any who might dissent against his own unrighteousness. The true meaning, that is the scriptural meaning of apostasy against God comes into focus in that an apostasy (abandonment from Jehovah) has become widespread among professed believers. The man of lawlessness teaches and determines his own version of what apostasy is and disregards the view Jehovah God has as to its meaning. (4.) The man of lawlessness is revealed (exposed) through the true teaching of the Christ and the word of God. The exposure (revealing) of the lawless one occurs through the truth of scripture as revealed by Christ and his footstep followers. (5.) He places himself in an exalted position over anyone who claims a religious nature or to be religious. He expects to be revered in a religious sense. (6.) He takes on a public persona of representing the true God and places himself in the position which should be occupied by true worship. (Gods rightful Temple) He takes on the role of the temple itself as a means and a place where Gods worship is to be conducted. (7.) He assumes the power and authority of the name of God, publicly showing himself to be godlike. He demands and expects the obedience due to God himself and publicly represents himself to be godlike (superior to his fellow humans).
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In most religious institutions, the institutions themselves and their human leaders assume the positions of god like power and authority which they exercise as having been received by them from the almighty. For example: In the case of the Roman Catholic Church, the Church and its Pope assume the position of being the only means by which followers may receive understanding of Gods will. In the case of the Watchtower Society and its GoverningBody, it assumes the position of being Gods exclusive channel through which followers may receive understanding of Gods will. In the churches of Christendom, a ruling council or body of individual human participants assumes the authority to decide what is to be believed or not believed by their flocks. In the case of a post exit anointed ones, who leave their organizations, they individually often carry forward the behavior of a governing body or ruling counsel by asserting themselves above fellow anointed as special messengers of God; in effect claiming to be an exclusive source of understanding Gods will themselves. This too is a form of making oneself to be godlike. Also, this same controlling attitude can be seen in the behavior of governmental authorities: Most recently, the United States has taken on the role as a God amongst the nations insisting that the other world governments follow their lead constitutionally and morally. (for example, they remain insistent that their model for human rights be adapted by the rest of the word). The imperialistic rise of both the British Empire and the United States was cloaked in the moral authority of Judeo-Christian ethics. Most of the nations of the world worship the United States materialism, morals, etc.. As is the case with the United States and Great Britain, most world governments have their citizens swear allegiance to the State. Along with doing this, these entities demand obedience to themselves as if it was due to God himself. In so doing they have replaced Jesus as Gods first and rightful representtative between himself and his human children. This constitutes a form of idolatry and also encompasses the sin of blasphemy in Gods eyes. These seven broad categories are further expanded upon by adding other specific examples of teachings and doctrines which are promoted by the Lawless One as part of a single body of truth emanating for God; 1. The mystification of Gods true identity and nature ie; The Trinity doctrine, the Divinity of Christ, the denegration of Gods name and its meaning, etc 2. The interference with Gods purpose to provide a historical narrative of his thoughts in the form of the Holy inspired Bible.

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3. The interference with Holy Spirit as Gods means of direct communication by formulating a belief system that excludes or supersedes its operation in the lives of believers. 4. By obscuring the true nature and purposes of Gods arch enemy, Satan the devil. They either promote the idea that he doesnt even exist, only has power in occult quarters or they distort his nature and obscure his power and influence. In doing this they conceal the truth about him and how he affects the behavior in humans and what Gods view of him is. 5. Misinterpretation as to the timing of the fulfillment of prophecy or critical events. These also are forms of lawlessness which contribute to the Operation of Error, powerful delusion or deceiving power (other Bible translations) that Paul spoke of at 2nd Thessalonians 2:11. They have all played their parts in the great deception fostered on the human race by Gods arch enemy Satan the devil. The effects of the man of lawlessness and what his false teachings have had on the human family can seen in a seeming endless numbers of ways: Just to mention a few of the ways these have affected Gods people are; a. Created confusion in sincere Bible readers minds due to conflict between scripture and organizational doctrines. In most religious organizations, innividual followers who have been led to believe their organization goes by the bible are totally confused by the disparity they see. They are lost in a wilderness of unfulfilled expectations, failed prophecy and erroneous interpretations. In the middle ages, the Catholic (universal) Church had to resort to discouraging Bible studies by the flock in general, in order to avoid exposing the conflict between the bibles teachings and their own institutional teachings. In modern days similar examples can be seen in organizations such as The Watchtower where followers face a paradox between what scripture clearly states and the conflicting teachings from their governing bodies. In the case of Watchtowers G.B., It has had to return to its pattern of discouraging personal Bible study, claiming that they cannot be understood without Watchtower literature. This is because many of their teachings do not align with Biblical teaching. Whereas in past decades, Jehovahs Witnesses have been quite ready to be outspoken about the timing of end-times prophetic events. Recently they seem to have no clue as to where mankind stands in the stream of events and appear to be confused about how and why their former understanding is no longer to be believed. b. Creating conflict and disunity among those attracted to true bible teachings. By demonizing anyone who disagrees with their own version of truth, organizations like the Watchtower alienate many Bible lovers from one another. Where they might benefit from one another by sharing morsels of truth from the Bible, they are discouraged from having contact with others not of their own organizational persuasion.
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c. Leading sheeplike ones into behavioral patterns objectionable to God and his son Jesus Christ. They pay mere lip service to exclusive devotion to Almighty God and their behavior shows a denial that Christ Jesus is the sole Channel of God. Instead they encourage loyalty to institutions and organizations instead of God himself. They use all kinds of behavioral control devices such as requiring special reports and demanding obedience in inconsequential matters. In the W.T. organization these take the form of requiring service reports, mandatory rather than voluntary meeting attendance, quotas on service activity, and a myriad of other things which have little to do with leading a Christ like life. They distract followers from the real issues through diversions such as focusing on numbers, statistics construction projects, titles and privileges for those dedicated to the organization and showing experiences of those who are loyal followers in a favorable light. Their focusing on numbers and quotas, field service reports, building of new kingdom halls, etc.} remind Bible readers of Davids unlawful census....that the lesson of that example was both about obedience and not putting faith in ourselves or in our leaders). d. Bringing disrepute on the name, meaning and truth of God. -The mockery organizations such as the Watchtower endure is justifiable and is not the mockery referred to in 2Peter 3:3-10, rather it is more likely attributable to the absurd prophetic announcements that these events either were scheduled to occur or already had occurred when they clearly were not and did not. Thus, they are seen as false prophets by many. In this they also have brought Gods name into disrepute among the nations. Many churches and organizations have integrated Gods name and the name of his son with their own identities thus claiming kinship with the almighty and his son. Mormons have named themselves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Jehovahs Witness chose to make an oath to God by assuming his divine name as their group name. By lawless behavior in the sight of Heaven and Earth, these organizations have not sanctified His name but rather, they have brought reproach on it. What then can any of us do as individuals, standing before God, to help mitigate any harm done to us by the Man of lawlessness and the Operation of Error which he is associated with? A powerful clue is contained in Pauls words at 2nd Thess. 2:10 where it refers to a love for truth. There it focuses light on a single germinal element which can have a devastating effect on the lawless ones efforts to mislead Gods people. That element is truth, the truth of God which Christ explained, taught and encouraged during his earthly course. So what we can do as individuals who want to either avoid or escape from the lawless ones powerful deception Paul referred to at 2Thess. 2:11 follows; 1. Begin or reinstitute a search for real truth, Gods truth as opposed to mans truth misrepresented as Gods truth.

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2. Examine true Bible teachings afresh with a prayerful plea for Holy Spirit to supply accurate understanding for the truth God provides in his inspired word. 3. Return to the absoluteness of true Bible basics a. Inerrancy of Gods thinking as conveyed by his word, the Bible b. Faith in God the father c. Faith in Jesus Christ, his son and heir designate d. Test and affirm all presently held beliefs against the Bible. e. Test all newly found understandings arrived at to determine that they are provided by Gods spirit and not some other spirit, or something or someone else. This essay, while being offered by two humble servants of our lord Jesus and his father in heaven is not intended to reflect our own contrived opinion. Rather we embrace the wisdom supplied from above by means of Gods word and his holy spirit. We do this in order that we might draw attention to how Gods word and spirit has led us to understand who the man of lawlessness really is, how he operates and how the operation of error he sponsors effects all humans including those who profess to be followers of the true God and his son Jesus Christ. An essay authored by two witnesses, (Deut. 19:15, Matt. 18:16b.), Truth & Reason

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