Don’t Worry About Tomorrow, Friend—God’s Already There
What is restraining the rise of the Antichrist? 2 Thessalonians 2 says something is holding him back—but what? Explore what Scripture reveals about God’s divine restraint and what this means for believers today.
“And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:6 (ESV)
😈 Why Is the Antichrist Not Yet Revealed?
Scripture tells us a terrifying figure is coming—the “man of lawlessness,” also known as the Antichrist. He will oppose God, exalt himself above every so-called god, and demand worship (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). His reign will bring global deception, persecution, and economic control (Revelation 13).
But here’s the surprising part: he’s currently being held back.
Paul writes:
“And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:6 (ESV)
This raises a crucial question: What—or who—is the restrainer? And why does God delay the rise of this final enemy?
🧠 Who or What Is the Restrainer?
Paul doesn’t name the restrainer explicitly. But by looking at the surrounding text and the whole of Scripture, we can identify strong possibilities. Here are the three most common interpretations:
1. 🔥 The Holy Spirit
This is the most widely accepted view among conservative scholars. The Holy Spirit, working through the Church, restrains evil in the world. When the Church is removed in the Rapture, that unique restraint is lifted, allowing the Antichrist to rise.
“Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit is omnipresent and will not be removed from the earth entirely—but His unique, indwelling presence in the Church will be. This view fits the shift from “what restrains” (v.6) to “he who restrains” (v.7)—a personal force.
2. 🛡️ Human Government
Others suggest civil authority restrains the rise of total lawlessness. Romans 13:1–4 says God established government to punish evil. When that structure collapses—or becomes complicit—evil accelerates.
This view sees law, order, and justice systems as temporary barriers against chaos. But ultimately, governments can be overrun or corrupted (as Revelation shows).
3. 🕊️ Angelic Restraint
Some propose that an angel—possibly Michael, the archangel—acts as the restrainer. In Daniel 10:13 and 12:1, Michael resists demonic powers and protects God’s people. Revelation 12 shows angelic conflict in the heavens prior to the rise of the beast.
This view has biblical merit, but lacks clear support in the 2 Thessalonians context compared to the Holy Spirit’s active presence.
⏳ Why Is God Holding Him Back?
The restrainer delays the rise of the Antichrist for one central reason: God has perfect timing.
Paul says the Antichrist will be revealed “in his time” (2 Thessalonians 2:6). That phrase implies divine scheduling. Evil cannot outpace God’s plan. Satan may scheme, but God sets the boundaries.
1. 🧎 God Is Patient
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise… but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
God delays judgment to allow more people to be saved. The restrainer gives space for the gospel to be preached, lives to be changed, and souls to come to Christ.
2. 🕰️ God Is Precise
Prophecy has a timeline. Daniel’s 70th week, the rise of the ten kings, and the conditions of the world must align before the man of lawlessness is revealed. God’s delay isn’t random—it’s orchestrated.
🔥 What Will Happen When the Restrainer Is Removed?
When the restrainer is taken out of the way, evil will escalate at a speed and scale never seen before. Paul describes what follows:
“Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth…”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
The Antichrist will rise to global power. Deception will increase. The world will worship the beast. But his reign will be short-lived. Jesus will destroy him at His coming.
This shows two important truths:
- God allows evil for a time—but not forever.
- Christ is not threatened by the Antichrist. He will destroy him effortlessly.
✝️ How Should Believers Respond Today?
1. 🧠 Be Aware, Not Afraid
The Antichrist cannot rise until God allows it. We are not at the mercy of evil—we are under the sovereignty of God.
2. 📣 Preach While There’s Time
The restrainer is holding back judgment, but not forever. We must warn others while grace is still available.
3. 🕯️ Be the Light in a Darkening World
The Holy Spirit lives in us. We are His witnesses. We are salt, light, and ambassadors for Christ in a world racing toward destruction.
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (ESV)
4. 🕊️ Trust the Spirit’s Power
Even in a wicked world, the Holy Spirit still convicts, saves, guides, and strengthens. Lean into Him daily. Let His restraint continue through your witness.
🙌 Final Thought
Don’t worry about tomorrow, friend—God’s already there.
Though darkness gathers, the Antichrist cannot rise until God permits. The restrainer is still at work. The gospel is still being preached. The door of the Ark—Jesus—is still open.
And when the restrainer steps aside, we will not be shaken—for our King is coming to conquer and reign forever.
“The Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.”
— Zechariah 14:9 (ESV)
