He takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4
If the antichrist sets himself up in God’s temple, what does he replace? What was in the temple? At the center of the temple was a room 30 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 30 feet high. It was called the Most Holy Place. There were three things inside that antichrist will try to replace.
First, antichrist will attempt to replace God’s law. In the Most Holy Place was a wooden box called the Ark of the Covenant, and inside the ark was a copy of God’s law. This is where he will sit and why he is called “the lawless one.”
Second, antichrist will attempt to replace the sacrifice. On top of the ark was a lid where, once a year, the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed animal to atone for the people’s sins. This is where he will sit and proclaim himself “the savior.”
Third, antichrist will attempt to replace God Himself. Where is the presence of God? “The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled [his temple]” (1 Kings 8:11). He will attempt to sit in the very seat of God.
Instead of trying to figure out the identity of the antichrist, it is more important to see that his power is already at work in the world: “The secret mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thes. 2:7). How so? “It’s about me.” That’s putting yourself in the place of God. “Nobody tells me what to do.” That’s putting yourself in the place of God’s law. “I’m a good person.” That’s putting yourself in the place of Christ’s sacrifice.
You may have faith in Christ, but you experience these same impulses. Your sin is forgiven, but its presence has not yet been completely removed.
Which of these impulses is strongest in you?
